Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       In 2014 the Council secured funding of £11.7m from Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under Peace III for the construction of the Girdwood Hub and associated environmental works. As part of the project Belfast City Council purchased a temporary marquee structure through a budget uplift provided by SEUPB as part of the Peace III allocation. The purpose of the temporary structure was to animate the outdoor space in Girdwood Park and complement a programme of outdoor activity and a series of seasonal events. Consultation with key stakeholders recognised the need for outreach and detached youth work to address nuisance and anti-social behaviour on the site and it was agreed that the temporary marquee structure could provide a base from which to engage with the local community. The current position however at Girdwood Community Hub is that key stakeholders and youth practitioners are not yet in a position to provide the support required to successfully manage the structure as a long term feature in Girdwood.

1.2       In March of 2017 the marquee was erected at Girdwood Community Hub for the first birthday celebrations. The use of the structure was very successful, it’s size provides an impressive central point for activities and event information; and in inclement weather will provide much needed shelter for activities.  As a result, Council officers have been tasked with finding a suitable alternative home for the structure so that the investment from SEUPB is utilised accordingly.

1.3       Council officers have discussed a number of different locations for the placement of the temporary structure and at this stage the rose bed/grassed area next to the bowling pavilion in Victoria Park is the preferred option. There is consensus that the structure could be put to good use at the park for both weekly and annual events that are held there.

1.4       If this proposal is approved, then further consultation will take place with the various user groups and community organisations in partnership with the Connswater Community Greenway team. In partnership BCC will develop a programme of animation to support the positive use and engagement of this asset in line with the council’s strategic outcomes. We hope to develop a diverse programme of activities and interventions to suit a wide audience including local communities and visitors. It is anticipated that once the structure is operational that further opportunities will also arise as a result of community engagement and changing needs therefore as issues in the community may arise we will be able to develop some flexibility into the programme.  

2.0       Recommendations

            The Committee is asked to;

·        Give approval for Council Officers to continue to engage with community partners and stakeholders to design a robust programme of activity that will enhance the work of the Connswater Community Greenway and will also include youth detached and outreach work particularly targeting hard to reach young people. Following commitment from community partners and agreement around programme delivery Council will move to install the temporary structure at Victoria Park.

3.1       The structure is 21m x 12m in size and although considered a temporary structure can be erected and left on site for a considerable time. There will be a requirement to carry out some grounds works to level the site and make it suitable to house the structure and safe to host public events thereafter.

3.2       There are 2 desirable locations available within Victoria park. The final decision will rest with Council officers but will take into consideration suggestion and recommendation from partner organisations who will be responsible for a large part of the programme delivery.

3.3       To ensure the successful management of the structure and associated programmed activity a budget will be required to support the events and activity programme. It is anticipated that Council will make resources available but that partner organisations will also contribute through their own funding arrangements.

3.4       Financial & Resource Implications

            Landscape design, groundworks and installation is estimated in the region of 40K.

            Utility costs at this time are unknown but it is anticipated that costs will be met from the existing utility budget for the park.

3.5       Asset & Other Implications

            To situate the temporary structure at Victoria Park may require an application to planning.

3.6       Equality or Good Relations Implications

            There are no implications at this stage. However, equality and good relations factors will be taken into account with regards programme design and delivery in Victoria Park.”

            Following a query, regarding whether it would be possible to relocate the marquee structure to other parks in the City, the Assistant Director advised that whilst this was a temporary structure, due to its scale, there would be limitations to transferring it to other suitable locations.  She highlighted that the proposed relocation, including landscape design, groundworks and installation was estimated to cost in the region of £40k.

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.