CRAIGAVON BOROUGH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD IN THE MEMBERS COMMITTEE ROOM, CIVIC CENTRE, LAKEVIEW ROAD, CRAIGAVON ON MONDAY 16 JUNE 2014 AT 5.30PM
PRESENT: Councillor L Mackle BA (Hons) (Vice-Chair) Presiding Aldermen: Mrs G McCullough, Mrs C Lockhart BA (Hons) (5.52pm) and G A Hatch (6.02pm) Councillors: P A Duffy (5.49pm), P J Moutray and J J Nelson MSc (7) APOLOGIES: Councillors M T R Baxter (Chairman)
IN ATTENDANCE: Director of Development (Ms O Murtagh) Principal Community Resources Officer (Mrs D Clarke) Tourism Development Manager (Mrs S Durand) Economic Development Manager (Mr C Tipping) Business Manager (Mr R Griffin) Contracts Manager (Mr G McGibbon) (5.50pm) Member Services Officer (Mrs C Taylor)
ALSO IN For Item D181/2014 ATTENDANCE: Representative from BNL (Mr T Proctor)
For Items D186/2014 & D187/2014 Principal Administrative Officer (Mr L Porter)
D180/2014 MINUTES
The Minutes of the Development Committee Meeting held on 14 April 2014, adopted by Council at its meeting on 6 May 2014 with the exception of:
D142/2014 Community Support Plan – Funding 2014/15 D147/2014 World War One Small Grant Scheme D157/2014 Town Centre Regeneration – Update and Approval Request
which were adopted by Council at its meeting held on 23 April 2014, were noted.
D181/2014 PRESENTATION – BNL – LOCAL i APP
At the April 2014 meeting of Committee Members requested that BNL Productions be invited to present to Committee in June 2014 on the LOCALi app. This leading edge technology was developed as a result of funding from NESTA for a partnership comprising Council, local multi-media company BNL and Queens University. The concept was based upon the UK Government’s drive towards a ‘digital by default’ basis for communication between citizens and government. NESTA, which was closely associated with the Technology Strategy Board in the UK, provided funding for the project with the aim of developing and rolling out a ‘hyper local’ communications channel. Craigavon was the ‘test bed’ for the project.
The Chairman, Councillor Mackle, welcomed Mr T Proctor of BNL to the meeting. Mr Proctor gave Members an informative presentation on the Locali App. He made the following key points:
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D181/2014 PRESENTATION – BNL – LOCAL i APP Continued
• Last year 60% of internet usage came through mobile phones. In the UK 72% of the population owned a smart phone. 62% of the activities on mobile phones was to download Apps and use them. • There were 100 – 500 people using the Local i App on an Android phone and 650 on an iphone. • 80 businesses had been worked with to date. There were 50 offers currently in the App from local businesses. • Local i App was a free App which not every Council area had. • The Local i App provided promotion of events and profiling of community groups, boosted Craigavon’s economy through the promotion of local business, was inclusive to city and rural dwellers as it could work off-line and contained a tool to count up how many times an offer was availed of. • The phone book on the App was updated on a regular basis and was complete with all business users. • The App should be promoted alongside the free town wifi initiative and promoted on the Craigavon Borough Council, Council’s Facebook page and the Discover Craigavon website. • The App could be enhanced by linking in to more feeds of information ie. Translink routes and fares.
The ideas for the Local i Version 2 were as follows:
• Who is my local Councillor and contacts. • Showcase business support and grant aid. • Enhance the aesthetics of the App. • Addition of business categories and push notifications. • Creation of an archive of newsletters. • Potential to go into the ABC Council. • Audio digital walking tour could add value.
Questions from Members were answered as follows:
• The Local i App was potentially a framework that could be sold and Craigavon Borough Council could benefit if the framework was extended. • The wifi was operational in both towns and was currently being used on an individual basis. • The App was targeted at the small local business market to enable the promotion of local spending in the towns. • Initial contact with the businesses was made by a team from BNL who called into the businesses in the towns to sign them up to the initiative or to leave information to allow them to decide whether they wanted to sign up later or not. Telephone support was provided to them for any issues they may have had. Going forward automated contact would most likely be used. • The PCSP fed into the App and the PSNI fed in through Twitter. • There was no need to tender as there was no cash cost to Craigavon Borough Council as such as the property lay within the project grouping with BNL having the largest stake. • There should not be a cost to Council should the App not be continued into the ABC Council.
The Chairman thanked Mr Proctor of BNL for the presentation and he departed from the meeting
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D181/2014 PRESENTATION – BNL – LOCAL i APP Continued
(During the above presentation, Councillor Duffy joined the meeting at 5.49pm, Alderman Mrs Lockhart joined the meeting at 5.52pm and Alderman Hatch joined the meeting at 6.02pm. Alderman Mrs Lockhart temporarily departed from the meeting at 6.00pm and re-entered at 6.02pm)
URGENT BUSINESS
D182/2014 AUTUMN PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO DEVELOP FUTURE PRIORITY
Agri-Food Sector – Event for September 2014
Officers had been exploring potential programmes and initiatives to support local SME and indigenous Agri-food Businesses with the focus of responding directly to the Going for Growth Strategy. From this research the focus had been directed towards the Craigavon Agri-food and Drink Business Development Programme and the Craigavon Agri-food and Drink Forum on the themes of innovation, export and entrepreneurship.
In preparation for these Agri-food focused programmes it had become apparent that the local SME’s were not aware of or equipped to gain maximum advantage from available EU grant funding, in particular Horizon 2020.
With this in mind the focus/theme of the first Craigavon Agri-food and Drink Forum in September 2014 would be awareness raising around potential funding sources, in particular Horizon 2020 with the aim of establishing collaborative clusters and networks.
There were other funding supports that would complement Horizon 2020 and it was the intention to have INI, Queens University Belfast and Southern Regional College in relation to Enterprise Europe Network, Innovation vouchers and Knowledge Transfer programmes.
Overall this would provide the local Agri-food SME’s with a much better understanding of Horizon 2020 and an opportunity to become part of a much wider collaborative network.
Research and Development Through Technology – Event for October 2014
Officers had worked closely with the NI Technology Centre at Queen’s University and would hold a Conference in October 2014 on the theme of innovation and research and development aimed at establishing a pilot cluster and programme around:
• Disruptive Technologies • High Performance Computing • Additive technology • Virtual Realisation
NITC and Council’s strategic partners would present case studies and real examples of how this technology could move businesses up the innovation escalator to a point where they become more competitive and can see their market opportunities grow and develop.
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D182/2014 AUTUMN PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO DEVELOP FUTURE PRIORITY Continued
The Conference would help to establish collaborative networks of SMEs so that this could be driven forward on an innovation and research and development agenda. Invest NI needed collaborative networks to come together to access funding. Council as the strategic leader in economic development would fulfil this need.
Life and Health Sciences – Event for November 2014
To continue with the promotion of Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences and to support an application to Interreg 5, Council would be holding the second Annual Life Sciences Conference in November 2014.
The main focus of this event would be facilitating the networking/collaboration between Clinicians and SME’s. Through the promotion of Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence and other programmes including the Life Sciences Supply chain project and Life Sciences Innovation project it has been identified that within Craigavon there were some highly innovative SME’s. Despite this however the SME’s were not aware of all of the EU grant opportunities that may be available to them, in particular the Horizon 2020 programme.
The Conference would be the perfect environment to provide an overview of the Horizon 2020 funding programme and focus on those elements that were directly relevant to SME’s such as the SME instrument and particular Life and Health Science calls.
The awareness event would also be of benefit to the Clinicians and Health professionals as the SME element in partnerships for Horizon 2020 is essential and would provide those from the clinical environment direct access to this invaluable element to their specific research applications.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That the significant and ground breaking work that is ongoing, to establish and develop business centered collaborations and partnerships for the future economic prosperity of the region and to reinforce the important leadership role that Craigavon provides to the business sector in terms of economic development, be noted.
D183/2014 LIFE SCIENCES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Craigavon’s Economic Development team had established strong linkages with a range of stakeholders in Life and Health Sciences with a view to maximizing the economic benefit of this key growth sector to the borough.
This had resulted in the development of partnership arrangements with key sectoral players including Biobusiness, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Craigavon Area Hospital, University of Ulster, Queen’s University Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland, East Border Region Ltd and Dundalk Institute of Technology.
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D183/2014 LIFE SCIENCES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Continued
This in turn had enabled Craigavon Borough Council to develop a Life Sciences Strategy and bring forward a number of new initiatives including
• The Life Sciences Supply Chain Project • The Life Sciences Innovation Programme • The Cardiology, Commerce and Collaboration Conference • Hosting of the Eco Health Conference
Work had also been undertaken to establish relationships with European and global stakeholders through a series of delegations to EU Offices in Brussels and the hosting of Life Sciences delegations from Boston and Asia Pacific region.
An opportunity had arisen through the forthcoming Interreg V Programme which would provide funding for enhancing research and innovation infrastructure and business investment in research and innovation in the Life Sciences sector. The finalized programme was out to consultation at present however it was proposed that €60m in funding was made available for this priority.
The work already completed by the Economic Development team had established a firm basis on which to make a significant bid to this programme for funding for a multi-faceted project to establish Craigavon as a Life Sciences Centre of Excellence for the EBR and SEED economic development regions.
The proposal would seek to establish a framework of supports to develop the capacity of the area to support Life Sciences activity and also to develop the capacity of local businesses to innovate, develop products and do business within the sector. It would also be an opportunity to build on previous work to establish a Life Sciences Innovation Centre/Bio lab within the Borough.
A project of this nature would require a stable long term partnership of academic, business, clinical and government stakeholders with a clear vision of implementation over a number of years.
The long term support of Members would be critical in establishing the deep linkages and partnerships needed to develop the bid and to implement the project should funding be achieved.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs Lockhart, seconded by Alderman Hatch, and
RECOMMENDED:
That approval ‘in principle’ be given to the development of a proposal to the Interreg V Programme for a comprehensive capital and resource project to support the growth of the Life Sciences sector in Craigavon.
D184/2014 LETTER OF OFFER – RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
SOAR was open for applications under Measure 3.5 Village Renewal and Development of the Rural Development Programme from 1 February until 28 March 2013. Officers submitted 4 speculative applications following on from the consultation process undertaken through the Craigavon Village Plans.
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D184/2014 LETTER OF OFFER – RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Continued
Officers had now been advised that the recreational provision at Bleary Old School House application had been successful and a Letter of Offer had been received from the Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas. A copy of the Letter of Offer can be found at Appendix 1.
The project aimed to employ a qualified consultant team to produce a technical study which would develop all issues, options and costs related to provide recreational facilities at the former school site in Bleary.
This project was identified through the Village Plans consultation process and the need for the project was highlighted in the Waringstown, Bleary and Gibson’s Hill Village Plan. The Village Plans were launched in December 2013. Through this project Council could begin to address issues identified and work with local communities to develop costed options for the provision of play/recreation facilities on the Bleary Old School site. The project aimed to complement existing plans for the Bleary Creative Hub on the Old School House site in Bleary. Consultation would be required with a number of stakeholders including Council, Local Community and Bleary Primary School. The preferred option would then be developed to RIBA Stage D together with applications for planning.
The total project cost was estimated to be in the region of £13,500 with Council match-funding the project in the amount of £8,500. The timeline for delivery of this project was challenging as the project must be delivered by September 2014.
Match funding of £8,500 to implement the project had been previously agreed by Council (D383/2012).
Declaration of Interest Councillor Duffy declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item of business, being a member of the LAG.
Alderman Mrs McCullough and Councillor Nelson declared non-pecuniary interests as a member of SOAR.
In response to a query from a Member, the Director undertook to investigate the delay in the Letter of Offer.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs Lockhart, seconded by Alderman Mrs McCullough, and
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That approval be given to accept the Letter of Offer from the Rural Development Programme, Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas (SOAR) for £5,000 grant-aid to appoint a consultant to undertake a technical study to develop options, costs and all issues related to provide recreational provision on the site of Bleary Old School House;
(2) That it be noted that the match-funding of £8,500 required to implement the project has been previously agreed by Council (D383/2012); and
(3) That the delay in the Letter of Offer is investigated. 6
D185/2014 REQUEST FROM PORTADOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO MATCH FUND A CHAMBER LED CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE DRD ROADS SERVICES’ 5 HOURS FOR £1 CAR PARKING INITIATIVE
The Department for Regional Development recently announced an extension to their Christmas 2013 Parking Scheme which involved charging lower parking rates in car parks across NI throughout the festive trading period.
As a result 93 ‘off street’ car parks across 25 towns including Lurgan and Portadown would charge £1 for five hours parking for 6 months (commenced on 12 April 2014).
In order to promote the scheme, Portadown Chamber of Commerce had completed 4 weeks of outdoor and press advertising.
They were keen to run a similar campaign at the end of July 2014 at a total cost of £2,000, to include billboards and press advertising in the Portadown Times and Tyrone Courier and had asked if Council would be agreeable to match-fund their £1000 contribution.
On a recent visit to Portadown, the Minister for Regional Development advised Portadown Chamber that resources were not available to run their own marketing campaign for the initiative and they could not fund any campaigns operated independently such as the Portadown Chamber one as this would be unfair to the other 24 towns in which the parking promotion is applicable.
The budget of £1,000 required for this project could be made available from the 2014/2015 Economic Development budget.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart queried why the Department for Regional Development (DRD) could not fund their own initiative. The Tourism Development Manager explained that Portadown Chamber of Commerce had approached DRD, but they did not have the funding to promote the initiative.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart said she found it hard to accept that DRD could not fund this scheme.
Councillor Mackle suggested that the Chamber were keen to promote the reduced price for parking whilst the scheme was currently in operation.
Declaration of Interest Alderman Hatch declared a non-pecuniary interest in Portadown Chamber of Commerce.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart suggested that prior to the Mid Monthly Council meeting to be held on 23 June 2014, contact would be made with DRD to outline Council’s position, as she said it was scandalous that DRD could not provide an advertisement for Portadown and Lurgan.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs Lockhart, seconded by Councillor Duffy; and
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That further contact be made with the Department of Regional Development to outline Council’s position; and
(2) That a further report be brought to the Mid-Monthly meeting of Council to be held on 23 June 2014. 7
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT’S REPORT
D186/2014 CRAIGAVON SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL (SCI) COMMITTEE (D134/2014)
At the April Meeting of the Committee it was agreed to defer the item regarding Craigavon Sister City International (SCI) pending a more detailed report being brought to Members including costings, delegation details and proposed itinerary for the Civic Visit from LaGrange. It was also agreed that a report detailing the positive outcomes of the link be sent to Members of the Committee, which was e-mailed on 3 June 2014.
Civic Visit – Costs
The Principal Administrative Officer/SCI Liaison Officer had contacted the Mayor of LaGrange, Councilman Jim Thornton, advising of a maximum delegation of 8 persons.
LaGrange City Council had suggested arriving on 30 August 2014 and leaving on 5 September 2014 (with the exception of one Council Member who would leave on Wednesday 3 September 2014)
Currently 6 of the 8 spaces had been taken.
