Agenda and minutes

            An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor Mallon.

            The minutes of the meeting of 13th February were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 3rd March.

No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee was reminded that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 21st February, had, given that elections were due to take place on 22nd May, agreed that all Committee meetings in May should be cancelled. 

            The Committee agreed not to hold any meetings in May and agreed further that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Party Leaders and the Chairman of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and, if necessary, the Chairman of the Parks and Leisure Committee, to take any urgent decisions in accordance with the procedures which were routinely set in place during the recess month of July each year.

            The Director reminded the Committee that the Assembly had introduced the above-mentioned Bill, the second reading of which had been heard on 14th February.  The Bill, he reported, was at its Committee Stage and, as part of that process, interested parties had been requested to comment on the Bill’s provisions. Accordingly, the Director reported that the Department had been requested to attend a meeting of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and, after consulting with the Chairman, the Assistant Director and the Senior Civil Engineering Officer had attended the committee on 25th February. 

            The Director outlined the contents of the Council’s submission which had been presented to the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, a copy of which was available on the Mod.gov website. He reported that, arising from the presentation, two questions had been posed by MLAs, which had required further clarification by the Council. The two questions, together with the Council’s responses, are set out hereunder:  

·           What, if any, insurance does the Council hold in respect to the failure of a reservoir under its ownership?

            The Council purchases presently commercial insurance protection for public liability risks arising from the ownership and use of all reservoirs that are located on council land or in council parks. This insurance covers the cost of claims arising from the failure of, or defects in reservoirs which cause loss, or injury to members of the public and/or damage to their property. The insurance only applies in so far as the Council can be held legally responsible for the loss, damage or injury so caused. The insurance protection is for £50M.

·           What opinion, if any, does the Council have regarding the various appeals and dispute mechanisms in the Bill?

         Reservoirs are designated as High, Medium or Low risk by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and within the proposed Bill, Clauses 17 to 21 allow reservoir owners to appeal against that designation.  Council officers have considered the risk designation of Reservoirs owned by the Council and would categorise them all as high given the proximity to residential areas.  Action plans are currently being developed in line with this designation.  It is the view of officers that whilst the appeal mechanism is necessary this will not be relevant to the Council and will more likely be used by private owners.

The Committee agreed that the Council’s responses, as set out, be submitted to the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

(Ms. C. Wilson, Neighbourhood and Development Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the departmental plan for 2014/2015, a copy of which was available on the Council’s Mod.gov website. The Director indicated that the Plan set out the strategic direction for the Department during the forthcoming financial year and aimed to provide a framework for the effective leadership and management of the Department. He pointed out that the Plan would enable the Committee and senior managers to deliver projects and manage performance in line with the Corporate Plan and Investment Programme. He indicated that quarterly progress reports in respect of the Plan would be submitted for the Committee’s consideration.

            After discussion, during which the Director clarified a number of matters in respect of the Plan and answered a range of Members’ questions in relation thereto, the Committee approved the Plan.

(Mr. P. Murray, Antisocial Behaviour Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“2.    Key Issues

         The comparative data outlined in Table 1 below shows an increase in the number of incident reports of ASB in parks between August to December 2012 and August to December 2013 within the 4 electoral areas of Court, Laganbank, Pottinger and Upper Falls. The data highlights a downward trend in the number of reports of ASB in parks within Balmoral, Castle, Lower Falls and Oldpark electoral areas. This trend can be attributed to a decrease in visitor numbers due to seasonal variance - less people visit parks in autumn and winter. The data also showed the following trends:

·        Increase in reports of groups of youths gathering; and

·        Increase in reports of fire setting and drinking.

         The data presented in Table 1 illustrates a snapshot of ASB in parks between August and December 2013. The data details the three parks with the most incidents of ASB in each electoral area, the hotspot categories of ASB and where there were more than 20 incidents (these locations appear in bold type).

