Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported on behalf of Councillors Haire and Hanna.

The minutes of the meetings of 5th and 12th November were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd December, subject to the omission of the minute of 5th November under the heading ‘Cherryvale Playing Fields’ which had been referred back to the Committee for further consideration by the Council at its meeting on 2nd December.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 2nd December, had referred back the minute of the meeting of 5th November, under the heading ‘Cherryvale Playing Fields’, to enable further consideration to be given to options which had been formulated by local residents.  Accordingly, the Committee reconsidered the undernoted extract of the minute of the special meeting of 5th November, together with an additional report, as set out, which had been tabled for the Committee’s consideration:

“Cherryvale Playing Fields

      The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 10th October, it had agreed to defer consideration of a report in respect of the establishment of a 3G pitch within the Cherryvale Playing Fields. That decision had been taken to enable the Committee to undertake a study visit to the facility on Saturday, 19th October, and to receive deputations at and a further special meeting on Tuesday, 5th November.

      Accordingly, the Committee considered the undernoted report in this regard:

“1  Relevant Background Information

The Committee is reminded that at its meeting in October 2013 it received a report regarding proposals on pitch development at Cherryvale Playing Fields. Following representation from some residents and users of the playing fields expressing their objections and concerns to the proposal the Committee agreed to defer the report to allow for a site visit to the playing fields and to receive representation from groups affected by the proposals.  The groups invited include:

1.     Sports clubs who use the facilities;

2.     Residents from Knock Eden who live immediately adjacent to the playing fields; 

3.     Other users of the playing fields who are not affiliated to any of the sporting codes; and

4.     Those who are opposed to the installation of artificial turf pitch on the playing fields;

Option 2 of that report (Proposed Agreed Option from Sporting Codes) reflects the optimal sporting solution given the land and financial parameters.  It enables a full size artificial turf floodlit pitch to be provided on the site which will enable all three sporting codes use of the facility. 

There is opposition amongst some residents and users to the construction of an artificial floodlit pitch in the playing fields.  However, there is also a lobby which is in support of the investment on the site but opposed to its location as outlined in option 2. 

Additional Option to locate artificial pitch on Pitch 1

Following the most recent engagement some residents’ representatives have proposed as an alternative that an artificial turf pitch be located on Pitch No 1 which is immediately adjacent to the Ravenhill Road and which is currently a full size grassed turf GAA pitch.   

Members are asked to note that whilst this may alleviate the concerns of some of the residents from Knock Eden, it may generate opposition from those living immediately facing the location, however, there has been no discussion with those residents about the proposal.  From a technical point of view, a full size synthetic pitch to meet the needs of GAA  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

            The Committee noted a list of scheduled monthly meeting dates for the period from January till May, 2014, information on which was available on the Council’s Mod.gov website.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 12th November, it had agreed that a further report be submitted for its consideration which would outline the procedures which the Department had implemented to manage any anticipated overspends within its budgets.

            The Committee considered a report in this regard and the Director stated that the year-end forecast for the Department was for a 0.5% overspend. He pointed out that, given that the cash limit for the Department for 2013/2014 had been set at £24 million, such a variance was well within expected tolerance levels.  He assured the Committee that the Department had put in place robust financial management procedures and he stated that the overspend had been caused principally by unanticipated costs, which had included significant water charges incurred at the Belfast Zoo.

Noted.

            The Director sought, and was granted approval, to extend the undernoted contracts for the periods outlined. He indicated the extensions had been deemed necessary due to delays which had been encountered within procurement exercises to renew the contracts:

·        the provision of a franchise catering facility at Belfast Zoo – three months;

·        the provision of a veterinarian service at the Belfast Zoo – four months; and

·        the supply and delivery of pool chemicals at Leisure Centres and the Belfast Zoo – four months.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

         Members will be aware that at its meeting in February 2012 the Committee agreed that the Council should work together with Newtownabbey Borough Council to examine the feasibility of a sub-regional approach to the development of additional crematorium facilities.  Newtownabbey Borough Council had already identified a site at the Doagh Road which was to be the subject of the feasibility study. 

         Cogent Consulting, were appointed to undertake a study on the feasibility of a sub-regional approach to the development of a new crematorium at the site identified by Newtownabbey Borough Council at Doagh Road, Newtownabbey. The findings of the feasibility study were presented to Members at a Special Committee meeting on the 18 February 2013.

