Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to progress the Sunken Gardens scheme, including its scope, delivery and project funding.

The Cabinet

            RESOLVED

            That the scope of the Sunken Gardens project is approved and that the project team progresses its delivery, subject to Full Council approval of the Recommendation below.

The Cabinet also

            RECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL

            That a supplementary estimate of £500k be approved for the Sunken Gardens project funded from the £316 balance of the earmarked reserve identified for unallocated project funding and essential capital maintenance and the balance of £184k which equates to a Band D equivalent Council Tax of £2.97.

(Prior to the commencement of this item, Councillor Coster redeclared his Personal Interest made at the start of the meeting).

The Cabinet Member for Technical Services, Councillor Stanley, introduced this report which sets out the scope and detail of a project to refurbish the Sunken Gardens in Bognor Regis.  It was outlined that this project would provide an important opportunity to improve this well-loved greenspace and would further contribute to the wider improvements in the Town. 

The Principal Landscape and Project Officer was then invited to present the item.  The plans in place for this project were explained to include how the Council would address anti-social behaviour issues to reverse this trend and create a destination for both locals and visitors. The proposals for the site had been set out in the appendix attached to the report. To allow the project to be delivered, Full Council would be asked to approve a supplementary estimate of £500k funded from the £316k balance of the earmarked reserve identified for unallocated project funding and essential capital maintenance.

The points made in debating this item, focused on the fact that the Sunken Gardens were a community asset that needed to be protected as they were greatly valued by the local community and needed to be retained and enhanced. By opening the southern entrance, this would encourage more people to use the gardens and would enhance links to the seafront. Thanks, were extended to the Bognor Regis Community Gardeners who had played a vital part helping to maintain the gardens and being involved in stakeholder activities. 

A Point of Order was raised and concern expressed that by considering this item the Council was contradicting a motion already approved by the Council and that this item fell under the remit of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee and so should not be considered by Cabinet. The Chief Executive confirmed that he had liaised with the Council’s Interim Monitoring Officer and the matter could be discussed and agreed by the Cabinet, if they so wished.  

            Following some discussion, the Cabinet

                        RESOLVED

                        That the scope of the Sunken Gardens project be approved and that the project team progresses its delivery, subject to Full Council approval of Recommendation 2 below.

            Cabinet also

                        RECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL

                        That approval be given to a supplementary estimate of £500k for the Sunken Garden project funded from the £316k balance of the earmarked reserve identified for unallocated project funding and essential capital maintenance and the balance of £184k which equates to a Band D equivalent Council Tax of £2.97.

The Cabinet confirmed its decision as per Decision Notice C/033/161120, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of the Minutes.