         Citywide responses and interventions are implemented proportionately across all of the city’s parks. This approach is used to tackle low level, re-occurring ASB incidents (parks with less than 20 incidents) and is delivered using existing and available resources.

         Planned intensive interventions are designed and introduced for parks that have more than 20 ASB incidents. The planned interventions span across all 4 objectives of the ASB programme: education, enforcement, environment and partnership. Interventions will resource and schedule enforcement operations in partnership with existing council services or PSNI and interventions also involve the environmental and physical development of a site.

         Table 2 outlines the parks that have had more than 20 incidents during August to December 2013 and the specific interventions planned for the coming months.

(Ms. C. Wilson, Neighbourhood and Development Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Background Information

1.1    At its meeting in August 2013, the Committee was provided with information on the number and location of events which had been held in Council parks over the past five years.

1.2    Members noted that large-scale commercial operators tended to favour a small number of locations, namely Boucher Road Playing Fields and Botanic Gardens. At that meeting, Committee agreed that a proposal be developed to establish a number of strategic arts partnerships, in order to build a commercial market for alternative locations across the city.

2.      Key Issues

2.1    Following analysis, there are a number of perceived barriers deterring commercial operators from holding events in parks and open spaces:

·        Capacity is a primary determinant in deciding where a promoter will stage an event.  For example, events such as Tenants Vital require capacity in excess of 45,000 – only available at the Boucher Road Playing Fields.  Capacity operates on multiple levels; audience capacity; car parking for audience and participants; accessible /egress capacity;

·        Neighbourhood: the prospect of having to deal with potential complaints about noise or event disruption issues can be off putting for commercial operators;

·        Facilities: These can be within the park itself in terms of toilet provision but this can be addressed with additional temporary facilities being provided. Car parking can be more difficult to address at times;

·        Security: This in relation to perceived safety of audience members arriving/leaving events and potential vandalism to property such as cars;

·        Financial cost coupled with misconceptions about public accountability i.e. ‘bureaucracy’ can deter commercial operators from using a council facility.

2.3    It is acknowledged that the issues listed above also relate to hosting city centre-based events and that working with the community, the relevant parks/outreach managers have delivered many successful events in neighbourhoods across the city.

2.4    Examining best practice from other local authorities, the issues are not insurmountable and the promotion of commercial events in parks across the city may be supported by the following:

·        The development and targeted distribution of a commercial prospectus for distribution to a range of event promoters and organisers positively promoting the use of Belfast Parks for events e.g. corporate prospectus containing details on capacity of all parks and support available.

·        Delivering large-scale (5,000+) demonstration arts/cultural events as high-quality, family–orientated cultural events across the city (N, S, E and W), showcasing the range of opens spaces to attract commercial operators.

·        Engagement with Translink to encouraging sustainable modes of transport such as the provision of park and ride facilities

·        Incentivisation/promotion of particular parks outside of city centre e.g. reduced hire rates or grant-aid to commercial operators.  Potential for joint promotion with the City Events Unit of the availability/suitability of parks and open spaces for events that move between major cities. 

·        Develop the criteria for the park grants funds to enable events to be sustainable year on year and more evenly spread across the city  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

         As the UK’s national cycling charity, CTC (Cyclists Touring Club Charitable Trust) works to protect and promote cycling to create a healthier, cleaner world.   In March 2010, the Parks and Leisure Committee approved the provision of office space for a Cycling Development Officer, funded by CTC and agreed to provide in-kind support for a Cycling Development Officer.  The purpose of the partnership was to introduce people to leisure and utility cycling for the associated health, wellbeing and environmental benefits and use cycling to engage disadvantaged, hard to reach and under-represented groups.

         Since then, the partnership has delivered the following:

·        Over 4,000 young people engaged in Belfast through Bike Club, a community focused project called Bike Club (target beneficiary range 10 – 20 years) in partnership with the ASDA Foundation and the youth charity organizations UK Youth and ContinYou.