         Cogent have now completed the next stage of the process which was the financial and operational modelling of three of the options that were identified through the feasibility study.  As part of this work Cogent undertook a benchmarking exercise of other crematoria that have established a PPP agreement.  They also undertook primary research with private sector operators to scope potential PPP arrangements and facilitated a study visit to a number of crematoria in the south of England.

2    Key Issues

         Findings of financial and operational modelling

         We have now received a copy of the report which outlines the financial and operational modelling of the following options:

·        Creation of a new crematorium in Newtownabbey by NBC and BCC;

·        Creation of a new crematorium in Newtownabbey by the private sector; and

·        Creation of a new crematorium in Newtownabbey by the public and private sectors (2 variations – BCC and NBC plus the private sector and NBC only plus the private sector).

         Key conclusions arising from the operational and financial modelling analysis include:

·        Whilst the creation and management of a new crematorium in Newtownabbey by NBC and BCC (Model 1) would provide a number of key benefits including facilitating a strategic focus on shared services between the Councils and the sharing of crematoria risk and costs, this will require the Councils to contribute significant financial resources towards the initial outlay costs.

·        From the perspective of NBC, the most potentially economically advantageous option (in the long-term i.e. over 25+ years) is likely to involve the creation and management of a new crematorium in Newtownabbey in conjunction with the private sector (where the private sector rents the land). In such a situation, NBC would not incur any costs and would derive a steady income stream (the size of which would be dependent on the terms negotiated as part of the initial SLA). The Research Team does however note that such a model would not facilitate the Council facilitating a strategic focus on shared services;

·        From the perspective of BCC, the analysis suggests that whilst its involvement in a PPP with NBC may be advantageous in the longer term (given the fact that the initial outlay costs would not be passed on to the rate payer and the Council would derive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

1.1   Members will note that permission was granted to develop a Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the restoration of the Tropical Ravine, Belfast Botanic Gardens.

1.2    The project sought to restore the Tropical Ravine, leveraging value through physical restoration and the development of ongoing programme delivery. 

1.3    Key objectives of the bid included:-

·        Works which will ensure the preservation of the Tropical Ravine into the future.  This will be done in a way which preserves existing features and restores missing elements;

·        Ensure ongoing conservation and development of the plant collection;

·        Emphasise linkages with the historic landscape and built heritage of the Botanic Gardens, as well as the surrounding communities and institutions; and

·        Provide facilities which maximises access and provide a venue for on-going programme of community involvement and learning.

1.4    The Heritage Grant application was awarded a Round 1 pass in March 2012, with permission to proceed granted on 23 August 2012. A stage C review was undertaken with the HLF Lottery on May 2013 and a full Round 2 application was submitted 8th August 2013.

2.      Key Issues

2.1    Following consideration at the National Committee of the HLF 19th November; Officers have been notified that the Tropical Ravine has been successful in its application for funding.

2.2    Although a formal letter of offer has yet to be provided the grant will be the region of £2.3 million.

2.3    The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee 20th September 2013 has agreed capital funding of £1.5 million as part of the Council’s Investment Programme.  Members should note that the overall cost for the project includes costs of future maintenance over five years; volunteer time and non-cash contribution of existing staff time. 

         A further funding bid is being prepared for the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency’s ‘Listed Building Fund’ and the Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens Group has confirmed a cash contribution to the project.

2.6    Members will note that following the successful agreement of terms and conditions within the letter of offer from HLF the project will proceed through detailed design and development of interpretation and outreach work.

3.      Resource Implications

         £1.5 million agreed 20th September 2013 from the Strategic, Policy and Resources Committee as match funding.

4.      Equality Implications

         There are no implications at this stage. However, Equality and Good Relations factors will be taken into account in the development of the project.

5.      Recommendations

         Committee is asked to note the contents of this update report.”

            After discussion, during which it was agreed that a press release be issued by the Council to highlight the development work which would be undertaken at the Tropical Ravine, the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.   Relevant Background Information

1.      At its meeting on 12th February 2009 the Committee supported an application for funding to Sport NI to participate in the Active Communities Programme.  This was successful and the programme has been running since 2011.

1.2    Active Communities is an investment programme delivered by Sport NI that seeks to employ, deploy and train a network of full time and part time sports coaches and leaders to deliver activities in community and club settings across Northern Ireland, with a view to increasing participation in sport and physical recreation, especially among underrepresented groups.

1.3    A package of funding and business a plan was put together to support BCSDN (Belfast Community Sports Development Network)as the lead delivery partner for Sport NI’s Active Communities programme under the auspices of the Active Belfast Consortium (ABC). 

