Decision details

To seek approval to accept the award of grant funding from the FCC Communities Foundation Limited, and the commencement of a procurement process to deliver the play area refurbishment.

That the Deputy Leader grants approval for delegated authority to be given to the Deputy Chief Executive and s151 Officer to accept the offer of grant funding from the FCC Communities Foundation Limited in the sum of £100,000, together with the third-party funding from the Rotary Club of Grantham in the sum of £5,000 in order to fund the replacement of play equipment at Beeden Park Grantham.

The reason for the recommendation is whilst the play park equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, it is of an age where it is not meeting the needs of the local community.

The grant funding available will provide much-needed investment at the play park and increase usage within the local community in line with the Council’s corporate vision.

The Council’s Corporate Plan 2024 to 2027 contains the key priorities of Connecting Communities by encouraging sport and physical activity to support healthy lifestyles and reduce health inequalities. Ward Members from the Earlesfield Ward initially identified a need for improved facilities at Beeden Park in Grantham, an asset owned by the Council. It was considered refurbishment of the play area, would provide local residents with more opportunities to enjoy being in the open air and taking part in informal activity.

Working with the local community to recognise the need for improved play park equipment, a survey was undertaken to establish the views of the local community.

·       92.11% of respondents agreed improvements to the park were necessary

·       92.68% said they would use the park more often if improvements were made.

Support was also received from local schools and nurseries in the area.

As a result of the work undertaken, a funding application was submitted to FCC Communities Foundation Limited to support the project costs of improving the play equipment in the park.

On 15 March 2024, confirmation was received from FCC Communities Foundation Limited, the grant application of £100,000.00 had been successful and allocated towards the eligible costs of the project, subject to payment of £10,750.00 third party match funding by the Council.

In addition to the grant award (mentioned above), the Rotary Club of Grantham were approached to seek further funding towards the overall project to maximise the opportunity for play equipment improvements in the park. Agreement in principle was given on 10 January 2024 to provide a grant of £5,000, as the project aligned with their aims of Community, Health and Youth.

As a consequence, the Council will cover the £10,750.00 third party funding required, which will be paid to FCC Recycling (UK) Ltd as per the grant conditions.

Additional funding of £22,345 towards the project will be covered by the Council from funds held on the balance sheet for works in the vicinity of Dysart Road. This results in an overall combined funding amount of £127,345 towards the project.