Cabinet Member for Localism, Sport, Culture and Heritage

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Economy and Community and the above Cabinet Member which asked Members to consider a proposal that the Council provides up to £200k of capital funding to help deliver a skate park on the Mill Site in Sittingbourne subject to conditions.

The Cabinet Member for Localism, Sport, Culture and Heritage introduced the report and provided some background on the item.  He explained that the Group had outline planning permission at the site and nearly £90,000 had already been raised, and had submitted grant applications but had experienced problems with match-funding as the value of the land was not being recognised.  He stated that the £200,000 funding would ensure that the skate park was built. 

In response to queries, the Cabinet Member for Localism, Sport, Culture and Heritage stated that the project was value for money and would not only benefit the young people of Swale but bring young people in from across Kent.  The Leader confirmed that appropriate due diligence had been undertaken and he was impressed with the work to-date.

RESOLVED:

(1) That the provision of up to £200k of capital funding be agreed to help deliver a Skate Park on the Mill site in Sittingbourne subject to the conditions detailed in (2) below.

(2) That Cabinet delegates authority to the Director for Regeneration and Head of Finance in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Localism, Sport, Culture and Heritage and the Cabinet Member for Finance to release the allocation of up to £200k subject to the following conditions:

i.  The balance of funding is secured to meet the full cost of the facility

ii. That a trust is established that will operate and manage the facility to ensure sustainability of the project

iii. A business plan is provided