1.4    The Committee gave approval for the Director of Parks and Leisure, in consultation with the Chair of Parks and Leisure, to agree the Council’s contribution to the overall package of funding up to a maximum of £50,000 per annum.

1.5    Committee at its meeting on 10th October 2013 considered the VFM review and agreed that officers should engage with BCSDN on the development of an Improvement Plan.  The Committee also agreed that a review of the options for the delivery of the Active Communities Programme is required.

2.      Key Issues

·        Officers have now met with BCSDN to discuss the findings of the report and have agreed the approach of or the preparation of an Improvement Plan.  It was also agreed that BCSDN engage with the Council and the consultants to ensure that the information provided in the ‘VFM’ review is as accurate as possible.  This has been a constructive engagement with BCSDN demonstrating its commitment to the continued delivery of the programme and to the introduction of any necessary improvements.

·        Officers have also met with Sport NI to provide assurance that the Active Communities Programme continues to be delivered satisfactorily and that targets continue to be met.

·        Work will commence shortly on the development of the options for future delivery and a report will be submitted to Committee in due course.

·        It should be noted that this ‘VFM’ review forms part of the processes which are in place to continue to improve delivery of the Active Communities Programme.  Routine ongoing monitoring and supervision of the programme is undertaken by officers from the Leisure Development Unit.  The programme continues to deliver the targets agreed between Sport NI and the Council.

3.      Resource Implications

         Sport NI provides funding of £3.03million over 5 years to the Active Communities Programme. An annual Council contribution of £50k has been provided for in the 2013/14 budget.

4.      Recommendations

         Members are asked to note the update.”

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

             The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

1.1    Committee is reminded of the successful community gardens that have been established across the city. Belfast City Council now have 15 community growing spaces and continue to provide in kind support to community gardens situated on land not directly owned by the Council.

1.2    The Council have received a request from St John Vianney Youth Centre to explore the option of establishing a community led garden in River Terrace.

1.3    It is anticipated that the local community would get involved in the planning, development, maintenance and ongoing use of the garden as a resource for programmed activities and as a means of:

·        Supporting healthier lifestyles by providing growing opportunities to people of all ages,

·        Supporting and developing communities by building and encouraging ownership of and pride in the city’s growing spaces and,

·        Engaging the wider community through inclusiveness in the development of shared growing spaces.

1.4    Members are reminded that that £200k was allocated to the development of four community gardens one in the North (Finlay Park), one in the west (Whiterock), one in the east (Knocknagoney) and one in the south (site still to be determined) there is still 50K of this fund to be allocated to South Belfast for the provision of a community garden. It has been suggested that River Terrace could receive this investment if the scheme proves to be viable.

2.      Key Issues

2.1    The land in question is owned by the Department of Social Development (DSD). Initial conversations have taken place with regards land transfer and whilst DSD seem agreeable in principle, further discussions will need to take place to finalise any formal agreements.

2.2    At present there are issues with public liability and currently members of the public would not be covered for any activity on the site. However if the land was transferred in to Belfast City Council ownership then community participation would be covered by the Council’s insurance.

2.3    In 2006 a contamination report was carried out on the site which highlighted contaminants are present. The changes to the legislation have increased the standards and as a result further contamination surveys will need to be carried out. The Landscape Planning and Development Unit in Parks and Leisure have produced initial concept drawings for the site however these are difficult to cost at this time as a result of not knowing the extent of the contamination.

2.4    There is already an established amenity community garden in the adjacent area owned by An Droichead. Local schools, the housing association and local residents have keys to access the existing community garden and early consultation suggests that they would be keen to work in partnership regarding future projects.

3.      Resource Implications

         Financial

         50k of capital funds allocated to South Belfast could contribute to the build of a community garden at River Terrace.

         Human

         Staff time will be required to engage with the local community to prepare a draft drawing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            (Ms. K. Anderson-Gillespie, Policy and Business Development Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1     Relevant Background Information

         Officers have been working in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) to pilot the use of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), approved by Committee in June 2013.  This report provides Members with an overview and update of the SOPARC technique, present data collected from Phase 1 and outline the next steps of the SOPARC project.

         Using the SOPARC technique (developed by University of California), the department will be able to effectively measure levels of usage and activity in the council parks and open spaces. This will help us to evidence the value that outdoor leisure has for the people of Belfast and how it can contribute to the achievement of local outcomes such as improved health.

2       Key Issues

         As part of the SOPARC technique an observation survey is carried out.  It records the number and characteristics of individuals in an open space in a systematic way.