In light of the restricted number, the estimated costs had been revised as follows:-
Accommodation £
7 persons for 6 nights at Seagoe Hotel
£97.50 B&B per double room (2 rooms) £73.50 B&B per single room (3 rooms) £73.50 B&B per single room (1 room) 1 person for 4 nights 2,787.00
Transport – self-drive minibus 510.00 (+ diesel)
Civic Reception (50 persons inc meal and room hire) 1750.00
Sundries – admission charges and meals 500.00 Total 5,547.00
This amount could be covered by utilising part of the budget of £5k for the 2014/2015 financial year together with some of the Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation funds.
A detailed proposed itinerary for the visit had been circulated previously. Council could not pre-empt whether the Shadow Council would want to continue the link with LaGrange. It was suggested that an opportunity be offered to the Party representatives of the Shadow Council and the Chief Executive to attend a dinner or lunch so that discussions could take place on future links.
Budgets
At the April Committee Meeting, consideration had been sought in respect of the options available for the expenditure of funds remaining in the Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation Account but no decision was made.
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D186/2014 CRAIGAVON SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL (SCI) COMMITTEE (D134/2014) Continued
The position was as follows:-
Council had approved a budget of £5k for the 2014/2015 financial year to the SCI Committee. The Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation had currently funds totalling £14,319.22.
Given the desire of Members to have the monies spent for the benefit of Craigavon, there were a number of options available:-
a. The new Mayor of LaGrange had indicated that he would be keen to have the Director of Development and Development Officers of LaGrange City Council accompany the delegation as neither had previously been to Craigavon. As there would be a large educational element to such a visit, i.e. in terms of educating the visitors regarding Craigavon and its surrounding area, at least some of the costs of the proposed Civic Visit could be borne out of the Charity Foundation account;
b. The Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation could continue to exist RPA/LGR with funds being ring-fenced for the benefit of the citizens of the Craigavon area or on activities designed to educate those coming from LaGrange and visiting the Craigavon area;
c. A larger than usual grant could be given to members of e.g. the SELB Music Ensemble who are interested in visiting and performing in LaGrange, to assist with fundraising; or
d. Funds could be utilised in relation to the proposed fact finding visit by staff and faculty members from LaGrange (University) College in September 2014. This is with a view to firming up proposals for students and faculty to subsequently study for a period in Craigavon. The programme for this is to be proposed to the European Council of the University System of Georgia, USA. If the programme is accepted then Craigavon would receive recognition along with cities such as Milan, Madrid, Paris and London as an area participating in the Programme.
Alderman Mrs McCullough suggested utilising the funds in the charity account in a more localised manner ie. a grant for a scholarship.
The Principal Administrative Officer advised that the option of the SELB music service would have been a one off to utilise the funds. He also advised that the money could be spent in the Craigavon area if the ideas adhered to the criteria.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart advised that she wished to see more thought put into how the charity fund was utilised going forward, although she said Members needed to be realistic and realise that the linkage was coming to an end. She said it would be better to utilise the money in the charity fund this year, so that there would be a clean slate going into the new Council. She also advised that LaGrange should be kept up to date with the decisions.
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D186/2014 CRAIGAVON SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL (SCI) COMMITTEE (D134/2014) Continued
It was
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That Members note:- i. The revised estimated costs associated with the Civic Visit by a delegation from LaGrange; ii. The draft proposed itinerary for the visit and advise of any amendments;
(2) That due to the timescales involved this matter is referred to the Mid-Monthly meeting of Council to be held on 23 June 2014 for adoption; and
(3) That consideration of the options available for the expenditure of any funds remaining in the Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation Account be deferred for further information/ideas; and
D187/2014 DISABLED PERSONS PARKING PLACES ON ROADS
Correspondence had been received from DRD Roads Service advising that it had been asked to provide disabled parking bays at Corcrain Drive, Portadown and Tullyroan Drive, Portadown and have asked that this matter be brought to the attention of Council.
Maps showing the location of the aforementioned disabled parking bays had been circulated previously.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs McCullough, seconded by Councillor Moutray and,
RECOMMENDED:
That Council advises DRD Roads Service that it has no objection to the proposal to provide disabled parking bays at Corcrain Drive and Tullyroan Drive, Portadown.
D188/2014 RAILWAY INVESTMENT PRIORITISATION STRATEGY (D92/2013)
During 2013, the Department for Regional Development carried out a public consultation on how to take forward and prioritise future investment in the Northern Ireland railway network up to 2035. Council prepared a response to this consultation in April 2013 which sought to highlight local railway priorities and how these might be addressed in line with the options for investment set out in the consultation document (details of which had been circulated previously).
Following consideration of the consultation responses, DRD had published a paper that set out:
• a strategic direction for future railway investment over the next 20 years; and • high level initiatives to be delivered in support of that strategic direction.
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D188/2014 RAILWAY INVESTMENT PRIORITISATION STRATEGY (D92/2013) Continued
An overview of the priority themes and associated key projects had been circulated previously.
The full document can be read at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/publications/publications-details.htm?docid=9698.
Within each of the 3 strategic priorities identified by the document a number of measures are listed. Those measures listed in the document that were of relevance to Craigavon were in bold below in brief extracts from the main report:
PRIORITY 1: MAINTAIN, AND IMPROVE PASSENGER CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING NETWORK
Track Maintenance - Relay of the track through Lurgan station - Track rehabilitation of the following lines: • Knockmore to Lurgan • Yorkgate to Bleach Green • Portadown to the border • Belfast to Bangor
Stations 3.10 NIR had early plans for station upgrades and refurbishment at Lurgan, Ballymena, Adelaide and Londonderry. These works would include accessibility and safety features. Should similar work be required at other stations and halts later in the strategy period, it was expected that a programme would come forward from work on the Network Utilisation Strategy.
Park and Ride 3.11 In recent years the number of parking spaces and park and ride sites at stations had been increased. They had attracted new passengers to travel by rail and are extensively used across the network. Adding to park and ride facilities was seen by many respondents to the consultation as a necessity to grow passenger numbers.
3.12 In line with this, NIR had plans to introduce new or additional parking spaces at the following stations:
- Bangor - Moira - Ballymoney - Holywood - Cullybackey - Ballymena - Portadown - Lurgan - Mossley West - Whiteabbey
3.13 The phasing of these schemes would be governed by the process of land acquisitions and planning approval as well as the availability of funding. The Department would work with NIR to develop a phased programme within its wider
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Park and Ride Strategy. Depending on success, further sites may be added to the programme in later years.
D188/2014 RAILWAY INVESTMENT PRIORITISATION STRATEGY (D92/2013) Continued
3.14 In addition, opportunities to develop out-of-town rail based park and ride at new halts would also be explored.
New Halts 3.15 The consultation response attracted a significant number of suggestions for new halts of various locations across the network. Developing new halts where a viable passenger demand could be identified, particularly where associated with park and ride facilities can help and stimulate more rail usage.
At present, NIR had plans to explore the potential for or to develop further halts at the locations below. This list may be added to where further passenger demand emerges during the Strategy period:
- Ballymartin - Lisburn West - Belfast, Donegall Quay - Craigavon - Eglinton/Ballykelly
PRIORITY 3: ENHANCING THE TEN-T COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK
Network Extensions The costs of expanding the existing network and providing rail services directly to the Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen hubs were likely to be prohibitive over the lifetime of this strategy. However, extensions west along the road network on the A6 in the vicinity of the Castledawson roundabout and either the M1/A4 or A3/A29 corridors in the vicinity of Dungannon and Armagh could provide more affordable and viable options, particularly given the significant number of commuters currently utilising the A6 and A4 corridors.
In line with that, the Department proposed to initiate a series of feasibility studies to determine potential passenger demand, identify optimum routes and locations of halts and to estimate the likely costs and benefits of construction on these corridors.
Whilst the inclusion of a number of rail infrastructure issues of local importance is to be welcomed, Members may wish to consider further lobbying of the Department in relation to these and other specific rail/road issues within the Borough.
Councillor Nelson said that no attention had been paid to the fact that Council had extensively lobbied DRD Committee and the Translink Committee regarding the traffic congestion caused by the barrier in Lurgan. He said this was scandalous and if there was an opportunity to do so, this should be highlighted in Council’s response as Lurgan continued to be treated with contempt.
Councillor Nelson said another major issue which was only going to worsen, was when William Street Car Park came under Council ownership and Council wanted best value. He added that the car park in North Street had been converted to become a pay and display park. He highlighted that more and more commuters were parking on the streets of Lurgan and it was impossible for residents and businesses in the area to get in and out, which was only going to get worse.
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Councillor Nelson suggested writing to Translink and the DRD Committee expressing Council’s disappointment.
D188/2014 RAILWAY INVESTMENT PRIORITISATION STRATEGY (D92/2013) Continued
Councillor Savage said he was glad to see the halt in Craigavon being provided at long last as it was long overdue.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart said that Craigavon had been left out in the cold. She concurred with Councillor Nelson’s suggestion of writing to DRD Committee but suggested requesting a meeting with Translink.
Councillor Mackle said most local residents wanted to see the railway running alongside the motorway and taken out of Lurgan.
Alderman Mrs McCullough requested that the correspondence would include the Park n Ride in Portadown, the Lurgan barrier issue and the Craigavon halt. Councillor Duffy suggested informing DRD Committee and Translink that this Council area would be the second largest in Northern Ireland.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart said that the last time a Translink representative came to Council, it was the Chief Executive and she suggested writing to the Chief Executive of Translink as they had treated Council very poorly.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That correspondence be sent to DRD Committee and the Chief Executive of Translink expressing Council’s disappointment and highlighting the issues of the Central halt, the barrier in Lurgan and the Park n Ride in Portadown.
D189/2014 URBAN VILLAGE SUBMISSION – UPDATE (D137/2014)
The purpose of the designation of 4 urban villages was to ‘create and stabilise change within communities’. The Colin area had been chosen because of the specific challenges it faced as a large urban area with a high population roughly 26,000, which suffered from "a distinct lack of social infrastructure". The Lower Newtownards Road had been selected as it was "a recognised area of high urban deprivation and decay”. The Department for Social Development would work to have each area designated as a development zone and create project boards to coordinate and oversee the planning, design and delivery of all aspects of the urban villages.
As Brownlow exhibited many of the characteristics which had led to the designation of these areas, Officers had begun preparation of a paper making the case for Brownlow’s potential designation as an urban village. Regeneration and urban design consultancy the Paul Hogarth Company had been appointed to assist with the preparation of a concise report which would be informed by a physical audit of the area and a community engagement event hosted at Brownlow Community Hub on 4 June 2014.
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D189/2014 URBAN VILLAGE SUBMISSION – UPDATE (D137/2014) Continued
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That progress with the preparation of a submission to OFMDFM highlighting Brownlow as an area suitable for designation as an urban village as defined by their 'Together: Building a United Community Strategy' published in May 2013, be noted.
D190/2014 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014)
The South Lake area represented a significant opportunity for the Central area, as articulated by previous work such as a 2004 master plan and subsequent development brief for a hotel. More recently, a review of Council-owned lands in the area had been undertaken by Officers and it had been considered that a design team should be appointed to prepare conceptual layout designs for key lands, with a particular focus on the impact of the new leisure facility.
The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment had been assisting Council in relation to the delivery of the combined leisure centre and had undertaken a number of design review workshops during the early stages of the project. As part of this process, the design team for the leisure centre had explored a number of options for the location of the facility while also considering it’s immediate context and the potential future use of, and connectivity with, adjacent lands. This work effectively represented the early stages of a masterplan for a small area of the lakeshore to ensure the optimal site was selected for the leisure facility.
This process ended with the selection of the site for the leisure facility, with the team then focusing solely on the delivery of the building and any associated infrastructure.
Given the impact the new leisure facility would have both visually and in terms of land use, it was proposed that the timing was now appropriate to undertake a broader review of development potential within Council-owned lands located on the shore of the South Lake.
This work would utilise the findings of the leisure centre design team, as well as previous work undertaken by Council including the 2004 masterplan, many of the principles of which remained valid. A design team would therefore have existing work on which to develop and refresh an approach to the area which took account of the changing context of the immediate and wider area, as well as the implications of Local Government Reform in terms of Council’s capacity to deliver.
Officers had also been in discussion with MAG regarding wider opportunities for regeneration within the South Lake area and throughout Craigavon town centre which would inform a refreshed masterplan for the area.
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D190/2014 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014) Continued
Key Issues
While the CIDF did address lands within the town centre boundary of Central Craigavon, the context had changed significantly since this work was completed in 2009 and required a fresh approach that takes account of the leisure project, LGR, market conditions, and potential projects elsewhere in Central Craigavon. Officers had engaged with the private sector locally, including Rushmere as adjoining landowners who remained keen to explore opportunities for expansion, as indicated by their planning approval for further retail, cinema and restaurant development. As a major local attraction, the leisure centre had the potential to boost private sector confidence which would be critical to any future development projects. Officers had also facilitated discussions with central government departments regarding the potential of Council-owned land in the area.
In short, a 2014 masterplan for the shore of the South Lake would fully consider the wider development potential of the South Lake shore, as well as seeking to address severance issues associated with Lakeview Road in particular to improve connectivity with Craigavon town centre.
The plan would articulate development opportunities on Council-owned lands, and define the optimal configuration of the wider area so it could work as an extension of the town centre and a zone where the transition from urban town centre to edge-of- town-centre used and character took place. This would establish a framework within which Council could lead the appropriate development of the south lakeshore, fully realising the regenerative potential of the £25m investment in local leisure.
The process would also identify solutions to potential constraints such as accessibility and landscape sensitivity, as well as considering open space and the public realm, ensuring the development of complementary uses and spaces that strike the appropriate balance between development and preservation of character.
The ultimate aim was to develop Central Craigavon as a place, and as a destination characterised by a strong retail offer alongside indoor and outdoor leisure and recreation uses of a scale and character that would not be achievable in other local towns.
Initial discussions had taken place with potential investors to the area and it was therefore important to independently identify suitable investments for the area.
Council’s role now and going forward would be to enable development by acting to address infrastructure issues and by releasing suitable development opportunity sites. The transfer of functions associated with Local Government Reform further enabled a holistic approach to the ongoing development of the area, ensuring it was fully embedded into the town centre of Craigavon.
The combination of significant capital investment, alongside the extent of Council- owned lands in the area, and the future transfer of planning and regeneration functions to Council meant that there was a unique opportunity to lead a potentially transformational development strategy for Central Craigavon during the first 5-10 years of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council. It was proposed that now was the appropriate time to plan this process, and approval was therefore sought to procure an ICT team during the summer months.
Lands proposed for inclusion had been highlighted on the map at Appendix 2.
15
D190/2014 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014) Continued
Questions from Members on this matter were answered as follows:
• Delegated authority was sought to enable the swift movement to procure and appoint a team. • The Development department had been involved throughout the process of the development of the leisure facility. Significant lands had been identified adjacent to the site. • In 2004 a comprehensive exercise was undertaken regarding the South Lake and market conditions had changed a lot over the past 10 years. The £25m investment of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities along with the existing retail facility would develop a vision for the area to secure it as a destination. • The master plan could be taken forward with funding from CIDF budgets. • £20k was an estimate to review and refresh the masterplan. Aspects of the plan required updating in terms of residential proposals which would not now fit. Approximately 40 – 45 days of consultancy time was expected. • A decision had been taken to focus on the lands with special development potential. If the brief was expanded, it would be for more passive recreation uses, rather than development uses.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart expressed concerns about how much this project could be steered within the forthcoming 9 months: the remaining life of Craigavon Borough Council. She said work could be put into this project that may not be carried through and she would be afraid that the report would be shelved.
