Decision details

To note progress with the Leeds Parklife Programme, to approve continuation of work on the programme, to note the shortlist of sites and to progress feasibility studies on some of the shortlisted sites.

The Director of City Development and the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a joint report providing an update on the progress made in relation to the Leeds Parklife programme, which sought approval for work to continue on the programme, to note the shortlist of sites as detailed within the report and which also sought approval for funding of £100k towards feasibility studies on some of the shortlisted sites.

The proposals within the report, and the potential opportunities arising from them were welcomed. In addition, emphasis was placed upon how the programme would help address the issues arising from the high demand and over-use of Council owned pitches. Reference was also made to the ongoing discussions and progress being made with respect to the ownership of Woodhall Playing Fields.

In considering the report, Members highlighted the need to ensure that any new facilities developed as a result of this initiative were able to be accessed and used by local communities. Also, responding to an enquiry, the Board received further details on the principles set out by the Football Association by which sites could be brought forward for inclusion within the programme.

In conclusion, the Chair highlighted the fact that Leeds had successfully been included within the first round of the Parklife programme, and emphasised that the shortlist, as detailed within the submitted report was not finalised, and therefore suggestions for additional or alternative sites were welcomed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal for the Parklife programme in Leeds, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the proposed shortlist of sites as detailed within the submitted report be noted, and that approval be given for officers to seek further suggestions for sites from local partners, subject to the criteria as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report;

(c)  That further work with the Football Association and local and national partners to further develop the Parklife programme in Leeds, be approved, which will specifically include carrying out technical feasibility studies, production of a final shortlist, development of a delivery programme and the provision of costings for the development of each site;

(d)  That an injection into the capital programme of £100k in order to carry out feasibility works at some of the shortlisted sites, be approved;

(e)  That the release of £100k from the capital programme be approved, with the necessary authority also being delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to take decisions regarding the release of funding for specific sites;

(f)  That it be noted that a further report will be submitted to Executive Board in order to make a final decision upon the shortlist and appropriate release of funds for development;

(g)  That it be noted that the Director of City Development and the Director of Communities and Environment will be responsible for the implementation of the above resolutions.

Consultation with the Executive and Ward Members

Executive Member for Resources and Strategy

Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability

Ward Members for affected Wards