         The SOPARC technique requires an observation survey to be carried out in each site for up to 1 week.  Each day a survey is conducted 4 times (i.e. 7.30am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 7.30pm). The SOPARC technique has been successfully tried and tested by QUB to observe levels of physical activity pre construction of the Connswater Community Greenway (CCG) and will be repeated following completion.

         As well as measuring value for money, performance and outcomes, by collecting this data we can:

·        Inform the delivery, marketing and promotion of programmes and activities

·        Contribute to community involvement criterion of Green Flag management plans

·        Enable effective resource allocation (i.e. antisocial behaviour (ASB), litter and dog fouling)

·        Inform local area working and planning.

The SOPARC implementation: 3 phase approach

A 3 phase approach is currently being implemented across the city:

         Phase 1: Grove Playing Fields Pilot  (June – October 2013)

         Grove Playing Fields was chosen as the pilot for Phase 1.  This was identified as appropriate for the following reasons:

·        It is a Green Flag accredited park (reflective of those parks planned to take part in Phase 2 and 3); and

·        It provided the perfect test bed with a variety of facilities including paths, football pitches, outdoor gyms, a cricket pitch, children’s playground and dog enclosure.

         The surveys carried out at Grove Playing Fields were conducted over 1 week by 4 Park Wardens from Team North.  The Wardens were provided with training from QUB to undertake the SOPARC survey. 

      In brief, over the course of the week:

·        a total of 805 people were observed using the park = average of 29 users per hour. 

·        75% of users were male and 25% female. 

·        The largest group of users were adults who accounted for 70% of those observed in the park.  The smallest user group represented were seniors who accounted for just 3%. 

·        55% of those in the park were engaged in walking activities, 21% engaged in vigorous activities and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1     Relevant Background Information

         Each year, summer schemes are organised in leisure centres providing aprogramme of sporting and play activities to young people over the months ofJuly and August. 

         In recent years the summer schemes have been a huge success with participation numbers attending in 2013 reaching 19,000.  The 2013 schemes were developed to include four sunrise clubs, one in each area of the City. Six schemes also accepted children from five years of age, (usually eight years of age). 

         In January 2013 Committee approved a report outlining a new approach to pre-registration for the Grove Summer scheme.  The approach prioritised places for local children in front of other Belfast residents and residents outside of the Belfast boundary.   This approach was very successful in that it avoided the need for queues that have been evident in the past. 

         During registration for the 2013 scheme, long queues were evident at Olympia, Ballysillan, Whiterock and Avoniel.  The department received a wide range of feedback on the registration/enrolment for the summer schemes.  A number of complaints were also received regarding queues and communication in relation to enrolment.  Learning from the Grove pre-registration scheme and the feedback from parents will be used to improve the registration/enrolment of summer schemes in 2014. 

2       Key Issues

         The summer schemes listed below indicate the maximum number of places available for 2014.  These are based on facilities at the sites and staff availability.  Charges will be made at a weekly rate, as per 2014/15 scale of charges. 

         The most popular of the schemes are, Grove (under 8’s), Ballysillan, Whiterock (under 8’s), Avoniel (under 8’s), and Olympia (under 8’s).

         The registration for these five sites will include a pre-registration exercise which will take place on a Saturday at the beginning of May 2014.  Families wishing to register an interest can apply online/by email or at the centre of choice.  Parents can request a place for up to four children.  Following the pre-registration date, staff at the sites will then allocate places on the following basis:

·        Council rate payers (The number of weeks allocated may be restricted to three or four weeks to accommodate more families)

·        If oversubscribed by Belfast residents following restriction in the number of weeks  a random draw of places will take place

·        Remaining places will be offered to residents of other Council areas

         Those successful at pre-registration stage will be invited to attend the centre with the usual proof of address, photographic identification and child’s date of birth to enrol and pay for the scheme.  This is not a first come first served scheme. 

         Enrolment for the remaining schemes will take place on a Saturday at the beginning of June 2014 with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

         The Committee is reminded that at its meeting in August 2010 it was asked to consider placing the former Skegoniel Health Centre Site within the Council’s Corporate Land Bank.  The Committee agreed to this however, the matter was taken back at Council and reconsidered by the Committee in September 2010.  At the time it was agreed that alternative uses of the land would be explored. 

         Members are reminded that as part of the partnership arrangement with the North and West Trust relating to the development of the New Grove Wellbeing Centre it had been agreed that the site of the former Skegoniel Health Centre would revert to the Council upon completion of the scheme and relocation of the Health Centre within the new Grove Health and Well Being Centre.