·        Worked with over 30 groups, including West Belfast Area Youth Project; Glencairn Youth Initiative; Challenge for Youth Bike Club; and Park School and Education Resource Centre

·        Demonstration of a delivery model proven to encourage more people to cycle within deprived areas and hard to reach groups across the city which has been adopted by other Councils in the region

·        Operated a small grants scheme £52,000 within Belfast City Council area which funded 26 Bike Clubs to buy bicycles and train staff.

·        60 Bike Club Leaders and Volunteers trained to run the 26 clubs.  The Bike Club Development Officer (BCDO) facilitated capacity building and cycle leader network. 

·        Created employment opportunities resulting in the first CTC National Standard and Mountain Biking trainers in N.Ireland

·        Direct and advisory support for a range of initiatives including annual Belfast Bike Week, programming support on Barnett’s Mountain Bike Trails, development of Active Communities cycling work programmes, delivery and legacy programmes for Giro d’Italia, specialist advice on the Belfast Cycle Hire scheme, development support for club and community cycle groups.

·        Development and delivery of Active Belfast active travel strategy and action plans.

·        400 young people engaged in the first 4 months of delivery by the Shankill Area Project and Glencairn Youth Initiative Bike Clubs, providing up to 15 hrs of mountain bike activities per week.

         The impact of these Bike Club initiatives include:

·        Increased learning opportunities for young people beyond school day

·        Increased levels of physical activity

·        Identification and creation of instructor/trainers to deliver road and mountain bike training to instructors locally

·        New partnerships created with training providers: Belfast Activity Centre and Tricycle

·        Bike Club and Leader network established

·        Promotion of cycling to school

         As one small example, one beneficiary reported that her son, who was in foster care, had Asperger’s syndrome.  She was anxious about him cycling around the city. However, once she knew he was training to do Bikeability, she was happy for him to continue. This led to him being confident enough to cycle independently from his foster home to regularly visit his mother.

         The Active Belfast project work delivered on 2  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

      In June 2013 Committee considered a request from De La Salle School for the development of land at Slievegallion Drive.  The school approached the Council with a proposal for the redevelopment of the Council’s land at Slievegallion Drive to provide a school/community facility potentially comprising a full size GAA pitch, a smaller training pitch and a pavilion/small stand for use by the school and its three feeder primary schools during school hours and by the local community out of school hours.

      The school indicated that they were seeking a long lease (25-50 years) for the land at Slievegallion Drive from the Council in order to secure the funding required for their proposals.

      Committee agreed to officers progressing discussions with De La Salle school with a view to exploring the most appropriate arrangement (including leasing options) for the redevelopment of the informal open space at Slievegallion Drive, with a further report to be brought to Committee. Discussions were to include:

·    Details of the schools business model in terms of costs and income producing capacity

·    Public access arrangements

·    Partnership or leasing arrangements to ensure ongoing wider community use

·    Sources of funding to redevelop the site.

      The site does not form part of the Pitches Strategy and there is currently no identified funding in the Capital Programme for the development of this land.

2.   Key Issues

§  Officers have engaged with De La Salle School to discuss their proposal and arrangements for use of the land. This has not progressed to the point where officers can report on the business model, access arrangements, leasing arrangements and sources of funding.

§  De La Salle School undertook the community consultation and engagement for the project.

§  Following the initial engagement with residents, proposals were changed by the school and further consultation was then undertaken by them.

§  Local residents have approached the Council with concerns about the proposed development and the level of consultation to date.

§  Residents were concerned that a Planning application has been submitted for the development of the site.

§  Residents raised particular concerns about why the Council, as land owner, has not consulted the local community about the use of the land.

§  Concerns were raised about the nature and extent of the consultation with a view that it was not inclusive of all residents and that feedback on issues raised has not been provided by the school.

§  Residents were concerned about the loss of amenity as this is the only open space available to them in a densely built up area.

§  Residents have formed a Residents Group in October 2013 around the issue.

§  Residents were seeking assurance from Council that formal consultation would take place with the local community about the use of the land.

