Issue - meetings

At a previous meeting, Members had requested that in the absence of National Lottery Heritage Funding, options and associated costs for the refurbishment of the memorial area at Baylis Park War Memorial Garden be drawn up; in order to improve its visibility and resilience for future. Three options, as set out in the report and appendices, had been put together for consideration. It was explained that the cost designs costs were indicative at this stage, with detailed accurate costings and timescales to be provided once the Committee had agreed on a preferred option.

Members discussed the merits of the three options. Option 2 was agreed as the preferred option, which included repositioning of the memorial stones,   but only if there was CCTV coverage of this site. In the absence of CCTV it was agreed that officers proceed with restoration and enhancement works at the current location of the memorial.  

A Member asked what the variation in final costs for works, from the indicative figures presented, was likely to be. It was explained that the financial details as set out in the report were fairly accurate and it wasn’t anticipated that there would be a significant variation in the final costs for the works. Members agreed that work commence if the final costs were within a 10% margin of those detailed in the report. It was noted that subject to the Committee approval, works could begin promptly, with the only potential delay being due to the stone plinth which had an expected delivery time of up to ten weeks.  

Resolved -

a)  That details of the report be noted.

b)  That Option 2, as set out in the appendix to the report, be agreed as the preferred option for the refurbishment and repositioning of the memorial; subject to confirmation of CCTV covering the proposed new site. In the absence of CCTV at the location of site 2; Members agreed that refurbishment works commence at site 1 as outlined in the appendix to the report. 

c)  That the matter be brought back to the Committee should the final detailed costs for works be greater than 10% of the estimated costs as set out in the report.

The Parks and Open Spaces Manager reminded Members that officers had  previously been successful in gaining permission from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to submit a stage one application for the restoration of areas of Baylis Park. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, priorities for funding had changed and the NLHF had withdrawn the offer; inviting the Council to re-apply with a revised bid that took into account the fund’s new priorities – which were local business, skills health and wellbeing.

Furthermore, in view of the Section 114 notice and the Council’s financial position, the match funding required as part of the terms of the NLHF application was unlikely to be available from the Council’s budget and in the absence of match funding an application could not proceed.

Members discussed the possibility of re-locating the memorial to a more prominent site within the park or whether to improve access to its current location. It was agreed that the financial implications for the options discussed would be reported to the January meeting.

Resolved -

a)  That details of the report be noted.

b)  That a report be considered at the January meeting outlining options available and associated costs, regarding improving access to the current memorial site or re-locating it.