         The current position is that the former Health Centre site now sits under the management of Parks and Leisure.  The site has remained derelict and unused and in 2013 it became the location for a small bonfire in the area. 

         Whilst the site is alongside the Playing Fields there is a difference in the levels and access between the two sites would be limited unless some re-grading was undertaken along the boundary between the sites.   Members are asked to note that there are no conditions attached to the transfer of the land and there is no requirement that it be retained or developed as open space. 

         Should the site continue to be retained by Parks and Leisure there are two options:

1.    The site remains as is without development; and

2.    The site is developed as a discrete location.

         A series of options have been discussed.  There is the potential to develop the site:

1.    As a playground;

2.    As a multi user games area;

3.    As a community garden;

4.    As an outdoor gym area;

5.    As a landscaped area

         Depending on the nature and extent of the proposal, costs could vary from £100,000 to £250,000.  These items would all constitute capital projects and would be subject to prioritisation and approval through SP&R. 

         Within the context of the current affordability limits one alternative would be to declare the site surplus to the operational requirements of the Parks and Leisure Department and that it be transferred to the Council’s corporate land bank (managed by Property and Projects Department, Estates Management Unit) wherein any potential use by other Council Departments would be considered and a planning assessment could be carried out to consider development options. 

2.      Key Issues

         The key issues for the Committee to consider are:

·        The former Skegoniel Health Centre Site has been acquired by the Council as part of the arrangement with the North and West Trust.  The site has no restrictions attached to its transfer.

·        The Parks and Leisure Department has considered development options for Park use and has concluded there is no operational need for the site and that the Department do not have the resources  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

         Suffolk Community Forum has requested permission to install an outdoor gym beside the existing community garden in Carnamore Park open space, which is located adjacent to Suffolk playing fields.

2.      Key Issues

         The Suffolk Community Forum has applied to Active Belfast for £5,000 and to Award for All for £10,000 to fund the project which is part of a wider Health and Well Being initiative. The Forum is also working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to develop family size allotments on the interface area between Suffolk and Ladybrook and Council officers are also engaged in discussions regarding this project.

         The funding application for an outdoor gym is based on a number of proposed quotes which Suffolk Community Forum has acquired. However it is proposed that the installation work be carried out by a Council approved contractor and the equipment will be purchased by the Council.

         After installation it is proposed that the Council will be responsible for appropriate inspection and maintenance of the equipment as per normal procedures with other existing outdoor gyms. 

3.      Resource Implications

         There are no significant Human Resources issues other than officer time and routine inspection upon completion of the project.

4.      Recommendations

         Committee is asked to approve the installation of an outdoor gym at Carnamore open space, based on the successful funding applications totalling £15,000 and subject to appropriate legal agreements between the Council and Suffolk Community Forum.”

            The Committee agreed to adopt the recommendation.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

         The Council is currently in communication with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) in a bid to host a new major competition in the piping domain in Belfast The event will be known as the UK Pipe Band Championships.

         The 3 European Pipe Band Championships in the city (2010-2012) were held at Stormont however it is believed that a championship in the heart of the city will be of greater economic benefit as it will encourage footfall into the city centre.  The Europeans Championships in 2012 generated an economic impact of approximately £247,000.

         Belfast was successful in their bid to host the event in July 2013 and would see Ormeau Park as the home of the event for the next 2 years.  The event would be held on Saturday 14 June 2014 and Saturday 15 June 2015 and it is expected to attract 10,000 people on site.

2.      Key Issues

§  The use of the site would be subject to the waiving of the Council’s hire costs.  When the event was held previously at Stormont Pavilion there were no charges for site hire, staff or maintenance.

§  The whole site including the Ozone would be booked for the event and would require the pitches to be free on the days before and after the event for set up and set down.

§  Accommodation is required for parking of coaches but not for public parking.

3.      Resource Implications

         Financial

         Income lost each year would be approximately £4,000 for Ozone and £2,700 for pitch hire. In such cases Council would also request payment of a reinstatement bond of £5,000 to cover any repairs necessary after the event; however, after reinstatement any money unspent on repairs would be returned to the event organisers.  The total fees waived per year would be £6,700.

         Staff overtime may be required to support set up and set down of the event. The detail is unknown at this stage but will be established as part of the event management plan.

         Human Resources

         Staff required to support the event.