3.   Resource Implications

      Financial

      No financial implications at this stage.

      Human Resources

      None

      Asset and Other Implications

      None at this stage.

4.   Recommendations

      Members are asked to consider the request by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st July, 2013, had agreed to acquire land at Black’s Road for the purposes of developing a park in accordance with the terms which had been set out in the Committee report of 13th June. Accordingly, the Committee considered the undernoted update report in this regard:

“1     Relevant Background Information

1.1    The site extends to approximately 4.49 acres and comprises derelict land which has been identified as an area of anti-social behaviour.  There is a proposal by Groundwork NI to transform the site into a park for the use of the local community.  The park is currently within the boundary of Lisburn City Council but will fall into Belfast City Council revised boundary post local government reform in 2015.

1.2    Members will recall that the site is owned in part by DoE NIEA and in part by DRD Roads service.  The DoE NIEA site was to be transferred at nil cost, and DRD Roads site to be transferred at market value, to be determined by LPS. Prior to acquiring, a number of planning and title issues were to be resolved and terms were to be agreed with LPS and reported back to committee for approval.

1.3As it relates to an acquisition of land, the terms will also require to be reported to Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

2       Key Issues

2.1    It was previously intended to acquire the sites in two separate lots however it is now considered that it is more straightforward for DRD Roads to transfer their site to DoE NIEA.  The Council will acquire the assembled site in a single lot from NIEA.  NIEA has ministerial approval the whole site to the Council at nil value.

2.2    The deadline for construction of the park within the timeframe for ‘Sharing our Space’ Peace III funding has been extended to December 2014.  Our investigations in advance of acquisition are largely complete however there is a complex title, which Legal Services is investigating.

2.3    Planning permission was granted in February 2014.  Groundwork NI requires to begin construction as soon as possible, in order to meet the funding deadline of December 2014.

2.4    It is proposed that NIEA grants a temporary licence to Groundwork NI to undertake the construction once the transfer of the DRD Roads site to NIEA completes.  Following the construction works, the Council will acquire the assembled site from NIEA, estimated to be January 2015 (just a few months in advance of falling within the Council boundary).  This approach allows Groundwork NI to undertake the works within the timeframe while our title investigations proceed. 

2.5    In order to draw down the funding, Groundwork NI is required to enter a Partnership Agreement with NIEA.  As part of this, NIEA requires to confirm that maintenance arrangements are in place for the park.  In view of this it is proposed that Heads of Terms for the acquisition be entered now with NIEA, which will include an assurance on maintenance.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The Assistant Director drew the Committee’s attention to a flooding incident, which had occurred on 14th February, and which had affected a number of properties in the Knockeden Park area, adjacent to the Cherryvale Playing Fields.  She indicated that one of the contributory factors which had been suggested by the local community was ‘run-off’ rainwater from the playing fields. She reported that officers from within the Department were investigating the matter and drew the Committee’s attention to the following:

·        there existed a differential level between the playing fields and the private gardens at Knockeden Park;

·        there existed an outlet pipe, which, as far as could be established, was in working order; and

·        there was a possibility that the water from the pitches was not being fed into the outlet pipe;

            The Assistant Director indicated that further investigations would be required to ascertain whether there was a need for additional drainage to be installed to ensure that rainwater was fed into the outlet pipe. She indicated that, should such work be deemed necessary, the installation of additional drainage at the site could prove to be costly.  Concern was expressed that the flooding incident had, potentially, a significant impact on the proposals which had been formulated for the development of a 3G pitch at the site.  It was pointed out that the Council should assure itself that all issues which could have related to the flooding should be addressed prior to any work being carried out on the site in respect of the pitch.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a further report in respect of the matter would be considered at the earliest opportunity.

            The Director reported that a request had been received from the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council seeking financial support to assist in the costs associated with sending the Northern Ireland team to the 20th Commonwealth Games, which would be held in Glasgow in July and August. He pointed out that over seventy countries would be participating in 2014 and reminded Members of the significant achievements of Belfast competitors at previous Games. 

