Issue - meetings

Item CB 21/39 referred from Cabinet of 16 March 2021

Item CB 21/39 referred from Cabinet of 16 March 2021

RESOLVED:  That the recommendation at Minute CB 21/39 be approved.

This report provides an update on funding for the Leybourne Lakes Country Park new lakeside facility and recommends to Council a budget increase funded entirely from specific developer contributions.

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services provided an update on funding for the Leybourne Lakes Country Park new lakeside facility and recommended a budget increase funded entirely from specific developer contributions.

A detailed review of the build cost plan undertaken in liaison with consultants had resulted in savings being identified.  Although this had reduced the build cost to £774,000 the project was £12,300 over budget.  However, with such a small budget shortfall and further developer contributions identified, there was confidence that the project could be fully externally funded and should proceed to the ‘cost certainty’ stage.

Following discussion it was agreed that the consultancy team would be asked to investigate further design opportunities to address climate change.  It was recognised that this might involve additional costs which if approved would need to be funded separately through external grants and/or the Borough Councils Climate Change earmarked reserve.

RECOMMENDED:  That, in order to ensure the delivery of the project and following assessment of Stage 1 (cost confidence), it be commended to Council that the budget for the project be increased to £774,000 with the excess being funded from specific developer contributions.

*Referred to Council