In response, the Director explained that the investment of Council on the leisure centre was a big catalyst in the area. There were also opportunities to look at what other services people would want to see ie. Hospitality, restaurants, other agencies, that could relocate or develop facilities in the area. There could also be an opportunity to change the area planning zones and there would be opportunities to help to shape ideas when the move into the new Council area was made.
The Development Manager explained that the rationale for undertaking this initiative now was that it was anticipated that powers would be transferred to the new Council. Once the Planning function was on board, it would broaden the tool kit on regeneration and the plan was to develop this in anticipation of Local Government Reform.
Councillor Nelson said Council needed to take a step forward on this as when powers transferred Council needed to hit the ground running.
The Contracts Manager informed Members that a Leisure Economist had been engaged as part of the future leisure centre project, and he had added value to the project by including a number of ideas and initiatives including how to develop spaces that had market value and how to bring value to the area.
Councillor Nelson suggested obtaining advice from a Leisure Economist.
16
D190/2014 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014) Continued
It was proposed by Councillor Nelson, seconded by Councillor Duffy, and
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That approval be given to the procurement of an Integrated Consultant Team to oversee the preparation of a masterplan for lands adjacent to the South Lake in Central Craigavon;
(2) That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Development to approve the appointment of an Integrated Consultant Team at a cost of up to £20,000; and
(3) That advice be sought from a Leisure Economist.
(Councillor Moutray temporarily departed from the meeting at 6.44pm and re- entered at 6.47pm)
D191/2014 PORTADOWN RIVERSIDES (D102/2014)
The Portadown Riversides project would identify a series of physical interventions to improve the quality of lands adjacent to the River Bann on the edge of Portadown Town Centre by upgrading access, promoting leisure and recreation uses, and accommodating appropriate small scale development opportunities. It was anticipated that measures would include re-surfacing, planting and landscaping, lighting, signage, furniture, orientation and interpretation, the identification of potential locations for public art or other points of interest, revised boundary treatments, additional tourism and events infrastructure, and the development of play park facilities.
Within the area identified there was a former pump house building adjacent to the Bann Bridge which was also owned by Council. As part of ongoing work within the Land & Property section, a condition survey had been undertaken of the building which would inform a subsequent analysis of the cost and feasibility of accommodating a new use within the building.
Terms of Reference had been prepared and Officers were proceeding with the procurement of an integrated consultant team to prepare conceptual designs and associated cost estimates. It was anticipated that a team could be appointed by July 2014. Delegated authority was therefore sought for the Director of Development to enable the project to be advanced during July and August 2014.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs Mccullough, seconded by Alderman Hatch, and
RECOMMENDED:
That delegated Authority be granted to the Director of Development to approve the appointment of an integrated consultant team to progress the Portadown Riversides project at a cost of up to £25,000.
17
D192/2014 URBAN REGNERATION – DSD FUNDING (D135/2014) & (D136/2014)
Portadown Linkages The Portadown Linkages project designs were presented during the March meeting of Committee.
The Public Realm Strategy for the project and the Economic Appraisal had been completed and the Economic Appraisal submitted to DSD Economics Branch for consideration. Baseline information had also been gathered throughout each of the areas included in the scope of the project and would inform the Economic Appraisal.
The project had identified potential works with a value in the region of £2.2m. While it was hoped that grant support from DSD to continue through the detailed design and planning application processes could be secured, it was unclear whether further funding was likely to be forthcoming from DSD during the 2014/2015 financial year.
While Council could continue to lobby DSD during this period, it was proposed that the project was established as a strategic regeneration priority for Craigavon to be considered for Urban Regeneration funding from April 2015, should the full funding package not have been identified prior to that date. If planning approval was granted in the interim and detailed designs prepared, the project would be very well placed to commence without delay once funding was secured.
Lurgan Public Realm Work was progressing to extend Public Realm Works throughout Lurgan town centre, to include streets originally detailed in the Economic Appraisal and planning approval. Budget availability and procurement thresholds required that the works would continue to be delivered over a number of phases. The current status of each phase of work was set out below.
Phase 2 (High Street & Market Street/William Street/Edward Street) The defects liability period extended to July 2014, and the contractor was working to address a small number of issues and repairs throughout the town.
Phase 2 Extension (North Street) The contractor had completed footway resurfacing and paving works throughout the scheme and would be returning during June 2014 to complete street lighting and install trees/street furniture. The remaining works would result in only isolated disruption for short periods and would not require significant traffic management arrangements or restrict access to premises.
Phase 3 (Union Street/Carnegie Street/Castle Lane/Church Walk/Watsons Lane) The procurement an Integrated Consultant Team to oversee the detailed design and delivery of Phase 3 of Public Realm in Lurgan had commenced with PQQ responses having been assessed during May 2014. Companies who passed this stage had been invited to submit full tender responses which would be assessed during late June/early July with a view to appointing during July 2014.
It was expected that Council and DSD would be in a position to proceed with part of the remaining scheme during 2014/2015 utilising unspent budget due to efficiencies achieved during Phase 2 and Council funding already committed, but it was only following completion of North Street and a tendering process for the remaining streets that the extent of Phase 3 funding would be known.
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D192/2014 URBAN REGNERATION – DSD FUNDING (D135/2014) & (D136/2014) Continued
While Officers would continue to work closely with DSD to explore options to assemble a funding package that would enable completion of all of the scheme, it was proposed that any shortfall would represent appropriate expenditure from the new Council’s Urban Regeneration budget for 2015/2016, and as such the completion of Lurgan Public Realm be agreed as a strategic regeneration priority for Craigavon to be considered for Urban Regeneration funding from April 2015, should the full funding package not have been identified prior to that date.
Councillor Duffy thanked the Development Manager for all his work on this project.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs Lockhart, seconded by Alderman Mrs McCullough, and
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That the Portadown Linkages project be agreed as a priority to be considered for funding through the Urban Regeneration budget for 2015/16;
(2) That any shortfall in funding for the completion of the Public Realm Scheme in Lurgan be put forward as a priority for the Urban Regeneration budget for 2015/16; and (3) That details on these proposals be forwarded to the Shadow Council as part of the regeneration work programme for 2015/16.
D193/2014 THE VIKING EXPERIENCE – BRIAN BORU COMMERORATION EVENT – UPDATE (D60/2014)
The Steering Group of Portadown 400 tasked Officers to explore the possibility of restaging the very successful Viking Event that was held during the Portadown 400 celebrations in 2013. Throughout 2014, a year-long commemoration of the 1,000th anniversary of Brian Boru’s death at the Battle of Clontarf, was being staged.
Members agreed at February 2014 meeting of Committee that Officers could proceed with the organization of the event subject to additional funding becoming available through Good Relations/PEACE III. This funding did become available allowing Officers to deliver a very successful, enjoyable and informative Viking Experience. A video of the event can be viewed by clicking on the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHVRXsjrB0c and a copy of the flyer, press coverage for the event and the historical brochure had been circulated previously.
Alderman Mrs McCullough commended the organisers and staff involved in this event.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That the review of press coverage, event brochure and video of the event be noted.
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D194/2014 CRAIGAVON PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014 – UPDATE (D164/2014)
At the April 2014 meeting of Committee Officers were tasked with bringing more information back to Committee with regard to the proposals for promotion of this key event taking place on 21 June 2014. No. 45 bands had registered to participate making this the biggest event for participation of bands in Northern Ireland this year to date.
The following promotional activity was being implemented:
• May/June 2014 transmission of the television advert promoting three key events in Lurgan Park. • Production and distribution of event flyer to all schools in the Borough, Council buildings, libraries, Lurgan Town Centre and all Tourist Information Centres in Northern Ireland. • Facebook competition on Discover Craigavon Facebook page to give away tickets for the event to include Facebook advertising and promoted posts • PR in local papers and daily papers • Advertising in local papers and daily papers • Event banners erected at key entrances to Lurgan Park • Sound system in town centre will be utilized to promote the event • Large town centre LED screen providing town centre link up to Lurgan Park • Active promotion of musical acts performing on the Cultural stage which is being organized by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association in partnership with Mr Mark Wilson, an internationally renowned Ulster Scots expert, talented musician and acclaimed judge. The musical acts include Blackthorn, VioLeeN and The Upducky Band. • Organization of radio interviews • Updates to be provided on Council’s Twitter and Facebook
Alderman Mrs Lockhart commended all the staff involved in the organisation of the Pipe Band Championships. In response to her question, the Tourism Development Manager said there had been good qualitative feedback from the TV advert. She went on to say that there were approximately 50 bands competing from all over Ireland.
Councillor Moutray congratulated everyone involved in the Pipe Band Championships as the amount of work that had been put into it was incredible. He said he hoped it would bring many more people into Lurgan Park, which was a great facility.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That the Craigavon Pipe Band Championships are due to take place in Lurgan Park on Saturday 21 June 2014;
(2) That the proposals to promote the Craigavon Pipe Band Championships in Lurgan Park on 21 June 2014 be noted; and
(3) That Members view a visual briefing of the current television campaign.
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D195/2014 MEMBERSHIP OF THE CONFERENCE OF ATLANTIC ARC CITIES (CAAC)
The Conference of Atlantic Arc Cities (CAAC) was formed in 2000 and had more than 100 cities/urban networks of the European Atlantic seaboard. This network worked with different institutions, to promote the role of cities in Europe and to highlight the specificity of the Atlantic Arc. The presidency was currently held by Mr Philippe Duron, Mayor of Caen and MP for Calvados.
Craigavon had much in common with the aims of CAAC. Most members like Cork, Rennes, Caen, A Coruna were more the size of Craigavon or the new ABC area and the group also included larger cities like Dublin, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bordeaux and San Sebastian. The general Secretary had said “2014 is the most appropriate year for joining, giving that we are launching our working groups so as to respond to the new EU calls for projects”.
Through a structure of coordination and representation, CAAC provided a tangible mechanism that created synergies between different actions at local and transnational level. It worked to improve their attractiveness, networking offers and the opportunity for cities to complete a critical mass that gradually increases their visibility and influence. CAAC intends to become the urban forum of reference for the Atlantic Arc through the promotion of a model for green, attractive and cohesive cities by:
1. Promoting the balanced and polycentric European territory and showing the essential role of cities as drivers of regional development 2. Promoting synergies and partnerships between member cities, creating the entrepreneurial spirit of the Atlantic cities 3. Create a space to develop collaborative projects 4. Promoting the interests of the Atlantic cities making the Atlantic cities more influential and attractive for economic development
The benefits of membership as stated by the CAAC were:
1. Receive support services offered by the General Secretariat 2. Take part in new initiatives and build partnerships with other local and regional authorities 3. Receive information and express opinions on proposals of the European Union, strengthening relations with the EU institutions 4. Involvement in projects and studies at European level 5. Establish or strengthen links with other cities and thematic networks (EU funding) 6. Communicate information about their city at an international level 7. Free participation at meetings and thematic seminars, as well as the General Assembly 8. Develop and participate in ad hoc working groups on issues of particular interest, within the EU Thematic Commissions
In the last 3 years CAAC had brought forward a large number of EU funded projects in the following themes and planned more from 2014 onwards:
• Urban Renewal and Innovative Urban Policy • Youth Unemployment • Creative Industries in Creative Cities • Sustainable Development and Renewable Energies • Forests and Fisheries
21
D195/2014 MEMBERSHIP OF THE CONFERENCE OF ATLANTIC ARC CITIES (CAAC) Continued
The association had full members, associate members and observer members as described below:
1. Full members were those cities, metropolitan areas or urban agglomerations with at least 200,000 inhabitants, situated in the Atlantic Arc, involved or interested in its dynamics. Cost €4547.
2. May be associate members, thus concerned by the work of the committees and working groups of the Conference, metropolitan areas or urban agglomerations with less than 200,000 inhabitants located in the Atlantic Arc involved or interested in its dynamics. Cost €2500.
3. Observer members may be bodies or institutions located in the Atlantic cities that wish to collaborate in the work of committees and working groups of the Conference.
Officers recommended Craigavon applied to the ‘Associate Member’ category with a potential future referral to full membership after the establishment of the new Council in 2015.
Alderman Hatch said he supported this idea. He explained that in Europe there was a lot of emphasis on growth around cities.
In response to a question from Alderman Mrs Lockhart, the Director undertook to bring back a report on benefits accrued by the other member organisations.
It was proposed by Alderman Hatch, seconded by Councillor Savage, and
That Council formally seeks admission for Craigavon to become a member of the group of Atlantic Arc Cities at a cost of €2,500; and
Alderman Mrs Lockhart said she was happy to agree to this initiative in principle, but would prefer to receive an indication of the benefits accrued by the other member organisations before finally agreeing it. She asked if this could be brought back to Members prior to the Council meeting.
Councillor Nelson expressed concerns that this was just for a 10 month period and wondered what may happen in the new environment. He said before he could support it he would require further information on the other Shadow Council areas and how it could work.
Alderman Hatch said he was happy to withdraw his proposal.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That the matter be deferred for further information to September Development Committee to include details of the benefits accrued by the other member organisations.
22
D196/2014 INNOVATION R&D AND NEW PRODUCT – BEST PRACTICE AND FUNDING CONFERENCE
Queens University’s Northern Ireland Technology Centre had been delivering the ‘You Can Develop It’ programme for Craigavon over the last 2.5 years. In that time 16 businesses had been assisted to develop new products, services and technologies. The programme would finish at the end of 2014 and would be ready for market launch in the Autumn 2014.
In recent months Officers from QUB and Council had been investigating potential opportunities to support local businesses to become more innovative and gain competitive advantage to grow their business locally and for export. New EU Funding streams and how to access them had been discussed at length.
The situation was so diverse and complex that a one-day Conference would be needed to cover a range of appropriate topics. The intention was to present information, best practice examples, ‘You Can Develop It’ successes and future opportunities in a straightforward and practical manner so that local businesses were better informed and ready to take advantage of new funding streams.
The Conference would therefore feature a number of keynote speakers from industry, academia and funding bodies, along with breakout sessions where practical examples of new funding assistance would be discussed in detail. Invest NI, DCAL, DEL, Intertrade Ireland and EU Funding hosts were among the major bodies that are likely to attend. This seminal business event would contain topics of practical benefit to a wide range of our companies both large and small and it was envisaged to send invitations to every forward thinking business in the Borough. The timing was also critical as many EU funding streams were opening up in the latter half of 2014.
A date had not yet been set although it was envisaged that Autumn 2014 would be an opportune time and the availability of appropriate keynote speakers was currently being investigated. An experienced ‘events management’ company would be required to coordinate and manage the Conference along with Council Officers.
Councillor Duffy said he did not want to see this budget going over £7k. The Chairman, Councillor Mackle said it would be important to achieve a big European presence.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs McCullough, seconded by Councillor Duffy, and
RECOMMENDED:
That approval be given to a budget of £7,000 to organise the Innovation and Funding Conference to enable local business access new funding streams in Craigavon Borough Council in the Autumn of 2014. The budget is available within Economic Development.