4.      Recommendations

         Committee is asked to support the Council hosting the UK Pipe Band Championships in Ormeau Park for 2014/2015, to agree the waiving of fees and subject to an agreement with the organisers of an event management plan to satisfy all legal and statutory requirements.”

            The Committee agreed that to adopt the recommendations and agreed further that a report be submitted for consideration at a future meeting which would outline a draft departmental policy for the future granting of the free use of parks’ properties.

            The Director sought the Committee’s approval to provide appropriate hospitality at the undernoted events and ceremonies during 2014:

·        The Spring Fair;

·        Belfast Parks’ Primary Schools’ Athletics event;

·        Belfast Parks Photographic Competition;

·        Rose Week;

·        The City of Belfast Autumn Flower Show; and

·        Various meetings with stakeholder groups to include the Lagan Valley Regional Park, Belfast Hills Partnership etc.

            The Committee agreed to provide hospitality at the events at a cost of approximately £3,100, provision for which had been made within the Department estimates for 2014/2015.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an overview of the circumstances which had surrounded the escape in October from Belfast Zoo by a number of Lion-tailed Macaque monkeys.

            The Director advised the Committee that the Department had hosted the Spring and Autumn Fairs in 2013 and the events had proved to be a success, with approximately 8,000 visitors attending each fair.  He reported that, in previous years, the Committee had granted a small donation to each of the societies which had been involved in the organisation of the shows in recognition of their assistance. He recommended, therefore, that a donation of £100 be made to each of the undernoted organisations:

·        Friends of Bonsai

·        Northern Ireland Daffodil Group

·        Belfast and District Beekeepers’ Association

·        Belfast Wine Makers’ Circle

·        British Cactus and Succulent Society    

·        Federation of Women’s Institutes of Northern Ireland

·        Irish Fuchsia and Pelargonium Society

·        North of Ireland Dahlia Society

·        Northern Ireland Bonsai Society

·        Northern Ireland Group of Flower Arrangement Societies

·        Northern Ireland Orchid Society

·        Northern Ireland Vegetable Association

·        Rose Society of Northern Ireland

·        Ulster Alpine Garden Society

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

1.1    Sun bears are among the zoo’s most popular species.  Sun bears are kept by only two other UK zoos, and as such at times receive a lot of visitor focus.  Their paddock is overlooked by the Mountain Tea House, and throughout the year a significant proportion of zoo visitors will have purchased food in the Tea House and sat on the new patio and watched the bears.

1.2    During summer 2013, following an approach from a consortium of construction companies working on the A8 dual carriageway, namely Lagan Construction, Ferrovial Agroman and Costain, work was undertaken enhancing the paddock for the zoo’s pair of endangered Malayan sun bears.

1.3    The work included new outdoor climbing structures, wobble feeders (which require the bears to shake the tree trunks to get their food to topple out), tree trunks, bark pits, tunnels, a running waterfall and hammocks to relax in, as well as some landscaping. 

1.4    A wide range of play and behavioural enrichment equipment is vital to the welfare of the bears, which are intelligent and inquisitive.  Prior to the work, there was a limited number of such pieces of equipment for the bears in the paddock, and those items that were in place had become old and were in a poor state of repair.  There was limited budget available in zoo budgets to immediately undertake improvements. 

1.5    While the zoo covered the cost of crane hire, all other staff, plant and materials costs were provided by the companies.  Staff from the companies and the zoo worked together closely to design the new enclosure furniture and develop the week long programme of works.

1.6    Following the enhancements, the female bear, which came to Belfast Zoo with a history of antisocial and repetitive behaviours, has become significantly more relaxed.  We have not observed any repetitive behaviours from her since the work was undertaken.  Moreover, she has become significantly more receptive and accepting of the male bear, to the extent that within weeks of completion of the work, mating behaviours were observed.  If successful, this would represent the first captive breeding of this species in the UK and Ireland. 

2.      Key Issues

2.1    The zoo was approached by construction and engineering companies willing to undertake work to enhance animal enclosures in the zoo.

2.2    There is an ongoing need for such work throughout the zoo, not only to renew aging structures but also to provide new and interesting items of enrichment for our animals.

2.3    Given the specialist nature of the work, in terms of both equipment and personnel, this work is expensive to procure.  While finances for such work are available through annual zoo budgets, there is significant scope for such work throughout the zoo, often beyond that for which we have adequate budget availability

2.4    Companies, through their Corporate Social Responsibilities, do appear keen to develop partnerships and support the zoo.  The zoo’s conservation, welfare and education roles, and our  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.