            The Director reminded the Committee that the Council had, in 2002, 2006 and 2010, agreed to provide financial assistance to the Commonwealth Games Council to offset the costs associated with bringing the team to the Games. Such expenditure had been authorised under the specialised expenditure powers as set out within Section 37 of the Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee agree to make a contribution of £5,000 to the Commonwealth games Council.

            Accordingly, it was

      Resolved – That the aforementioned expenditure in respect of the Council’s contribution to the Commonwealth Games Council be approved under Section 37 of the Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, it being the opinion of the Council that the expenditure would be in the interest of, and would bring direct benefit to, the District and the inhabitants of the District, with the Committee being satisfied that the direct benefit so accruing would be commensurate with the payment to be made.

            The Director advised the Committee that the Lagan Village Somme Society had been awarded a sum of £7,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund which would be used to carry out research on those individuals who were buried within Dundonald Cemetery’s 77 war graves, together with the two war graves contained within the Knock Burial Ground.  In addition, he reported that the Society had received funding which would enable the refurbishment and upkeep of the aforementioned graves, permission for which had been granted by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.  It was anticipated that the work associated with the refurbishment would be completed by July. 

            Accordingly, the Director reported that the Society had requested:

·        permission to hold an event to mark the refurbishment of those 79 war graves, on a date to be determined; and

·        permission to hold a Drum Head Remembrance Service on 3rd August, which would be attended by approximately 200 participants.

            The Director indicated that the Society would be requested to adhere to the principles which had been established in 2011 to oversee the holding of commemoration events within Council properties and, accordingly, he recommended that the Committee accede to the request as outlined.

            The Committee authorised the holding of the two events, subject to the following conditions:

·        that there would be no displays of paramilitary emblems or regalia;

·        that the Council’s Events Policy would be complied with fully;

·        that appropriate working methods would be used at the historical war graves;

·        the Society would agree to adhere to an appropriate grave restoration and events schedule;

·        that the event and working practices would resolve all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        that appropriate legal agreements were put in place;

·        that the Society would meet all statutory requirements; and

·        that sensitivities and respect for the graves would be observed.

            The Director reminded the Committee that the Council maintained two war grave areas within the City Cemetery.  He indicated that representatives of the War Graves Commission had requested permission to plant a range of colourful plants along the edges of the graves to enhance the general amenity of the area.  He outlined the benefits which the introduction of the plants would bring to the area and indicated that this proposal was, initially, for a pilot period of approximately one year.  Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee grant approval to the War Graves Commission to landscape and maintain the graves, subject to the drafting of an appropriate legal agreement with the Town Solicitor, and that any further proposal to extend the arrangement would be considered after the pilot project had concluded.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st November, 2011, had endorsed a set of principles which would be used to oversee the management of events on Council properties to mark the centenaries of historic events which had occurred between 1912 and 1922. A copy of those principles had been circulated previously to the Committee and the Director outlined their principal aspects.

            The Director indicated that the Department had received a number of enquiries from community groups seeking permission to host commemorative events to mark World War I, which took place between 1914 and 1918. He reminded the Committee that the Council’s Events Policy stated that there was no requirement to seek prior approval for events which, amongst other things, did not last for more than three days; did not require the closure of all or a substantial proportion of the facility; would not involve the sale of alcohol; and would not be deemed to be controversial.

            Accordingly, he sought the Committee’s approval to delegate authority to him to consider and, if deemed to be in keeping with the principles which had been agreed by the Council at its meeting on 1st November, 2011, to grant approval for events taking place in departmental properties to mark centenaries associated with World War I.

            The Committee acceded to the request and granted delegated authority to the Director as outlined.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

         The Director has been approached by a commercial company, Big Cat Group, to request the use of one of our parks to stage a ‘Holi One’ event, as part of a proposed 17 city tour of the UK and Ireland in 2014.Following consultation between the event organiser, City Park Managers and Officers from Building Control, Ormeau Park was identified as a possible location to stage this proposed event.

