Agenda item

            The Committee considered the following report :

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The Council’s Physical Programme covers projects under a range of funding streams including the Capital Programme, the Leisure Transformation Programme, LIF, BIF, the Social Outcomes Fund and the projects which the Council is delivering on behalf of other agencies. This paper provides an update for Members on the Physical Programme

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to–

            Project Updates

·        Kerbside Collection Scheme – Pilot - agree that the Council submits an application for funding to DAERA for100% of the funding for the infrastructure required to support a kerbside collection scheme pilot.  Further details on the proposed pilot will be brought back to Members in due course (see 3.2 & 3.3)

·        New cleansing vehicle – City Centre – agree that up to £140,000 from non-recurrent is ring-fenced for the acquisition of a new cleansing vehicle for the city centre.  The Director of Finance and Resources has confirmed that this is within the affordability limits of the Council (see 3.4 & 3.5)

·        Members are further asked to agree that the necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) for both projects above be initiated with contracts to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

·       Hammer Playground Development – agree that this is moved to Stage 3- Committed on the Capital Programme (3.7)

·        Connswater Community Greenway - agree to the Council entering into a legal agreement for a period of 10 years with CCGT for the delivery of an annual animation programme funded by Big Lottery, subject to a legal agreement being drawn up by the City Solicitor in agreement with the Strategic Director of CNS (3.8-3.9).

·        External Funding - note that a number of letters of offer for projects have been received from DEARA/Urban Villages/DfC and that Council officers are now progressing these (see 3.11)

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       Members will be aware that the Council runs a substantial physical programme covering over 200 projects under a range of funding streams including the capital programme, BIF and LIF together with the projects that it is delivering on behalf of other agencies including the Executive Office and the Department for Communities. There are currently approx. 200 ‘live’ projects on the physical programme worth in excess of £300m which makes it not only a significant programme from a Council perspective but also one of the biggest regeneration programmes in the city.

            Project Updates 

3.2       Kerbside Collection Scheme – capital infrastructure to support a pilot - The project involves the purchase of the equipment necessary to pilot the proposed kerbside collection scheme for dry recyclables and food waste across the city including two vehicles and associated bins. This scheme is necessary to deliver the Council’s Waste Framework document and is aimed at cost-effectively maximising diversion of waste from landfill and boosting recycling rates to meet the challenging legislative targets. This follows on from the recent consultation on waste which has been undertaken by C&NS.

3.3       Members are asked to note that the that the Council has been advised by DEARA that capital funding is available this financial year to help purchase equipment and infrastructure to support a pilot for the proposed new kerbside collection scheme. All monies are however require to be committed this financial year. Members are asked to agree that the Council submits an application for funding to DEARA and to note that there are no financial implications for the Council as 100% of funding is anticipated from DEARA.  Further details on the proposed pilot will be brought back to Members in due course.  

3.4       City Centre – New cleansing vehicle - Following the impact of the fire at Bank Buildings on 28th August and the subsequent placement of the cordon in the city centre, C&NS have undertaken investigations into options on the cost of purchase of an effective street washing machine to enhance the area.  Members are asked to note that the purchase of such a machine will help underpin the aims of the Belfast City Centre Streetscape Strategy and Action Plan in that it will contribute to

·        Attractive, inviting, clean and safe public places and spaces for all

·        Improved aesthetic quality of city centre environment

·        Enhanced overall quality of life

·        Increased civic pride and positive city centre image

3.5       Committee is asked to approve the purchase of an additional cleansing vehicle for the city centre. It is proposed that a budget of up to a maximum of £140,000 under non-recurrent is ring-fenced for the purchase of the new vehicle.  The Director of Finance & Resources has confirmed that this is within the affordability limits of the Council. Discussions are underway with the City Centre Team to ascertain if there is any match funding from other sources (central gvt etc.) however there is no commitment to this yet.

3.6       Members are further asked to agree that the necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) for both projects above be initiated with contracts to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

3.7       Hammer Playground Development -  Members will recall that they were previously notified that a financial settlement of the NIHE had been received in relation to the replacement of Tudor Place Playground and it was agreed that this would be ring-fenced for the provision of a new playground at the Hammer.  DfC have now committed match funding to this project and it is therefore recommended that this is moved to stage 3- Committed on the Capital Programme.  Members are asked to note that there are no financial implications for the Council as the funding has been secured from NIHE and DfC.

3.8 Connswater Community Greenway - Members will be aware that Phase 2 of the CCG programme finished in September 2017 with further smaller works continuing in Phase 3 to complete the programme. Members will also be aware that funding to deliver the programme was from a number of sources including £20 million from the Big Lottery Fund. Discussions with Big Lottery have taken place about the sustainability of CCG and how we can maximise the benefits of the investment to continue to deliver positive health and wellbeing outcomes for those living, working and visiting East Belfast as well as realising Big Lottery’s vision of CCG becoming a ‘Living Landmark’.

3.9       Big Lottery have agreed that £1m of the balance remaining from their capital funding will be allocated as an endowment to Connswater Community Greenway Trust (CCGT) for the delivery of an annually agreed animation programme for the greenway. This will be effective from April 2019 and will be subject to a legal agreement between BCC and CCGT which will be for a period of 10 years. Members are advised that since the completion of Phase 1 of the programme, animation of CCG has been delivered in partnership with CCGT, funded from Big Lottery revenue with a programme agreed annually by the People and Communities Committee. Members are asked to agree to the Council entering into a legal agreement for a period of 10 years with CCGT for the delivery of an annual animation programme funded by Big Lottery, subject to a legal agreement being drawn up by the City Solicitor in agreement with the Strategic Director of CNS.

            External funding

3.10      Members will be aware that over the past couple of years the Council has been requested to deliver a series of capital projects under a number of externally funded initiatives including the Social Investment Fund (SIF) and Urban Villages (UV) on behalf of the Executive Office together with projects on behalf of the Department for Communities. These requests recognise both the successful track record of the Council as a delivery agent for capital projects and also the uniquely placed role of the Council as a civic leader in the city.

            In addition the Council actively seeks external funding to help support projects which are on its agreed lists which can free up financing to be used on other projects.

3.11      Letters of offer – Members are asked to note that the following letters of offer have been received and that work is now underway on these projects –

            In addition Members are asked to note that DFC are providing 100% funding towards the provision of temporary changing facilities at Whiterock and Girdwood. The delivery of this is also being undertaken by DFC. There are therefore no capital financial implications for the Council. 

3.12      Financial & Resource Implications

            Financial – City Centre – New cleansing vehicle – Up to a maximum of £140,000. The Director of Finance & Resources has confirmed that this is within the affordability limits of the Council.  Council officers are exploring whether any match funding can be obtained from partners in respect of this project. 

            Resources – Resources from Property & Projects and appropriate departments in working up proposals in conjunction with groups.

3.13      Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Impact Assessment

            There are no direct implications.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.