23
D197/2014 PROPOSAL TO APPOINT THE COUNCIL’S APPROVED CONTRACTOR TO DEEP CLEAN THE GRANITE AND ASPHALT SURFACES IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN TOWN CENTRES
Daily activities in the town centres result in staining of several genres including:
1. General staining and grime 2. Chewing gum 3. Food stains 4. Oil and grease
In order to maintain the town centres in premium condition following the significant Public Realm investment of recent years and meet the condition of funding from DSD to regularly clean the Public Realm areas it was necessary to appoint a specialist cleaning contractor. Following a detailed procurement process in March 2013 Tergo Solutions was appointed for a three-year contract and a deep clean was carried out in June 2013.
The results of the first deep clean were significantly positive and together with other regeneration projects have greatly improved the ascetics of both town centres.
Before and after images of the deep clean had been circulated previously.
Following recent discussions between Officers from Environmental Services and Economic Development it had been proposed that a further deep clean be carried out to remove the dirt and grime that had accrued over the past 12 months and to keep the appearance of the stone and asphalt surfaces pristine.
Officers were aware that chewing gum removal equipment had been purchased by Council and that this equipment was used on an ad hoc basis in each town centre however this equipment does not address the stone/asphalt surfaces.
Pending approval the deep clean by the Council’s specialist contractor would address both the current chewing gum levels and clean the stone/asphalt surfaces. In addition, this would free up vital Environmental Services resources for the coming months.
The cost quoted by Tergo Solutions covers Portadown Public Realm and Lurgan Public Realm Phases 1 & 2, a total of 20,446 m² and if approved work would take place over July and August 2014.
In response to a query from Councillor Nelson, the Contracts Manager explained that the contract was at a rate per square metre and the contractor could be called on at any time to clean. The Contracts Manager went on to say that it was not only gum that required to be cleaned from the surfaces, but grease too.
The Tourism Development Manager said the price was based on the same area that cleaning was carried out on last year, and unfortunately, the streets were just as dirty this year. The gum machine was used intermittently and through the Letter of Offer, Council made a commitment to keep the surfaces up to a certain standard.
In response to a question from Alderman Mrs Lockhart, the Tourism Development Manager undertook to bring a report back to Committee regarding the effectiveness of the gum cleaner.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart requested that an initiative be devised to raise awareness of dog fouling and the costs to Council of dog fouling and chewing gum. 24
D197/2014 PROPOSAL TO APPOINT THE COUNCIL’S APPROVED CONTRACTOR TO DEEP CLEAN THE GRANITE AND ASPHALT SURFACES IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN TOWN CENTRES Continued
It was proposed by Councillor Duffy, seconded by Alderman Mrs Lockhart, and
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That approval be given to a deep clean of the granite and asphalt surfaces in Lurgan and Portadown town centres at a cost of £18,401.40 + VAT; and
(2) That it be noted that the budget is available from the 2014/2015 Economic Development budget (Public Realm) and the contractor, Tergo Solutions was procured in 2013 for a three-year contract in line with Council’ s Procurement Policy. (3) That a report be brought back to Committee regarding the effectiveness of the gum cleaner; and (4) That officers devise an initiative regarding raising awareness of the costs to Council of dog fouling and chewing gum.
D198/2014 FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE FROM MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT REFERENCE ‘OFF STREET’ CAR PARKING AND DETAIL ON A DEPARTMENT LED SIX-MONTH PILOT SCHEME APPLICABLE IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN (D155/2014)
A motion was passed by Council in December 2013 to have a “free parking day” within both Lurgan and Portadown town centre car parks on Saturday 21 December 2013. This initiative, funded by Council, aimed to help local traders boost their footfall in the run up to Christmas and was promoted using social media, posters and regional radio advertising.
Following the initiative, Members requested that correspondence be sent to the Minister requesting a meeting to discuss potential DRD Roads Service led initiatives in 2014 and in response the Chair received a holding letter dated 24 February 2014 followed by a follow up letter dated 20 March 2014, copies of which had been circulated previously.
Since these letters, the Department announced an extension to their Christmas 2013 Parking Scheme which involved charging lower parking rates in car parks across NI throughout the festive trading period.
As a result 93 ‘off street’ car parks across 25 towns including Lurgan and Portadown would charge £1 for 5 hours parking for 6 months (commenced on 12 April 2014).
The Departments full press release can be viewed via the link previously circulated.
25
D198/2014 FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE FROM MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT REFERENCE ‘OFF STREET’ CAR PARKING AND DETAIL ON A DEPARTMENT LED SIX-MONTH PILOT SCHEME APPLICABLE IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN (D155/2014) Continued
It was
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That the contents of correspondence from the Office of the Minister for Regional Development reference to ‘off street’ car parking be noted; and
(2) That the detail of the Department’s six-month pilot scheme of lower car park charges in 93 car parks across 25 towns in Northern Ireland (including Lurgan and Portadown) be noted.
D199/2014 TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION – UPDATE & APPROVAL REQUEST (D157/2014)
The ‘Spring Made Stylish’ events took place on Easter Saturday, 19 April 2014 in Lurgan and Portadown Town Centres. The event attracted much attention as professional models, escorted by Siobhan McGarry in Lurgan and Pamela Ballantine in Portadown showcased clothing from the towns’ fashion retailers in cafes and restaurants and on the plaza’s.
Participating retailers were encouraged to offer discount on the day and this was promoted by Cool FM promotional teams. One participating retailer commented, “I think it was a great success, one of our busiest Saturdays and all very positive feedback from customers.”
The event was promoted in local press, on Cool FM, through Social Media, via the town centre sound systems. Press coverage had been circulated previously.
Approval was granted to produce incentive voucher booklets for circulation at key events in Lurgan and Portadown over the summer months. The first Portadown event was ‘The Viking Experience’ which took place on Saturday 17 May 2014 and the creative had been circulated previously.
A Cool FM promotional team distributed the booklets for added brand identification and in doing so the event and the booklet received photographic coverage on Cool FM’s facebook page which has over 143K likes.
In Lurgan, Officers had been working on further enhancing the linkages between Lurgan Park and the town centre in relation to the Craigavon and District Pipe Band Competition scheduled for 21 June 2014. This year there would be a large LED screen set up on the plaza to enable town centre shoppers/visitors to see what was going on in the Park. In addition, in collaboration with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association there would also be some live performances on the plaza throughout the day including the New Ross Pipe Band from Co Wexford.
In addition a Lurgan specific offer booklet had been created for distribution by Cool FM at Lurgan Show, the Craigavon and District Pipe Band Competition and Lurgan Rally.
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D199/2014 TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION – UPDATE & APPROVAL REQUEST (D157/2014) Continued
Approval was granted for the replication of a Summer campaign for 6 weeks similar to the “Discover Craigavon…this Summer” campaign in 2013. This year’s proposed “Love Craigavon…this Summer” would run Saturday 26 July 2014 – Saturday 30 August 2014 and would include pop up performers in Lurgan and Portadown town centres each Saturday together with complimentary tea/coffee giveaways in conjunction with retail partners from the hospitalitysectors in each town and with the Council’s Leisure Services Department.
In relation to the Portadown Revitalisation project, works were completed with some final snagging taking place. Officers are in the process of gathering information/data for the Post Project Evaluation – a requirement for DSD.
In Lurgan the Revitalisation works were also complete. With reference to the replacement shutter scheme it was encouraging to see that some businesses have invested their own money in new signage to complement the new punched shutters.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That the creative concept for the proposed ‘Love Craigavon.....this Summer’ campaign and the success of the ‘Spring Made Stylish’ events that took place on 19 April 2014 in Lurgan and Portadown Town Centres, be noted.
(2) That the proposed integration of Lurgan Town Centre with the Pipe Band Championships via the use of a large LED screen on the Plaza on Saturday 21 June 2014, be noted.
D200/2014 NEIGHBOURHOOD FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEME (D132/2014)
The Neighbourhood Festival Event Scheme was a rolling grant programme which was advertised approximately 3 times per year and aimed at encouraging participation in Community life. It was targeted at the community/voluntary sector and groups can secure funding for locally based events to the value of £500.
The Neighbourhood Festival Event Scheme was recently advertised for events occurring between 1 September through to 31 December 2014 and in this instance only one application was received.
As community groups were particularly busy at this time of year, Officers would suggest that the scheme be re-advertised in order to ensure community groups had not overlooked this particular avenue of funding. Officers would propose that the Director of Development be granted delegated authority to progress this.
£10,000 was allocated to this Scheme on an annual basis and that to date £8,435 had been committed.
The Neighbourhood Festival Events Scheme would be advertised in local papers week commencing 26 May 2014 with a closing date of 20 June 2014. Applications would be available from Thursday 29 May 2014
27
D200/2014 NEIGHBOURHOOD FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEME (D132/2014) Continued
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That delegated authority be given to the Director of Development to administer grant-aid to the Neighbourhood Festival Event Scheme for the period September 2014 – December 2014.
D201/2014 ERECTION OF NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SIGNS
Craigavon Borough Council agreed to erect signs for accredited Neighbourhood Watch schemes within the Borough. The Upper Ramone Park, Portadown scheme had now been accredited and as agreed the potential locations for the erection of signs had been proposed, in consultation with the residents.
Committee had previously agreed in principle that Neighbourhood Watch signage be erected by Technical Services invoking Section 115 of the Local Government Act, subject to specific proposals being presented to the Development Committee for consideration and referral to the Environmental Services Committee. Officers would therefore recommend that Section 115 be invoked to erect the signage, as the expenditure (in term of labour costs) is in the interests of the residents of the Borough. Officers would further recommend that the matter be referred to the Environmental Services Committee. A copy of the proposed locations had been circulated previously.
It was proposed by Alderman Mrs McCullough, seconded by Alderman Hatch, and
RECOMMENDED:
(1) That approval be given to the erection of signs at Upper Ramone Park, Portadown; and
(2) That this matter be referred to the Environmental Services Committee for further approval.
D202/2014 ABSENCE MANAGEMENT
The tables circulated previously set out absence statistics for the Development Directorate for the 2014/15 financial year, month of May 2014. Comparison figures had been provided for the 3 previous years. 89.9% of employees within Development recorded no absence in April 2014.
The Council’s target for 2014/2015 was 4%. The Department figure for the month of May 2014 was 6.3%. The year-to-date figure was 6.5%.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That the content of the report be noted.
28
D203/2014 DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT APRIL 2013 TO MARCH 2014 (D159/2014)
The Department was currently £37k under budget for the 2013/2014 financial year. This had been achieved through additional grant funding received through various projects while community centre/town hall income had also over achieved on their income targets during the year.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That the content of the report be noted.
D204/2014 ORGANISATIONAL BUSINESS PLAN 2013/2014 PROGRESS REPORT
Updates had been provided on progress against objectives in the Organistional Business Plan.
A progress report for the period ending March 2014 had been circulated previously.
A significant number of projects had been delivered throughout the Department resulting in increased job creation, securing of external funding and improving the physical and social environment of the Borough.
Update on the new Organisational Business Plan for the period 2014-2015 will be presented to Committee in due course.
It was
RECOMMENDED:
That the content of the report be noted.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
D205/2014 LIFE SCIENCES EXPLORATORY VISIT TO BRUSSELS (D107/2014)
In the development of the Craigavon Borough Council Corporate Plan in 2011 it was identified under the Growing the Economy Theme that Craigavon Borough Council would focus on creating opportunities to stimulate growth and competitiveness in key growth areas such as Life Sciences.
As identified in the Life Sciences Strategy the aim was to secure further funding post 2015. The next stage in development was to promote our capability capacity and confidence at a European Level in relation to “Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence in Life Sciences”. As part of the DETI/Invest NI early engagement with Councils, it was becoming increasingly clear that access to ERDF would be limited in the new round of funds. More strategic initiatives with new EU partners needed to be sought.
With this in mind an exploratory visit to Brussels was identified as the most appropriate way of meeting with as many potential project partners as possible in such a short space of time.
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D205/2014 LIFE SCIENCES EXPLORATORY VISIT TO BRUSSELS (D107/2014) Continued
This 2-day visit took place in 28-30 April 2014 with meetings held with the following regional offices:
• South Denmark • Innovative Medicines Initiative • Welsh government • Highlands and Islands Enterprise • Scotland Europa • Southwest Finland
These were very successful meetings which allowed Officers to present an overview of Craigavon, our successes to date, as well as future Life Sciences project ideas within the Horizon 2020 framework and indeed other future funding streams that become available. Officers were also able to ask for Craigavon Borough Council as a partner to be further distributed to the regional offices’ wider network of contacts.
This would result in Craigavon Borough Council being invited/included as a partner in future projects and provide us with a large network for those projects that we aim to lead.
Overall an extremely successful visit with the fact that we were being so proactive in the promotion of the Borough identified by several partners as showing the calibre of partner we would/could be in the future.
Follow up with all of the contacts made was ongoing.
D206/2014 NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL FOOD PROGRAMME FUNDING FOR CRAIGAVON AGRI-FOOD AND DRINK FORUM (D69/2014)
Officers had been liaising with industry leaders and had gained support to establish Craigavon Agri-Food & Drink Forum, which would be a food and drink industry cluster and would involve working in partnership with local producers, SME’s, business leaders and representatives from key stakeholder organisations, such as Invest NI and NIFDA all of whom could drive initiatives forward that will encourage export, innovation and entrepreneurship within the agri-food industry across Craigavon.
The purposes of this group would include:
• To harness the exporting expertise in this industry, to help ensure the competitiveness of all local producers and agri-food businesses within the Borough • To create networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the industry to ensure the agri-food industry is strengthened for generations to come • To encourage and provide the skill to local agri-food and drink producers to enter their products into prestigious competitions such as the ‘Great Taste Awards’ to increase the standard and reputation of these businesses within the Borough, across Northern Ireland and beyond to export markets • To promote and encourage the development of “Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence for the Agri-food and Drink industry” which will assist with the marketing and promotion of the area to export markets
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D206/2014 NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL FOOD PROGRAMME FUNDING FOR CRAIGAVON AGRI-FOOD AND DRINK FORUM (D69/2014) Continued
Officers had recently been successful in securing 40% funding up to maximum of £4,000 and a management fee of up to 10% of £1,000, a total of £5,000 grant funding towards the approved budget (£10,000) for this project through the DARD, Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. The aim of the NI Regional Food Programme was to promote quality regional food and promote its consumption within Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
This was the first time that funding from this programme had been secured and the experience in this project would assist with future applications for larger grant amounts.
A list of approved project expenditure was circulated previously.
D207/2014 SEED PRODUCT TRANSFER AND SALES ACCELERATION PROGRAMME
Craigavon was awarded grants totaling £216,452 from Invest NI to lead a new project for the 7 SEED Councils called Product Transfer and Sales Acceleration. The project was funded 50% (£108,226) from the LED ERDF fund, 25% (£54,113) from Invest NI and 25% (£54,113) equally shared between the Councils.
A Helix Innovations and Brilliant Red consortium were delivering the programme.
