Agenda item

RESOVLED - that (A) the terms and conditions of the grant be accepted; and

(B) the proposals to fund the initial development phase of the project with a £20,517 contribution submitted in the Council’s Capital Programme for 2023/24, be approved.

The Executive Member for Wellbeing submitted a report that summarised a project to make improvements to Castle Grounds, Hertford, which had resulted in the successful award of a grant from National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). The report outlined the work that had already been carried and how the project would now progress in partnership with the Town Council.

The Executive Member for Wellbeing said that the report explained the necessary commitment of resources and funds by the Council, which were implied by acceptance of the grant. She said that the report related to a successful joint bid following a period of consultation. She referred to the exciting opportunity to improve accessibility to the castle grounds and increase the habitat aspect.

The Executive Member for Wellbeing said that the bid was two stages, and the initial stage included the scoping aspect of the work. She said that the second application stage could potentially mean being successfully awarded around £2.5m to carry out the work.

The Executive Member for Wellbeing said that the council’s contribution would be £20,517 in addition to the funding from Hertford Town Council. She said that this money, along with the grant of around £342,000, would be used to carry out extensive surveys, reviews and community engagement.

Members were advised that the approval of this report did not commit the Council to stage two of what would be a competitive process. The Executive Member for Wellbeing said that the approval from the Executive of this report would enable the opportunity to continue to stage two. She referred to the covering of costs being incurred in respect of improving accessibility to the site and moving the playground way from the A414, in terms of concerns that had been raised in respect of air quality.

Councillor Hopewell proposed that the recommendation in the report be supported. Councillor Hoskin seconded the proposal.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods welcomed the proposals as an excellent opportunity which could secure access to funds that the councils would not be able to raise by themselves.

Councillor Deering said that the Hertford Castle Grounds Improvement Project had been approved under the previous Conservative administrations of both Hertford Town Council and East Herts Council. The Leader thanked Councillor Deering for this reminder for Members.

Councillor Clements asked a question in respect of risk mitigation in terms of the financial risks. The Executive Member for Wellbeing commented on discussions that might need to take place in respect of which areas of the project that would need to be prioritised were costs to continue to rise. She referred to the cost of building materials.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth commented on potential sources of funding including Section 106 funding. The motion to support the recommendation having been proposed and seconded was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOVLED - that (A) the terms and conditions of the grant be accepted; and

(B)   the proposals to fund the initial development phase of the project with a £20,517 contribution submitted in the Council’s Capital Programme for 2023/24, be approved.