Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Community Services Portfolio Holder

The Community Services Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

She advised Members that the detailed specification for the new North Street car park was finalised in June, following which detailed costings had been provided by the appointed contractor.  Soft demolition had begun at the prior health centre site in September and although works had been paused due to issues with the gas supply, the actual demolition was scheduled for 3 November.  She reminded Members of the vision to create a sculpture with an estimated cost of no more than £50,000 and confirmed that designs were currently being looked at for a wooden sculpture.  It was anticipated that the cost may be lower  and the Ashby Project would be invited to seek match or grant funding from appropriate sources.

The Community Services Portfolio Holder informed Members that Ashby Town Council were launching their new branding at an event on 16 November, at which the town would also be receiving its Purple Flag Award for its night-time economy. She requested a vote of thanks for officers involved in obtaining the accreditation for all the hard work undertaken.

Councillor R D Bayliss referred to the proposed wooden sculpture for the town and asked the Portfolio Holder to consider looking at other alternatives due to previous experiences.  He explained that other wooden objects such as the skate park and trees in Hood Park had been vandalized and due to this risk he was concerned.

Councillor R Blunt seconded the concerns.  He commented that from his own experience he could see that stone sculptures lasted the test of time and agreed that other materials should be considered.  He also felt that planting a row of lime trees in the open space along the border would be appropriate to mirror the other entrance into Ashby.

It was moved by Councillor A V Smith, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)   The progress to date in the development of Ashby’s Culture and Leisure Quarter, and specifically the Council’s new North Street car park be noted.

b)   A maximum of £100,000 be allocated to ensure that the original vision for Ashby Culture and Leisure Quarter can be delivered.

c)   The Authority for commitment of the allocated funds be delegated to the (Interim) Strategic Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

d)   Alternative materials to wood be investigated for the proposed statue in the Culture and Leisure Quarter.

Reason for decision:  To allocate resources to undertake the works