The following Craigavon based companies had been recruited to the first wave pending Invest NI approval to proceed:
• Market LED • Lucy and Belle Textiles • Kitchen Bakes • Access Needs • Annaghmore Mushrooms
D208/2014 BOROUGH-WIDE SHOP FRONT PAINTING – UPDATE (D70/2014)
At the end of May 2014 a total of 53 application packs had been sent out. 3 have been completed and returned and offers of grant assistance made to them. The average expenditure for the 3 offers is £837.
Officers expect that the bulk of work will be completed during the summer months.
In response to a question from Councillor Moutray, the Tourism Development Manager undertook to circulate information to Members regarding how many of the 53 applicants were based in Lurgan and how many were based in Portadown.
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D209/2014 BRIGHT IDEA YOUTH ENTERPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME UPDATE
Craigavon was managing Bright Idea which was the largest Council led resource project in Northern Ireland. The budget was just over £500,000.
Ards, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down and Newry & Mourne Council were participating.
At the end of May 2014 a total of 318 new business ideas from across SEED had been explored. To date 15 new businesses had started and employed 21 new people.
The breakdown of ‘Explore’ phase participants had been circulated previously.
D210/2014 CREATIVE ECONOMY EXPORTING UPDATE (D127/2014)
Council was awarded a grant of £122,898 from DETI to run a Creative Economy Exporting project. Craigavon was leading the project for the SEED Councils of Ards, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down and Newry & Mourne.
Monthly ‘Best Practice’ seminars were being run across the Councils with an average attendance to date of 34 people.
At the end of May 2014 a total of 239 businesses from across SEED had registered and 178 profiles had been published.
D211/2014 EXTENSION TO THE ACHIEVING FINANCE PROGRAMME (D85/2014)
The delivery agent and Council partners identified that a proportion of Achieving Finance participants (in particular those seeking financing from the Northern Ireland Small Business Loan Fund) would benefit from additional mentoring over and above the 3 days provided by the programme.
A portion of the budget that had been allocated to reimburse partner Councils for time spent by their staff on the project was underutilized and as such an opportunity existed for additional mentoring to be provided through the existing programme. The match-funding requirement could be met by the fees of £100 per company charged to the participants and as such the partner Councils would not incur a further cost for the additional mentoring.
A request was made to Invest Northern Ireland to transfer funds within the original budget to allow for an extended contract to provide 15 of the 75 participants with an additional 3 days of mentoring to assist them in gaining additional investment finance for their companies.
Invest Northern Ireland forwarded an amended letter of offer in January 2014 and this was approved by Council in March 2014. The cost of the additional mentoring is £18,000 which is met by the re-allocation of funding from salaries (which would have been left unused by the Council for the reasons stated above) and the income gained from the £100 fee paid by participating companies.
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D212/2014 BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PROJECT LAUNCH (D151/2014)
The Business Engagement Project was formally launched on 8 May 2014 in Craigavon Civic Centre. The launch was attended by the project’s mentoring coordinator NORIBIC, Economic Development Staff, Invest Northern Ireland and a number of local businesses.
The project was already progressing well and has engaged with 29 Craigavon- based businesses providing baseline assessments and mentoring plans for these.
The project had also developed a new online management information system which allowed the project managers, mentors and the businesses themselves to upload information on progress and feedback directly.
The Business Engagement Programme aimed to engage with 280 businesses in the Borough and carry out a baseline study with them to identify areas where they would benefit from support and then either signpost these businesses to existing support programmes or provide them with a bespoke package of one-to-one mentoring.
D213/2014 CRAIGAVON BUSINESS AWARDS (D282/2013)
The Craigavon Business Awards for 2014 was now complete with all promotional and publicity activity finalised.
This year’s gala event was held on the 9 April 2014 at the Mayes Hall with more than 250 guests attending the event from more than 50 local companies and stakeholder organizations.
The 2014 awards attracted than 108 entries from 52 local businesses and entrepreneurs. This was the first time that the scheme had surpassed the 100 mark for entries.
The project also received positive coverage in the national and local press and was considered by all stakeholders and sponsors as a success.
A full list of awards categories and the highly commended and winning companies was circulated previously.
D214/2014 ABC AND INTERTRADE IRELAND BUSINESS INFORMATION EVENT (D108/2014)
The “Unlock New Business Opportunities” event was held on the 12 May 2014 in Craigavon Civic Centre.
The event provided SME’s from the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas with the opportunity to meet with a range of business support agencies and programme providers. Representatives from the Economic Development Departments of the three Councils were available to provide attendees with information on their current projects. In addition representatives from Investors in People, Invest Northern Ireland, the Department of Employment and Learning, the Jobs and Benefits Office, CIDO and SRC were on hand to provide information on their projects and services.
Intertrade Ireland who sponsored the event provided a brief presentation at the beginning of the evening.
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D214/2014 ABC AND INTERTRADE IRELAND BUSINESS INFORMATION EVENT (D108/2014) Continued
The event was attended by more than 50 representatives from local businesses and stakeholder organizations and has helped to create awareness of the supports available to local business people.
D215/2014 LIFE SCIENCES INNOVATION PROJECT (D341/2013)
The Life Sciences Innovation Project was initiated at a meeting with the project delivery agents (a consortium of Biobusiness and Integrity NI) on 30 April 2014.
At this meeting a project plan was agreed which would see the recruitment of 10 Craigavon-based companies on to the programme by September 2014, the delivery of 5 innovation seminars and mentoring support assist participating companies to develop innovation action plans based on identified customer needs within the life and health sciences sector by June 2015.
Background research had subsequently begun with established Life Sciences companies to determine product development opportunities for participating businesses. An initial “meet the experts” event was currently in planning and would be held in September 2014. This would act as an introduction to the programme for businesses already recruited and as an awareness raising event for potential participants not yet signed up. It was anticipated that the event would be attended by up to 40 potential participants who would receive an introduction to the sector along with an overview of issues, product development opportunities, supplier requirements and opportunities for exporting.
D216/2014 TOURIST INFORMATION ENQUIRIES AT LURGAN, PORTADOWN AND LOUGH NEAGH DISCOVERY CENTRE TIPs (D167/2014)
SLA agreements were operational at Lurgan Town Hall, Millennium Court Arts Centre and Lough Neagh Discovery Centre VIPs for the provision of visitor information.
Monthly enquiry statistics were circulated previously.
D217/2014 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN CHANGING TIMES CONFERENCE (D172/2014)
The Community Development Officers recently coordinated a conference on the theme of Community Development in Changing Times. The event which took place on 19 March 2014 at Craigavon Civic Centre was attended by 97 community and voluntary groups. Notable speakers included senior representatives from the Department for Social Development - Tracy Meharg - Deputy Secretary, Urban Regeneration and Community Development Group who outlined current and future policy thrusts in the light of local government reform while Tony McKibben - Head of Urban Policy Branch outlined the themes of the Community Development and Urban Regeneration Framework. Kate Clifford of the Rural Community Network provided a thought provoking insight as to what inspired her in terms of community development while Aideen McGinley, former Chief Executive of ILEX Urban Regeneration, Derry-Londonderry reflected on the successes and challenges of wining the Derry City of Culture bid.
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D217/2014 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN CHANGING TIMES CONFERENCE (D172/2014) Continued
Participants attended workshops on the following 4 themes which included Exploring the role of Community Development in the new Council structures, the Challenges facing Community Development, How groups could ensure their voices would be heard and the impact of the Urban Regeneration and Community Development Framework.
Staff within the Rural Community Network together with Council Officers facilitated the workshops a synopsis of which was available from the Community Development Section within Craigavon Borough Council
Those attending rated the event as excellent in terms of speakers and content covered. Comments included: “Overall the speakers seminars were excellent - a very worthwhile informative event that should be the first of many” “Good Focus and discussions on drawing on key issues” “I look forward to attending future engagement events and being given the opportunity to be informed of the change process.”
As Local Government Reform gathered pace the theme of the conference ‘Community Development in Changing times’ resonated strongly with all attendees. As well as communicating information from Central Government on new policy initiatives such as the Urban Regeneration and Community Development Framework the workshop format enabled attendees to highlight issues such as coping with change, sustainability and the need to retain good practice.
Officers within Council had taken on board the comments and issues identified during the conference and this would provide a sound working basis by which to support the community/voluntary sector as Craigavon moves into a new Tri Council era. Groups would be kept informed of progress regarding this through a variety of mediums including Council’s website and written communiqué.
Officers were currently putting together some material from the conference for viewing on the Council website. Members would be kept updated regarding this.
D218/2014 POSITIVE COMMUNITY DIALOGUE PROGRAMME
Craigavon Borough Council through the Peace lll Southern Cluster Partnership’s Investing in Our Future Programme secured £847,348 of funding, under Phase 2 to deliver a range of projects across Craigavon, Banbridge, Armagh and Newry and Mourne council areas.
As part of this programme in collaboration with the Community Development Unit a Community Development Programme was being delivered across Lurgan with three Community Organisations, North Lurgan Community Association, Mourneview Grey and Hospital Estate and Taghnevan Community Development Association. Approximately 20 individuals were involved in this programme which provided opportunities to meet regularly, have shared experiences, explore identity whilst learning about leadership and looking at key historical figures.
This programme aimed to continue to develop and foster good relations across Lurgan, whilst complementing existing work ongoing through Community Development and Good Relations.
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D218/2014 POSITIVE COMMUNITY DIALOGUE PROGRAMME Continued
This programme would run for 6 weeks and Officers were hopeful given the initial “buy in“ and community engagement that this programme could be built upon to create positive links for the future.
D219/2014 CRAIGAVON VILLAGE PLANS – PRESENTATION QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BELFAST (D20/2014)
Craigavon Borough Council appointed MWA Partnership Ltd to help prepare 9 Village Cluster Plans as detailed below:
1. Waringstown, Bleary and Gibson’s Hill 2. Donaghcloney, Milltown and Ballynabragget 3. Magheralin, Dollingstown and Ballymacaine 4. Tartaraghan, The Birches 5. Maghery, Milltown 6. Charlestown, Derrytrasna 7. Derryadd, Derrymacash 8. Scotch Street 9. Aghagallon
The Craigavon Village Plans were launched at an event on Thursday 5 December 2014 in Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Approximately 100 people attended including a wide range of Community representatives and key stakeholders.
Following this, Queen's University Belfast requested a copy of each of the Village Plans to stock in the McClay Library at Queen’s University. The Rural Development Officer was also invited to give a presentation on the Village Plans Project to second year undergraduate students undertaking the Development Plan Module at Queen’s University Belfast. The presentation was delivered to students at Queen’s University in April 2014.
D220/2014 BROWNLOW FESTIVAL
Brownlow Festival Committee was planning a third festival week for the Central area of Craigavon. The event would commence on Saturday 30 August 2014 with a Fun Day at Brownlow Community Hub and conclude on Saturday 6 September 2014 with a finale at Craigavon Watersports Centre. This was the third festival and the Committee had coordinated a highly successful weeklong event last year with a packed array of activities including a football tournament, storytelling, tea dance, drama production and an inter-estates quiz.
Traditionally the festivities coincided with a celebration to mark the birthday celebrations of Brownlow Community Hub and this would again be the format this year.
The collaborative partnership between Council and Community had resulted in a quality programme which was reflective of Council’s corporate plan in encouraging customer focus and reflective of leading with unity and purpose.
The Festival had been successful in securing funding through Peace III Southern Partnership to the value of £8,000 for this coming year and the Committee anticipate delivering a similar programme as was delivered last year. With the support of Peace III and the CDO (Brownlow), the Committee had worked on improving linkages with locally based BME groups and youth providers to ensure this coming year’s festival was both inclusive and representative. 36
D220/2014 BROWNLOW FESTIVAL Continued
In addition the Committee had agreed that the British Heart Foundation was to be the nominated charity during the course of the festival. The group had met with representatives of the Foundation and had offered the charity the opportunity to promote the organisation during the Fun Day at the Hub while in turn the Foundation hope to offer printing and publicity opportunities to the Committee in order to promote the Festival.
The Committee was made up of local community representatives from the Brownlow estates and the festival committee was fully constituted. The group were preparing for the Committee’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for Monday 2 June 2014 at 7pm in Brownlow Community Hub.
Further reports regarding the Festival Programme would be issued to Members in due course.
D221/2014 EVALUATION OF BEGINNERS CITIZEN 21 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME (D119/2014)
The Community Development Team had developed a bespoke Community Development Training programme focused on Community Development principles and practices which was also aligned to the National Occupational Standards in Community Development. Following procurement processes, Learning for Change were appointed to facilitate the programme. A range of funders were supporting the initiative including the DSD Community Support Programme which assisted the Beginners class, while Peace III Southern Partnership and Good Relations were supporting the Advanced class. An application was currently with DSD Neighbourhood Renewal to secure funding for further elements of the programme and Officers may be advised in June 2014 regarding the outcome of this. To date 3 cohorts of community representatives had received training on this programme with the most recent group completing their programme in the February/March period. Candidates would secure an OCN level 2 accreditation which marked a step-up from previous beginners classes at which attendees attained a level 1 accreditation.
An evaluation of this most recent programme indicated a high level of satisfaction with the content and delivery of the training. In terms of relevance one candidate stated:
“I am a member of a Community Group. It was good to have the opportunity to take a ‘step back’ and examine both the theory of Community Development and the practice. In terms of benefits of the training it was stated “I have a far better understanding for problems and solving them within communities” Skills and Knowledge also were developed during the course with candidates indicating improvements in the running of their committee, governance and organisational skills.
Those who completed the Beginners course had now moved on to the Advanced Citizen 21 course whose focus was on influencing local decision making. An emphasis would be placed on the Reform of Local Government, Community planning and lobbying techniques.
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D221/2014 EVALUATION OF BEGINNERS CITIZEN 21 COMMUNITY DEV0ELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME (D119/2014) Continued
Subject to funding from DSD a further two strands of the course were proposed to commence in September 2014. Strand A would focus on a 7-week OCN course in Community Development targeted specifically at young people. It was hoped this would act as a catalyst to encourage young people in the 18 plus age bracket to consider getting involved in their local community groups. Officers would work closely with the SELB in terms of recruitment and development. Strand B would offer mentoring support to five groups/individuals who have participated in both the beginners and advanced Citizen 21 programme. It was anticipated this would enhance community representatives’ skills in advance of the new super Council.
Members would be kept informed of future progress on this training programme
D222/2014 GOOD RELATIONS SMALL GRANT SCHEME 2014-2015 (C376/2014)
The Good Relations Small Grant Scheme was advertised on 17 February 2014 with a closing date of 28 March 2014 at 12noon. Organisations could apply for funding for projects that had a core Good Relations focus for amounts of up to £1,000.
In keeping with the new Strategy, ‘Together Building a United Community’ issued by the Office of First and Deputy First Minister in May 2013, the aims of the Strategy were outlined in the Good Relations Small Grants Policy for 2014-2015 with applicants requested to indicate which of the aims their proposed project would address.
The four aims were:
1. Our Children and Young People 2. Our Shared Community 3. Our Safe Community 4. Our Cultural Expression
Council’s budget for the scheme in 2014 - 2015 was £10,000. A total of 11 applications were received. Officers assessed all applications and ranked them according to their score. One application was deemed ineligible.