         The proposed Holi One is a one day festival of colour and dancing.  It is an over 18’s only event with a site capacity of 5,000.  The event is inspired by the Hindu Holi festival and involves the throwing of non-toxic, environmentally friendly powder paint in the air to celebrate diversity and equality.  The admission fee is based on a scale of charges from £24.99 - £42.99.The festival has previously run successfully in Europe, Israel, South Africa and has previously been held at Battersea Power Station August 2013 and Manchester Heaton Park, August 2013.

2.   Key Issues

·        The festival is proposed to take place on Saturday 16 August 2014 at Ormeau Park.  Gates will open at 10.00am with music starting and bars opening at midday. Bars will close at 22.00, music will turn off at 22.00 with the site closed and cleared of guests by 22.30.

·        The site build for the event would begin 14 & 15 August, and the take down would be on 17 August.

·        In addition to DJs, the event would include food and drink sales, performance art, visual stimulation, a stage and a large area for dancing and for throwing the powder paint.

·        A section of the park would be used to house the festival village, this would comprise of a stage, marquee structures and back of house production area and toilet facilities.

·        The event would be ticketed with adequate numbers of security staff present to ensure all persons present have purchased a ticket.

·        The event organiser would provide a full Event Safety Management Plan to Belfast City Council prior to the event. 

·        Following the conclusion of the festival, the event organiser will instigate a thorough cleaning of the park to remove the coloured powder.

3.      Resource Implications

         Financial

         Big Cat Group would pay Belfast City Council for the hire of the hard surface at Ormeau Park at a cost of £1,175. In addition a fee of £5,000 will be charged for the event, based on the expected number of attendees.  A Bond of Intent of £1,000 will be required to confirm the booking on approval of the event. 

Human Resources

         It would be proposed to have a duty Community Park Manager present on site on the day of the actual event from 10.00 a.m. until midnight – at a cost of £330.  The cost of this will be added to the total fee.

Asset and Other Implications

      A Reinstatement Bond of £5000 will be required to be put in place to cover the need to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            The Committee deferred consideration of a report in respect of a proposal to convert a bowling green to a putting green at the Ballysillan Park to enable further information to be provided in respect of extent of community consultation which had been carried out in this regard.

            The Committee was advised that the Council’s former Artist in Residence, Ms. E. Wheeler, had requested permission to erect two artistic ‘welcome signs’ – one at the Ormeau Park and one at the Falls Park – which had been produced by pupils at two Educational Resource Centres, that is, Park School, Ravenhill Road and St Gerard’s School on the Upper Springfield Road. The Director indicated that the artist had been working with the pupils on a project which had been funded by the Shared Education Programme. He pointed out that the signs, images of which had been circulated for the Committee’s information, would enhance the overall amenity of the parks and the associated erection costs would be £400.

            The Committee granted authority for the art pieces to be installed in the Ormeau Park and the Falls Park.

            This Director reminded the Committee of the extent of work which had been undertaken in conjunction with the local community to address antisocial activity at the Knocknagoney Linear Park. He reported that the Arts Council for Northern Ireland had awarded the Knocknagoney Area Forum a sum of £5,000 to oversee an arts project which would seek to enhance the appearance of the two lookout towers in the park.

            He reminded the Committee that the towers had been the subject of vandalism in the recent past and the project would seek to work with the local community to explore issues associated with identity, wildlife, nature and the environment within the local park.

            The Director outlined the plans which had been formulated to oversee the delivery of the project. He indicated that the aim of the project would be to tackle antisocial behaviour and to ensure that the park would become a central part of the community.

