Issue - meetings

The report considers future potential governance and funding arrangements including the submission of an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund's Parks for People programme for feasibility and development funding to restore the historic gardens in accordance with the priorities and required outcomes of the Parks for People programme

Councillor David Dixon, in proposing the item, said that the area was very fortunate to have such amazing open spaces.  Although Sydney Gardens had been neglected over the years, there was now an opportunity to bid for finance from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the gardens.  The plan was to return Sydney Gardens to what was originally intended.

Councillor Roger Symonds seconded the proposal and said that Sydney Gardens was a wonderful place which he remembered from its heyday.  He was delighted that it would be restored.  He asked for an assurance that the restoration would not be spoiled by the presence of the railway.

Councillor David Dixon readily assured Councillor Symonds of this.

On a motion from Councillor David Dixon, seconded by Councillor Roger Symonds, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AUTHORISE officers to progress work on:

•  The feasibility and development work to make a Round 1 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, under the Parks for People programme, for development funding for the restoration of Sydney Gardens;

•  Examining potential alternative future governance arrangements for the management of Sydney Gardens.