Officers had prepared a schedule of awards which committed a total of £7,251.
The schedule had been prepared in line with the Good Relations Small Grants Policy and Scoring Matrix. Groups had to achieve a score of at least 40% to be awarded funding and thereafter were awarded a percentage of eligible costs depending on their score.
D223/2014 WORLD WAR ONE SMALL GRANTS SCHEME UPDATE (D146/2014)
At the Development Committee Meeting of 14 April 2014 approval was given to the scheme designed for the World War One Small Grants Programme.
This programme had taken the format of a rolling scheme for projects to be undertaken between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2014 to incorporate events and projects that would mark the centenary of the commencement of World War One in August 1914. The scheme had approximately £5,000 reserved for it and groups could apply for a maximum of £500. This was conditional to the groups meeting key objectives and principles of commemorations as outlined in the policy and submission of all necessary documentation. 38
D223/2014 WORLD WAR ONE SMALL GRANTS SCHEME UPDATE (D146/2014) Continued
The scheme was advertised through local press, Facebook and the community database and to date there had been a great deal of interest in the Small Grants. At the time of this report there had been two applications received and numerous phone-calls about applications. Officers were working diligently to assist with all enquiries about the grants and also to ensure that all applications were turned around in the set time-scale of four weeks from receipt of application
D224/2014 BROWNLOW COMMUNITY HUB PROGRESS REPORT – APRIL & MAY 2014 (D176/2014)
A comprehensive report including tables showing usage and income for the Hub had been circulated previously.
D225/2014 BROWNSTOWN JUBILEE COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRESS REPORT – APRIL & MAY 2014 (D177/2014)
A comprehensive report including tables showing usage and income for the Brownstown Jubilee Community Centre had been circulated previously.
D226/2014 KILLICOMAINE JUBILEE COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRESS REPORT – MAY 2014 (D178/2014)
A comprehensive report including tables showing usage and income for the Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre had been circulated previously.
D227/2014 PLAYSCHEME PROGRESS REPORT (D179/2014) A comprehensive report on the play schemes had been circulated previously.
D228/2014 GREAT TASTE AWARD
The Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster had announced that, for the first time, the UK Guild of Fine Food would hold the 2014 Great Taste Award judging session in Northern Ireland (Stormont Hotel Belfast).
The Great Taste Awards were the largest and most trusted awards scheme for specialty fine food & drink. A one, two or three-star accreditation from the awards means a winning product would stand out on the overcrowded retail shelves and promotion by the Guild of Fine Food would lead to increased sales and brand awareness.
Speaking after welcoming the judges to Northern Ireland, Minister Arlene foster said “Holding the judging here is a marvelous endorsement of the quality of food and drink being produced by artisan enterprises and smaller companies. It also recognises the outstanding achievements of our companies in the Great Taste Awards.”
Northern Ireland companies had performed extremely well over the past number of years with renowned Portadown business The Yellow Door Deli winning the Farm shop and Deli Signature Dish category last year.
With 125 Northern Ireland companies putting forward 726 products for this year’s competition it was anticipated that this success will continue.
The high profile nature and success of the above awards underlines the importance of the focus on this sector by the Development Committee through the Craigavon 39
D228/2014 GREAT TASTE AWARD Continued
Means Business initiative and the soon to be launched Craigavon Agri-food and Drink Forum and Craigavon SME Agri-food and Drink Business Development Programme which aim to assist with the continued success and growth of the Agri- food and Drink sector by encouraging export, innovation and entrepreneurship.
CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
D229/2014 LOCALi APPLICATION – UTILISATION OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
A confidential report on this item of business can be found at Appendix 3.
D230/2014 RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (SOAR) (D35/2014) (C102/2014)
A confidential report on this item of business can be found at Appendix 4.
D231/2014 PROPOSALS ON TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
A confidential report on this item of business can be found at Appendix 5.
D232/2014 AGRI-FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME – AWARD OF TENDER (D69/2014)
A confidential report on this item of business can be found at Appendix 6.
D233/2014 BLEARY CREATIVE COMMUNITY CENTRE (D71/2014)
A confidential report on this item of business can be found at Appendix 7.
D234/2014 NORTH LURGAN COMMUNITY CENTRE – CAR PARK
CONFIDENTIAL URGENT BUSINES
D235/2014 UPDATE ON OLD TOWN QUAY PROJECT (INTERREG IVA) (D367/2013)
A confidential report on this item of business can be found at Appendix 8.
Alderman Mrs Lockhart retired from the meeting at 7.36pm.
The meeting finished at 7.37pm.
CHAIRMAN______DATE______
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APPENDIX 1
D184/2014 LETTER OF OFFER – RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
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APPENDIX 2 D190/2014 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014)
1
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 16 JUNE 2014 AGENDA ITEM 3 URGENT BUSINESS PAPER NO 1
ITEM FOR DECISION
3.1 AUTUMN PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO DEVELOP FUTURE PRIORITY Report by: Nicola Wilson, Head of Economic Development
Purpose of Report
That Members note the significant and ground breaking work that is ongoing, to establish and develop business centered collaborations and partnerships for the future economic prosperity of the region and to reinforce the important leadership role that Craigavon provides to the business sector in terms of economic development.
Recommendation
That Members note the significant and ground breaking work that is ongoing, to establish and develop business centered collaborations and partnerships for the future economic prosperity of the region and to reinforce the important leadership role that Craigavon provides to the business sector in terms of economic development.
Background
Craigavon Borough Council’s Corporate Plan identifies key growth industry sectors as having the ability to create economic prosperity and jobs.
Council have supported strategies and action plans based on business needs driving forward ground breaking partnerships and collaborations and establishing new networks.
Agri-Food Sector – Event for September 2014
Officers have been exploring potential programmes and initiatives to support local SME and indigenous Agri-food Businesses with the focus of responding directly to the Going for Growth Strategy. From this research we have focused our Craigavon Agri- food and Drink Business Development Programme and the Craigavon Agri-food and Drink Forum on three themes - innovation, export and entrepreneurship.
In preparation for these Agri-food focused programmes it has become apparent that our local SME’s are not aware of or indeed ready/equipped to gain maximum advantage from available EU grant funding, in particular Horizon 2020.
With this in mind the focus/theme of the first Craigavon Agri-food and Drink Forum in September 2014 will be awareness raising around potential funding sources, in particular Horizon 2020 with the aim of establishing collaborative clusters and networks.
There are indeed other funding supports that complement Horizon 2020 and we would intend to have INI, Queens University Belfast and Southern Regional College in relation to Enterprise Europe Network, Innovation vouchers and Knowledge Transfer programmes.
Overall this will provide our local Agri-food SME’s with a much better understanding of Horizon 2020 and an opportunity to become part of a much wider collaborative network.
3.1 AUTUMN PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO DEELOP FUTURE PRIORITY – Cont.
Research and Development Through Technology – Event for October 2014
Officers have worked closely with the NI Technology Centre at Queen’s University and will hold a Conference in October 2014 on the theme of innovation and research and development aimed at establishing a pilot cluster and programme around:
• Disruptive Technologies • High Performance Computing • Additive technology • Virtual Realisation
NITC and our strategic partners will present case studies and real examples of how this technology can move businesses up the innovation escalator to a point where they become more competitive and can see their market opportunities grow and develop.
The Conference will help to establish collaborative networks of SMEs so that together we can drive forward an innovation and research and development agenda. Invest NI need collaborative networks to come together to access funding. Council as the strategic leader in economic development can and will fulfil this need.
Life and Health Sciences – Event for November 2014
To continue with the promotion of Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences and to support an application to Interreg 5, Council will be holding the second Annual Life Sciences Conference in November 2014.
The main focus of this event will be facilitating the networking/collaboration between Clinicians and SME’s. Through the promotion of Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence and other programmes including the Life Sciences Supply chain project and Life Sciences Innovation project we have identified that within Craigavon there are some highly innovative SME’s. Despite this however the SME’s are not aware of all of the EU grant opportunities that may be available to them, in particular the Horizon 2020 programme.
The Conference will be the perfect environment to provide an overview of the Horizon 2020 funding programme and focus on those elements that are directly relevant to SME’s such as the SME instrument and particular Life and Health Science calls.
The awareness event will also be of benefit to the Clinicians and Health professionals as the SME element in partnerships for Horizon 2020 is essential and will provide those from the clinical environment direct access to this invaluable element to their specific research applications.
Employee Implications N/A
Financial Implications Within Economic Development budget.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought N/A
Equality Screening N/A
3.2 LIFE SCIENCES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Report by: Ciaran Tipping, Economic Development Officer
Purpose of Report
To seek the support of Members for the development of a proposal to the Interreg V Programme for a comprehensive capital and resource project to support the growth of the Life Sciences sector in Craigavon.
Recommendation
That Members approve ‘in principle’ the development of a proposal to the Interreg V Programme for a comprehensive capital and resource project to support the growth of the Life Sciences sector in Craigavon.
Craigavon’s Economic Development team has over the past number of years established strong linkages with a range of stakeholders in Life and Health Sciences with a view to maximizing the economic benefit of this key growth sector to the borough.
This has resulted in the development of partnership arrangements with key sectoral players including Biobusiness, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Craigavon Area Hospital, University of Ulster, Queen’s University Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland, East Border Region Ltd and Dundalk Institute of Technology.
This in turn has enabled Craigavon Borough Council to develop a Life Sciences Strategy and bring forward a number of new initiatives including
• The Life Sciences Supply Chain Project • The Life Sciences Innovation Programme • The Cardiology, Commerce and Collaboration Conference • Hosting of the Eco Health Conference
We have also worked to establish relationships with European and global stakeholders through a series of delegations to EU Offices in Brussels and the hosting of Life Sciences delegations from Boston and Asia Pacific region.
An exciting opportunity has arisen through the forthcoming Interreg V Programme which will provide funding for enhancing research and innovation infrastructure and business investment in research and innovation in the Life Sciences sector. The finalized programme is out to consultation at present however it is proposed that €60m in funding is made available for this priority.
The work already completed by the Economic Development team has established a firm basis on which to make a significant bid to this programme for funding for a multi- faceted project to establish Craigavon as a Life Sciences Centre of Excellence for the EBR and SEED economic development regions.
The proposal would seek to establish a framework of supports to develop the capacity of the area to support Life Sciences activity and also to develop the capacity of local businesses to innovate, develop products and do business within the sector. It would also be an opportunity to build on previous work to establish a Life Sciences Innovation Centre/Bio lab within the Borough.
A project of this nature would require a stable long term partnership of academic, business, clinical and government stakeholders with a clear vision of implementation over a number of years.
3.2 LIFE SCIENCES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE – Cont.
The long term support of Members would be critical in establishing the deep linkages and partnerships needed to develop the bid and to implement the project should funding be achieved.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
3.3 LETTER OF OFFER – RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (SOAR) Report by: Patricia Lappin, Rural Development Officer
Purpose of Report
To seek approval to accept a Letter of Offer from the Rural Development Programme (SOAR), under Measure 3.5 Village Renewal and Development to appoint a consultant to undertake a technical study to develop options, costs and all issues related to provide recreational provision on the site of Bleary Old School House.
Recommendation
1 That Members accept the Letter of Offer from the Rural Development Programme, Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas (SOAR) for £5,000 grant-aid to appoint a consultant to undertake a technical study to develop options, costs and all issues related to provide recreational provision on the site of Bleary Old School House; and
2 That Members note match-funding of £8,500 required to implement the project has been previously agreed by Council (D383/2012).
Background
Members will be aware that SOAR was open for applications under Measure 3.5 Village Renewal and Development of the Rural Development Programme from 1 February until 28 March 2013. Officers submitted 4 speculative applications following on from the consultation process undertaken through the Craigavon Village Plans.
Key Issues
Officers have now been advised that the recreational provision at Bleary Old School House application has been successful and a Letter of Offer has been received from the Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas. a copy of the Letter of Offer is attached for Members’ consideration. Appendix 1
The project aims to employ a qualified consultant team to produce a technical study which will develop all issues, options and costs related to provide recreational facilities at the former school site in Bleary.
This project was identified through the Village Plans consultation process and the need for the project is highlighted in the Waringstown, Bleary and Gibson’s Hill Village Plan. The Village Plans were recently launched in December 2013. Through this project Craigavon Borough Council can begin to address issues identified and work with local communities to develop costed options for the provision of play/recreation facilities on the Bleary Old School site. The project aims to complement existing plans for the Bleary Creative Hub on the Old School House site in Bleary. Consultation will be required with a number of stakeholders including CBC, Local Community and Bleary Primary School. The preferred option will then be developed to RIBA Stage D together with applications for planning.
The total project cost is estimated to be in the region of £13,500 with Council match- funding the project in the amount of £8,500. Members are asked to note the timeline for delivery of this project is challenging as the project must be delivered by September 2014.
3.3 LETTER OF OFFER – RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (SOAR) – CONT.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
Match funding of £8,500 to implement the project has been previously agreed by Council. (D383/2012).
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
3.4 REQUEST FROM PORTADOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO MATCH FUND A CHAMBER LED CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE DRD ROADS SERVICES’ 5 HOURS FOR £1’ CAR PARKING INITIATIVE Report by: Lyn McNeill, Town Centre Manager
Purpose of Report
To provide Members with a copy of correspondence received from Adrian Farrell, President of Portadown Chamber of Commerce requesting match-funding for a campaign to promote the DRD Road Service ‘5 hours for £1’ parking initiative.
Recommendation
1 That Members consider a request form Portadown Chamber of Commerce for match-funding of £1,000 for an advertising campaign to promote DRD Roads Service ‘5 hours for £1’ parking initiative using the creative detailed in Appendix 2;
2 If Members were of a mind to support this request that £1,000 is set aside for Lurgan Chamber to carry out a similar targeted promotion; and
3 That due to the timescales involved the matter be referred to the Mid- Monthly meeting of Council.
Key Issues
The Department for Regional Development recently announced an extension to their Christmas 2013 Parking Scheme which involved charging lower parking rates in car parks across NI throughout the festive trading period.
As a result 93 ‘off street’ car parks across 25 towns including Lurgan and Portadown will charge £1 for five hours parking for 6 months (commenced on 12 April 2014).
In order to promote the scheme Portadown Chamber of Commerce has completed four weeks of outdoor and press advertising using the creative attached. Appendix 2
They are keen to run a similar campaign at the end of July 2014 at a total cost of £2,000, to include billboards and press advertising in the Portadown Times and Tyrone Courier and have asked if Council would be agreeable to match-fund their £1000 contribution.
On a recent visit to Portadown the Minister for Regional Development advised Portadown Chamber that resources were not available to run their own marketing campaign for the initiative and they could not fund any campaigns operated independently such as the Portadown Chamber one as this would be unfair to the other 24 towns in which the parking promotion is applicable.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
The budget of £1,000 required for this project could be made available from the 2014/2015 Economic Development budget.
