Issue - meetings

Merstham Recreation Ground Refurbishment

Meeting: 18/11/2021 - Executive (Item 39)

39 Merstham Recreation Ground Refurbishment

Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and Executive Member for Planning Policy and Place Delivery.

Supporting documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that the Executive:

 

1.    Approve the Merstham Recreation Ground Master Plan as set out in Annex 1 of the report.

 

2.    Approve the phased implementation of the refurbishment as set out in the report.

 

3.    Authorise the Head of Finance to make the necessary arrangements to allocate funds to the first phase of the project in accordance with the exempt information outlined in the report and the approved Capital Programme.

 

4.    Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery to make a Planning Application for the refurbishment of Merstham Recreation Ground and any other planning applications on other sites that may be required to bring the project forward as necessary.

 

5.    Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery to procure and make any necessary consultancy and contractor appointments for the project, to prepare the necessary documentation and to obtain competitive tenders for the design and build as set out in the report.

 

6.    Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery to award, finalise, agree, sign and execute construction contracts relating to the project.

 

7.     Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery to alter the scope of works as necessary, should further project funding be secured or if necessary, to ensure that expenditure remains within the budget set out in the exempt part of the report.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services explained that the report was seeking approval to bring forward the Council’s ambitions for the refurbishment of Merstham Recreation Ground.

 

A thorough process of engagement with residents and stakeholders had taken place. This included public events, newsletters, online engagement and a focus group. The Council had developed a Master Plan for the recreation ground based on the engagement process. The Master Plan had received strong public support. The next step was to submit a planning application and appoint a contractor to bring forward the improvements.

 

Councillor Bramhall explained that the Master Plan would be delivered over time, as and when funding was secured. Phase 1 would include a new pavilion, new footpaths, a play area, youth area, outdoor gym and planted trees, woodland, and orchard. Councillor Bramhall explained the Council was working with Surrey County Council as the local drainage authority as the refurbishment was seen as an exemplar project on how to deliver and manage sustainable drainage. The Council was also working with local community groups to identify community funding opportunities for smaller components.

 

The refurbishment would meet a key objective of the Council’s Reigate & Banstead 2025 Plan to invest in Council owned parks and recreational facilities, as well as improving the lives of those who live in Merstham.

 

In response to questions from Visiting Members it was confirmed that:

·       An integrated approach was planned for the provision of equipment which would allow further upgrades in time once funding was available.

·       Security would be achieved by design principles such as wide-open views and lighting, along with increased activity.

 

RESOLVED that the Executive:

 

1.    Approve the Merstham Recreation Ground Master Plan as set out in Annex 1 of the report.

 

2.    Approve the phased implementation of the refurbishment as set out in the report.

 

3.    Authorise the Head of Finance to make the necessary arrangements to allocate funds to the first phase of the project in accordance with the exempt information outlined in the report and the approved Capital Programme.

 

4.    Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery to make a Planning Application for the refurbishment of Merstham Recreation Ground and any other planning applications on other sites that may be required to bring the project forward as necessary.

 

5.    Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery to procure and make any necessary consultancy and contractor appointments for the project, to prepare the necessary documentation and to obtain competitive tenders for the design and build as set out in the report.

 

6.    Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Planning and Place Delivery to award, finalise, agree, sign and execute construction contracts relating to the project.

 

7.     Authorise the Head of Place Delivery in consultation with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39