            The Committee expressed its support for the project and agreed that the Council, in conjunction with the Knocknagoney Area Forum, should seek to secure additional funding to enhance the scope of the project. In addition, it agreed in principle that the finished art piece would be installed at the park’s lookout towers.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Background Information

         2013 was the 50th anniversary of CS Lewis, his anniversary was celebrated very extensively with festivals, art projects, and community projects and involved a wide range of community and statutory bodies, in particular East Belfast Partnership Board.  The Friends of Belmont Park are very eager to acknowledge Belmont Park’s importance in Lewis’ life by creating a permanent art installation which would be based on the Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis’ family home was in close proximity to Belmont park, Belmont Park is the area where we imagine he would have played and taken inspiration for his wonderful and fantastical stories.

         The Friends of Belmont Park was formed by passionate individuals who reside locally and who see the further potential for enjoyment, inclusion and interaction within their park. Parks staff have worked extensively with Friends of Belmont Park over the past number of years and developed the park significantly with their help and guidance. The purpose of this report is to outline the proposed programme of art installations and to seek Committee support to explore funding opportunities.

2.      Key Issues

         The Friends of Belmont Park along with council officers’ aim to celebrate the heritage of the past through the link between CS Lewis’ well known literary works and the locality, to create a unique experience in the present that has longevity through the legacy it will leave for future park users.

         This proposed programme will consist of a number of large art installations, to include:

§    Public art piece at Belmont Playground

           Friends of Belmont and council officers hope to generate discussion, interest and ownership of this large art project. Their aim is to develop a project within the playground that will engage with park users and children, allowing the local community to input ideas with a visual artist to create a mural.

Estimates Costs- Project £3000 - £5000

§    Carved wooden sleigh and wicker reindeer

The sleigh first appeared in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe when Edmund found his way through the back of the wardrobe and stumbled upon a sleigh being drawn by two reindeer, driven by a small dwarf, whose passenger was Queen Jadis.

Estimates Costs - Carved Wooden Sleigh - £3500

                   - Wicker Reindeer - £2000

§    Vintage solar powered Lantern, bronze umbrella and parcels

The lantern first appeared in The Magician’s Nephew when it grew from an iron bar from a London lamppost. The fully grown lamppost was a feature in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe when Lucy met the Faun, Mr Tumnus for the first time as he pitter pattered through the snow carrying his umbrella and parcels.

Estimates Costs- Vintage Lantern - £1000

- Bronze umbrella, small and large parcels - £5700

§    Small sculpture art trail

The development of 8-10 small scale sculptures to culminate in the creation of an arts historical trail within Belmont park. These small sculptures can take the form of many significant aspects  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

            The Committee was advised that the Council had been approached by South Belfast Alternatives seeking permission to erect three pieces of artwork, together with a welcome sign, at the Reverend Robert Bradford Memorial Park. The Director reported that the artworks had been prepared by a group of young people as part of a rehabilitation programme which had explored the culture and history of the wider Donegall Road area.  He added that the costs of erecting and securing the pieces to the fences of the multi-use games area at the park would be £400.

            The Committee reviewed the content of the artworks and granted permission for them to be erected at the park.

            The Committee was advised that a request to hold a soccer tournament at the City of Belfast Playing Fields had been received from Youth Soccer Tournaments Northern Ireland.  The Assistant Director reported that the tournament would take place between 15th and 17th August. She pointed out that the dates requested would impinge upon the ‘resting period’ for the pitches and there could be a detrimental impact on the quality of the pitches ahead of the forthcoming season. 

            The Committee deferred consideration of the matter to enable further information to be ascertained in respect of the potential damage to the pitches, together with the feasibility of the tournament being relocated to another departmental property.

            The Assistant Director reported that the Irish Football Association had requested the free use of the City of Belfast Playing Fields in order to host the inaugural Schoolgirls’ Soccer Festival Day on Wednesday, 11th June. The Assistant Director indicated that the event would be attended by approximately 1600 pupils representing 22 Belfast schools. She indicated that the loss of revenue to the Council would be in the region of £1,150. 

            The Committee acceded to the request and granted the free use of the Playing Fields for the purposes outlined.