3.4 REQUEST FROM PORTADOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO MATCH FUND A CHAMBER LED CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE DRD ROADS SERVICES’ 5 HOURS FOR £1’ CAR PARKING INITIATIVE – Cont.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 16 JUNE 2014 AGENDA ITEM 4 URGENT BUSINESS - CONFIDENTIAL PAPER NO 1
ITEM FOR DECISION
3.1 ADDENDUM TO 6.5 BLEARY CREATIVE COMMUNITY CENTRE (D71/2014) Report by: Nicola Wilson, Head of Economic Development
Purpose of Report
To amend the recommendations contained within the Bleary Community Centre report to comply with procurement rules and best practice.
Recommendation
1 That Members approve the appointment of Brendan Loughran Ltd as main contractor to deliver the Bleary Creative Community Centre at a cost of £386,700;
2 That this matter is referred to the Mid-Monthly Meeting of Council to progress the project due to the timescales involved; and
3 That an updated report will be presented at a future meeting.
Background
The procurement rules of Council do not allow Officers to seek reductions in a single price tendered without seeking similar reductions from all bidders. Due to the timescales involved, it is not possible to seek reductions from all bidders through a bill of reductions process.
Officers advise that to cover the shortfall of £86,600 it would be appropriate to reallocate existing Council funds to support this project. CMT have reviewed this project and is content that existing funds could be reallocated to cover this shortfall.
Employee Implications
NA
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
Confidentiality Implications
Commercial in confidence
3.2 UPDATE ON OLD TOWN QUAY PROJECT (INTERREG IVA) (D367/2013) Report by: Sandra Durand, Tourism Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To seek Members’ approval to appoint R. Robinson & Sons Ltd as the Integrated Design Team for the Old Town Quay Environmental Improvement Works and installation of 2 number Jetties.
Recommendation
1 That Members’ approve the appointment of R. Robinson & Sons Ltd as the Integrated Design Team for the Old Town Quay Environmental Improvement Works and installation of 2 number Jetties at a Tender Assessment Total Price (Excluding VAT) of £37,300;
2 That Members note the procurement process for the Design Team has been overseen by the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) as a proportion of the funding to deliver the project is derived from Interreg IVA; and
3 Due to the timescales involved this matter is referred to the Mid-Monthly meeting of Council for approval.
Background
Members will be aware that a successful application was submitted to Interreg IVA through East Border Region to secure £186,808 for tourism product development in Craigavon. Members will also be aware that £135,000 from the CIDF budget was previously approved by Committee making a total project implementation budget of £321,808
The proposed works include: re-grading of the site; installation of 2nr pontoons, access ramps, back seats and piled fixings; provision of rock armour to river banks; concreting walling to slipway; trenching and ducting for electrical supply & 3nr light columns; re-enforced grass surface to trailer park; access road; car parking; turning area, kerbing and drainage; street furniture, boundary railings, riverside railings, seats, bins, picnic tables and signage; soft landscape works, grassing & planting works.
This work will complement proposed projects in relation to the Portadown linkages and riverfront improvements.
Key Issues
The PQQ for the Appointment of the Integrated Design Team for the Old Town Quay was advertised in the Belfast Telegraph on 14 March 2014 and closed on 28 March 2014. The evaluation Panel reviewed the 3 companies which submitted to the PQQ process and invited each of the three companies to tender for the Design Service for the Old Town Quay as they passed the PQQ stage. A copy of the evaluation report is attached for Members information. Appendix 1
3.2 UPDATE ON OLD TOWN QUAY PROJECT (INTERREG IVA) (D367/2013) – Cont.
On 11 June 2014 the evaluation panel met again to review the second stage submissions from all three companies as detailed in the evaluation report. A copy of the second stage evaluation report is attached for Members for information. The Panel recommended that R.Robinson & Sons Ltd is appointed as the Integrated Design Team for Old Town Quay EI Works and 2 number jetties at a Tender Assessment Total Price (excluding VAT) at £37,300. The £37,300 comprises £28,600 (Total Activity Schedule) and £8,700 (Model Compensation Event). Appendix 2
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
External funding from Interreg IVA of £186,808 had been sourced previously and that Members had previously approved an allocation of £135,000 from CIDF towards the implementation costs of the Old Town Quay totaling in the region of £321,808.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
Confidentiality Implications
Commercial in Confidence.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 16TH JUNE 2014 AGENDA ITEM 5 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT REPORT PAPER NO 2
ITEMS FOR DECISION
5.1 PRESENTATION – UTILISATION OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY – LOCALi APP (D154/2014) Report by: Sandra Durand, Tourism Development Manager
Purpose of Report
Members to receive a presentation from BNL Productions on the LOCALi application (app).
Recommendation
1 That Members receive a presentation from BNL Productions on the LOCALi app; and
2 That Members consider the recommendations in a further report to be considered by Committee June 2014.
Key Issues
At the April 2014 meeting of Committee Members requested that BNL Productions be invited to present to Committee in June 2014 on the LOCALi app. Members are aware the Craigavon LOCALi app was developed recently. This leading edge technology was developed as a result of funding from NESTA for a partnership comprising Council, local multi-media company BNL and Queens University. The concept is based upon the UK Government’s drive towards a ‘digital by default’ basis for communication between citizens and government. NESTA, which is closely associated with the Technology Strategy Board in the UK, provided funding for the project with the aim of developing and rolling out a ‘hyper local’ communications channel. Craigavon was the ‘test bed’ for the project.
Following the presentation Members are requested to consider the recommendations in a further report and the next steps for implementation.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
1
5.2 CRAIGAVON SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL (SCI) COMMITTEE (D134/2014) Report by: Lewis Porter, Principal Administrative Officer and SCI Liaison Officer
Purpose of Report
To respond to issues raised by Members at the April Meeting of the Development Committee associated with the Council decision to issue an invitation to the Mayor and City Council of LaGrange to make a Civic Visit to Craigavon; and to consider the options available for the expenditure of any funds remaining in the Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation Account.
Recommendation
1 That Members note:- i. The revised estimated costs associated with the Civic Visit by a delegation from LaGrange; ii. The draft proposed itinerary for the visit and advise of any amendments;
2 That Members consider the options available for the expenditure of any funds remaining in the Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation Account; and
3 That due to the timescales involved this matter is referred to the Mid- Monthly meeting of Council.
Background
At the April Meeting of the Committee it was agreed to defer the matters pertaining to the Craigavon Sister City International (SCI) Committee pending a more detailed report being brought to Members including costings, delegation details and proposed itinerary for the Civic Visit from LaGrange. It was also agreed that a report detailing the positive outcomes of the link be sent to Members of the Committee and this was e-mailed on 3 June 2014.
Civic Visit – Costs
Following comments by Members at the April Meeting of the Committee and direction from the Director of Development as there was no meeting of the Development Committee in May, the Principal Administrative Officer/SCI Liaison Officer contacted the Mayor of LaGrange, Councilman Jim Thornton, advising a maximum of 8 persons.
LaGrange City Council has suggested arriving on Saturday 30 August 2014 and leaving on Friday 5 September 2014 (with the exception of one Council Member who will leave on Wednesday 3 September 2014)
Currently 6 of the 8 spaces have been taken.
2
5.2 CRAIGAVON SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL (SCI) COMMITTEE (D134/2014) – Cont.
In light of the restricted number, the estimated costs have been revised as follows:-
Accommodation £
7 persons for 6 nights at Seagoe Hotel
£97.50 B&B per double room (2 rooms) £73.50 B&B per single room (3 rooms) £73.50 B&B per single room (1 room) 1 person for 4 nights 2,787.00
Transport – self-drive minibus 510.00 (+ diesel)
Civic Reception (50 persons inc meal and room hire) 1750.00
Sundries – admission charges and meals 500.00 Total 5,547.00
This amount can be covered by utilising part of the budget of £5k for the 2014/2015 financial year together with some of the Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation funds.
Civic Visit – Proposed Itinerary
Saturday 30 August Delegation to be met at Dublin/Belfast International airport – depending on choice of route. Visit to Dublin City prior to travelling to Craigavon or travel to hotel prior to tour to Ulster American Folk Park via Armagh City Sunday 31 August Overview tour of Belfast – Titanic Quarter; Stormont; County Antrim Coast; North Coast Monday 1 September Meetings with Council representatives, i.e. Members and Officers. Overview tour of Craigavon including LNDC; Brownlow; Lurgan; Portadown Attendance at Monthly Meeting of Council Tuesday 2 September Meeting with business representatives at bases Visit to CIDO incubation units and Innovation Centre (Visit to Craigavon Area Hospital/Portadown Health Centre for Councilman Dr Tom Gore) Evening – Civic Reception – Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre Wednesday 3 September (Return Councilman Dr Gore to airport) Visit to Armagh – Palace; Navan; Planetarium; Cathedrals etc Evening – Craigavon SCI Committee meal Thursday 4 September Meetings with SRC, SELB Friday 5 September Return to airport for departure
3
5.2 CRAIGAVON SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL (SCI) COMMITTEE (D134/2014) – Cont.
As stated at the April Meeting of the Committee, Council could not pre-empt whether the Shadow Council would want to continue the link with LaGrange. It is suggested that an opportunity be offered to the Party representatives of the Shadow Council and the Chief Executive to attend a dinner or lunch so that discussions can take place on future links.
Budgets
At the April Committee Meeting, consideration had been sought in respect of the options available for the expenditure of funds remaining in the Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation Account but no decision was made.
The position is as follows:-
Council has approved a budget of £5k for the 2014/2015 financial year to the SCI Committee. The Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation has currently funds totalling £14,319.22.
Given the desire of Members to have the monies spent for the benefit of Craigavon, there are a number of options available:-
a. The new Mayor of LaGrange has indicated that he would be keen to have the Director of Development and Development Officers of LaGrange City Council accompany the delegation as neither have previously been to Craigavon. As there would be a large educational element to such a visit, i.e. in terms of educating the visitors regarding Craigavon and its surrounding area, at least some of the costs of the proposed Civic Visit could be borne out of the Charity Foundation account;
b. The Craigavon SCI Charity Foundation could continue to exist RPA/LGR with funds being ring-fenced for the benefit of the citizens of the Craigavon area or on activities designed to educate those coming from LaGrange and visiting the Craigavon area;
c. A larger than usual grant could be given to members of e.g. the SELB Music Ensemble who are interested in visiting and performing in LaGrange, to assist with fundraising; or
d. Funds could be utilised in relation to the proposed fact finding visit by staff and faculty members from LaGrange (University) College in September 2014. This is with a view to firming up proposals for students and faculty to subsequently study for a period in Craigavon. The programme for this is to be proposed to the European Council of the University System of Georgia, USA. If the programme is accepted then Craigavon would receive recognition along with cities such as Milan, Madrid, Paris and London as an area participating in the Programme.
Employee Implications
N/A
5.2 CRAIGAVON SISTER CITY INTERNATIONAL (SCI) COMMITTEE (D134/2014) – Cont.
4 Financial Implications
Regarding Recommendation 1. above – all expenditure to be covered from within the SCI budget and Charity Foundation monies.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
5
5.3 DISABLED PERSONS PARKING PLACES ON ROADS Report by: Lewis Porter, Principal Administrative Offier
Purpose of Report
To advise Members of correspondence received from DRD Roads Service concerning the intention to provide disabled parking bays at Corcrain Drive and Tullyroan Drive, Portadown.
Recommendation
That Council advise DRD Roads Service that it has no objection to the proposal to provide disabled parking bays at Corcrain Drive and Tullyroan Drive, Portadown.
Background
Correspondence has been received from DRD Roads Service advising that it has been asked to provide disabled parking bays at Corcrain Drive, Portadown and Tullyroan Drive, Portadown and have asked that this matter be brought to the attention of Council.
Maps showing the location of the aforementioned disabled parking bays are attached. Appendix 1
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
6
5.4 RAILWAY INVESTMENT PRIORITISATION STRATEGY (D92/2013) Report by: Richard Griffin, Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To advise Members of the publication by DRD of a report that sets out the strategic priorities for railway investment over the next 20 years.
Recommendation
That Members note the implications of the Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy for Craigavon and consider any further lobbying in relation to local issues.
Background
During 2013, the Department for Regional Development (“The Department”) carried out a public consultation on how to take forward and prioritise future investment in the Northern Ireland railway network up to 2035. Craigavon Borough Council prepared a response to this consultation in April 2013 which sought to highlight local railway priorities and how these might be addressed in line with the options for investment set out in the consultation document. Appendix 2A
Following consideration of the consultation responses, DRD has published a paper that sets out:
• a strategic direction for future railway investment over the next 20 years; and • high level initiatives to be delivered in support of that strategic direction.
An overview of the priority themes and associated key projects is set out in the table attached. Appendix 2B
The full document can be read at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/publications/publications-details.htm?docid=9698.
Within each of the three strategic priorities identified by the document a number of measures are listed. Those measures listed in the document that are of relevance to Craigavon are in bold below in brief extracts from the main report:
PRIORITY 1: MAINTAIN, AND IMPROVE PASSENGER CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING NETWORK
Track Maintenance - Relay of the track through Lurgan station - Track rehabilitation of the following lines: • Knockmore to Lurgan • Yorkgate to Bleach Green • Portadown to the border • Belfast to Bangor
Stations 3.10 NIR has early plans for station upgrades and refurbishment at Lurgan, Ballymena, Adelaide and Londonderry. These works will include accessibility and safety features. Should similar work be required at other stations and halts later in the strategy period, it is expected that a programme will come forward from work on the Network Utilisation Strategy.
7
5.4 RAILWAY INVESTMENT PRIORITISATION STRATEGY (D92/2013) – Cont.
Park and Ride 3.11 In recent years the number of parking spaces and park and ride sites at stations has been increased. They have attracted new passengers to travel by rail and are extensively used across the network. Adding to park and ride facilities was seen by many respondents to the consultation as a necessity to grow passenger numbers.
3.12 In line with this, NIR has plans to introduce new or additional parking spaces at the following stations:
- Bangor - Moira - Ballymoney - Holywood - Cullybackey - Ballymena - Portadown - Lurgan - Mossley West - Whiteabbey
3.13 The phasing of these schemes will be governed by the process of land acquisitions and planning approval as well as the availability of funding. The Department will work with NIR to develop a phased programme within its wider Park and Ride Strategy. Depending on success, further sites may be added to the programme in later years.
3.14 In addition, opportunities to develop out-of-town rail based park and ride at new halts will also be explored.
New Halts 3.15 The consultation response attracted a significant number of suggestions for new halts of various locations across the network. Developing new halts where a viable passenger demand can be identified, particularly where associated with park and ride facilities can help and stimulate more rail usage.
At present, NIR has plans to explore the potential for or to develop further halts at the locations below. This list may be added to where further passenger demand emerges during the Strategy period:
- Ballymartin - Lisburn West - Belfast, Donegall Quay - Craigavon - Eglinton/Ballykelly
PRIORITY 3: ENHANCING THE TEN-T COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK
Network Extensions The costs of expanding the existing network and providing rail services directly to the Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen hubs are likely to be prohibitive over the lifetime of this strategy. However, extensions west along the road network on the A6 in the vicinity of the Castledawson roundabout and either the M1/A4 or A3/A29 corridors in the vicinity of Dungannon and Armagh could provide more affordable and viable options, particularly given the significant number of commuters currently utilising the A6 and A4 corridors.
8
5.4 RAILWAY INVESTMENT PRIORITISATION STRATEGY (D92/2013) – Cont.
In line with that, the Department proposes to initiate a series of feasibility studies to determine potential passenger demand, identify optimum routes and locations of halts and to estimate the likely costs and benefits of construction on these corridors.
Whilst the inclusion of a number of rail infrastructure issues of local importance is to be welcomed, Members may wish to consider further lobbying of the Department in relation to these and other specific rail/road issues within the Borough.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implication
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
9
5.5 URBAN VILLAGE SUBMISSION – UPDATE (D137/2014) Report by: Richard Griffin, Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To advise Members of progress with the preparation of a submission to OFMDFM in respect of the designation of a number of urban villages throughout Northern Ireland.
Recommendation
That Members note progress with the preparation of a submission to OFMDFM highlighting Brownlow as an area suitable for designation as an urban village as defined by their 'Together: Building a United Community Strategy' published in May 2013.
Background
Members will recall the decision to proceed with a report highlighting the need and opportunity that exists in the Brownlow area relative to the ‘Together: Building a United Community Strategy' which proposes the designation of four urban villages across Northern Ireland.
Members will also recall that Colin and the Lower Newtownards Road have been announced as the first two urban villages.
The purpose of the designation is to ‘create and stabilise change within communities’. Colin has been chosen because of the specific challenges it faces as a large urban area with a high population roughly 26,000, which suffers from "a distinct lack of social infrastructure". The Lower Newtownards Road has been selected as it is "a recognised area of high urban deprivation and decay”. The Department for Social Development will work to have each area designated as a development zone and create project boards to coordinate and oversee the planning, design and delivery of all aspects of the urban villages.
As Brownlow exhibits many of the characteristics which have led to the designation of these areas, Officers have begun preparation of a paper making the case for Brownlow’s potential designation as an urban village. Regeneration and urban design consultancy the Paul Hogarth Company have been appointed to assist with the preparation of a concise report which will be informed by a physical audit of the area and a community engagement event hosted at Brownlow Community Hub on 4 June 2014.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implication
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A 10
5.6 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014) Report by: Richard Griffin, Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To seek approval to proceed with a masterplan for lands adjacent to the South Lake in Central Craigavon.
Recommendation
1 That Members approve the procurement of an Integrated Consultant Team to oversee the preparation of a masterplan for lands adjacent to the South Lake in Central Craigavon; and
2 That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Development to approve the appointment of an Integrated Consultant Team at a cost of up to £20,000.
Background
Members will appreciate that the South Lake area represents a significant opportunity for the Central area, as articulated by previous work such as a 2004 masterplan and subsequent development brief for a hotel. More recently, a review of Council-owned lands in the area has been undertaken by Officers and it had been considered that a design team should be appointed to prepare conceptual layout designs for key lands, with a particular focus on the impact of the new leisure facility.
Members will also be aware that the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment have been assisting Council in relation to the delivery of the combined leisure centre and have undertaken a number of design review workshops during the early stages of the project. As part of this process, the design team for the leisure centre have explored a number of options for the location of the facility while also considering it’s immediate context and the potential future use of, and connectivity with, adjacent lands. This work effectively represents the early stages of a masterplan for a small area of the lakeshore to ensure the optimal site is selected for the leisure facility.
This process ends with the selection of the site for the leisure facility, with the team then focusing solely on the delivery of the building and any associated infrastructure.
Given the impact the new leisure facility will have both visually and in terms of land use, it is proposed that the timing is now appropriate to undertake a broader review of development potential within Council-owned lands located on the shore of the South Lake.
This work would utilise the findings of the leisure centre design team, as well as previous work undertaken by Council including the 2004 masterplan, many of the principles of which remain valid. A design team would therefore have existing work on which to develop and refresh an approach to the area which takes account of the changing context of the immediate and wider area, as well as the implications of Local Government Reform in terms of Council’s capacity to deliver.
Officers have also been in discussion with MAG regarding wider opportunities for regeneration within the South Lake area and throughout Craigavon town centre which would inform a refreshed masterplan for the area.
11
5.6 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014) – Cont.
Key Issues
While the CIDF does address lands within the town centre boundary of Central Craigavon, the context has changed significantly since this work was completed in 2009 and requires a fresh approach that takes account of the leisure project, LGR, market conditions, and potential projects elsewhere in Central Craigavon. Officers have engaged with the private sector locally, including Rushmere as adjoining landowners who remain keen to explore opportunities for expansion, as indicated by their planning approval for further retail, cinema and restaurant development. As a major local attraction, the leisure centre has the potential to boost private sector confidence which will be critical to any future development projects. Officers have also facilitated discussions with central government departments regarding the potential of Council-owned land in the area.
In short, a 2014 masterplan for the shore of the South Lake would fully consider the wider development potential of the South Lake shore, as well as seeking to address severance issues associated with Lakeview Road in particular to improve connectivity with Craigavon town centre.
The plan would articulate development opportunities on Council-owned lands, and define the optimal configuration of the wider area so it can work as an extension of the town centre and a zone where the transition from urban town centre to edge-of- town-centre uses and character takes place. This would establish a framework within which Council could lead the appropriate development of the south lakeshore, fully realising the regenerative potential of the £25m investment in local leisure.
The process would also identify solutions to potential constraints such as accessibility and landscape sensitivity, as well as considering open space and the public realm, ensuring the development of complementary uses and spaces that strike the appropriate balance between development and preservation of character.
The ultimate aim is to develop Central Craigavon as a place, and as a destination characterised by a strong retail offer alongside indoor and outdoor leisure and recreation uses of a scale and character that would not be achievable in other local towns.
Initial discussions have taken place with potential investors to the area and it is therefore important to independently identify suitable investments for the area.
Council’s role now and going forward will be to enable development by acting to address infrastructure issues and by releasing suitable development opportunity sites. The transfer of functions associated with Local Government Reform further enables a holistic approach to the ongoing development of the area, ensuring it is fully embedded into the town centre of Craigavon.
Indeed, the combination of significant capital investment, alongside the extent of Council-owned lands in the area, and the future transfer of planning and regeneration functions to Council means that there is a unique opportunity to lead a potentially transformational development strategy for Central Craigavon during the first 5-10 years of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council. It is proposed that now is the appropriate time to plan this process, and approval is therefore sought to procure an ICT team during the summer months.
Lands proposed for inclusion are highlighted on the attached map. Appendix 3
12
5.6 SOUTH LAKESHORE MASTERPLAN (D273/2014) – Cont.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
Estimated £20,000 professional fee budget with is available within current budgets.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
Delegated authority to the Director of Development to approve the appointment of an Integrated Consultant Team at a cost of up to £20,000.
Equality Screening
N/A
13
5.7 PORTADOWN RIVERSIDES (D102/2014) Report by: Richard Griffin, Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To advise Members of progress with the Portadown Riversides project, and to request delegated authority for the Director of Development to enable the project to be advanced during July and August 2014.
Recommendation
That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Development to approve the appointment of an integrated consultant team to progress the Portadown Riversides project at a cost of up to £25,000.
Background
Members will recall the Portadown Riversides project which will identify a series of physical interventions to improve the quality of lands adjacent to the River Bann on the edge of Portadown Town Centre by upgrading access, promoting leisure and recreation uses, and accommodating appropriate small scale development opportunities. It is anticipated that measures will include, but will not be limited to re- surfacing, planting and landscaping, lighting, signage, furniture, orientation and interpretation, the identification of potential locations for public art or other points of interest, revised boundary treatments, additional tourism and events infrastructure, and the development of play park facilities.
Key Issues
Within the area identified there is a former pump house building adjacent to the Bann Bridge which is also owned by Craigavon Borough Council. As part of ongoing work within the Land & Property section, a condition survey has been undertaken of the building which will inform a subsequent analysis of the cost and feasibility of accommodating a new use within the building.
Terms of Reference have been prepared and Officers are proceeding with the procurement of an integrated consultant team to prepare conceptual designs and associated cost estimates. It is anticipated that a team could be appointed by July 2014. Delegated authority is therefore sought for the Director of Development to enable the project to be advanced during July and August 2014.
Employee Implications N/A
Financial Implications
Professional fee budget of up to £25,000 to be funded from within existing CIDF capital budget.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
Delegated authority for the Director of Development to approve the appointment of an integrated consultant team at a cost of up to £25,000.
Equality Screening N/A
14
5.8 URBAN REGENERATION – DSD FUNDING (D135/2014) & (D136/2014) Report by: Richard Griffin, Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To advise Members of funding options for the Portadown linkages and Lurgan Public Realm projects.
Recommendation
1 That the Portadown Linkages project be agreed as a priority to be considered for funding through the Urban Regeneration budget for 2015/16;
2 That any shortfall in funding for the completion of the Public Realm Scheme in Lurgan be put forward as a priority for the Urban Regeneration budget for 2015/2016; and
3 That details on these proposals are forwarded to the Shadow Council as part of the regeneration work programme for 2015/2016.
Background
Portadown Linkages Members will recall the Portadown Linkages project, the designs for which were presented during the March meeting of Committee.
The Public Realm Strategy for the project and the Economic Appraisal have been completed and the Economic Appraisal submitted to DSD Economics Branch for consideration. Baseline information (pedestrian surveys/footfall/business surveys) has also been gathered throughout each of the areas included in the scope of the project and will inform the Economic Appraisal.
The project has identified potential works with a value in the region of £2.2m. While it is hoped that grant support from DSD to continue through the detailed design and planning application processes can be secured, it is unclear whether further funding is likely to be forthcoming from DSD during the 2014/2015 financial year.
While Council can continue to lobby DSD during this period, it is proposed that the project is established as a strategic regeneration priority for Craigavon to be considered for Urban Regeneration funding from April 2015, should the full funding package not have been identified prior to that date. If planning approval is granted in the interim and detailed designs prepared, the project will be very well placed to commence without delay once funding is secured.
Lurgan Public Realm Work is progressing to extend Public Realm Works throughout Lurgan town centre, to include streets originally detailed in the Economic Appraisal and planning approval. Budget availability and procurement thresholds require that the works will continue to be delivered over a number of phases. The current status of each phase of work is set out below.
Phase 2 (High Street & Market Street/William Street/Edward Street) The defects liability period extends to July 2014, and the contractor is working to address a small number of issues and repairs throughout the town.
15
5.8 URBAN REGENERATION – DSD FUNDING (D135/2014) & (D136/2014) – Cont.
Phase 2 Extension (North Street) The contractor has completed footway resurfacing and paving works throughout the scheme and will be returning during June 2014 to complete street lighting and install trees/street furniture. The remaining works will result in only isolated disruption for short periods and will not require significant traffic management arrangements or restrict access to premises.
Phase 3 (Union Street/Carnegie Street/Castle Lane/Church Walk/Watsons Lane) The procurement an Integrated Consultant Team to oversee the detailed design and delivery of Phase 3 of Public Realm in Lurgan has commenced with PQQ responses having been assessed during May 2014. Companies who passed this stage have been invited to submit full tender responses which will be assessed during late June/early July with a view to appointing during July 2014.
It is expected that Council and DSD will be in a position to proceed with part of the remaining scheme during 2014/2015 utilising unspent budget due to efficiencies achieved during Phase 2 and Council funding already committed, but it is only following completion of North Street and a tendering process for the remaining streets that the extent of Phase 3 funding will be known.
While Officers will continue to work closely with DSD to explore options to assemble a funding package that will enable completion of all of the scheme, it is proposed that any shortfall would represent appropriate expenditure from the new Council’s Urban Regeneration budget for 2015/2016, and as such the completion of Lurgan Public Realm be agreed as a strategic regeneration priority for Craigavon to be considered for Urban Regeneration funding from April 2015, should the full funding package not have been identified prior to that date.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
Council has contributed £200,000 to Lurgan Phase 2.
Council has committed a contribution of £130,000 to the extension of Phase 2 into North Street. Any budget remaining following completion of North Street will be utilised through the Phase 3 work.
Council has committed a contribution of £300,000 to Lurgan Phase 3.
Council has committed £24,900 to the Portadown Linkages project to be funded from reserves.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
Delegated authority has been granted to the Chief Executive.
Equality Screening
N/A
16
5.9 UPDATE - THE VIKING EXPERIENCE – BRIAN BORU COMMERORATION EVENT (D60/2014) Report by: Sandra Durand, Tourism Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To provide Members with an update on the successful Viking Experience – Brian Boru Commemoration event that was held at the Pleasure Gardens in Portadown on Saturday 17 May 2014.
Recommendation
That Members review the press coverage report, event brochure and video of the event.
Key Issues
Members are aware that the Steering Group of Portadown 400 tasked Officers to explore the possibility of restaging the very successful Viking Event that was held during the Portadown 400 celebrations in 2013. Members are also aware that throughout 2014, a yearlong commemoration of the 1,000th anniversary of Brian Boru’s death at the Battle of Clontarf, is being staged. The medieval King was killed in 1014 at the Battle of Clontarf and his remains were buried at the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh.
Members agreed at February 2014 meeting of Committee that Officers could proceed with the organization of the event subject to additional funding becoming available through Good Relations/PEACE III. This funding did become available allowing Officers to deliver a very successful, enjoyable and informative Viking Experience. A video of the event can be viewed by clicking on the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHVRXsjrB0c and a copy of the flyer, press coverage for the event and the historical brochure are attached for Members information. Appendix 4A, 4B & 4C
Members are advised that the event attracted significant attendance by local residents and visitors to the Borough.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
17
5.10 UPDATE – CRAIGAVON PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014 (D164/2014) Report by: Sandra Durand, Tourism Development Manager
Purpose of Report
To provide Members with an update on the promotional activity being implemented by Council for the upcoming Craigavon Pipe Band Championships being held in Lurgan Park on Saturday 21 June 2014.
Recommendation
1 That Members note the Craigavon Pipe Band Championships are due to take place in Lurgan Park on Saturday 21 June 2014;
2 That Members also note the proposals to promote the Craigavon Pipe Band Championships in Lurgan Park on 21 June 2014; and
3 That Members view a visual briefing of the current television campaign.
Key Issues
At the April 2014 meeting of Committee Officers were tasked with bringing more information back to Committee with regard to the proposals for promotion of this key event taking place on 21 June 2014. Members should note that 45 bands have registered to participate making this the biggest event for participation of bands in Northern Ireland this year to date.
The following promotional activity is being implemented:
o May/June 2014 transmission of the television advert promoting three key events in Lurgan Park, the schedules are attached for Members information Appendix 5A o Production and distribution of event flyer to all schools in the Borough, Council buildings, libraries, Lurgan Town Centre and all Tourist Information Centres in Northern Ireland, the flyer is attached for Members information Appendix 5B o Facebook competition on Discover Craigavon Facebook page to give away tickets for the event to include Facebook advertising and promoted posts
o PR in local papers and daily papers
o Advertising in local papers and daily papers
o Event banners erected at key entrances to Lurgan Park
o Sound system in town centre will be utilized to promote the event
o Large town centre LED screen providing town centre link up to Lurgan Park
o Active promotion of musical acts performing on the Cultural stage which is being organized by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association in partnership with Mr Mark Wilson, an internationally renowned Ulster Scots expert, talented musician and acclaimed judge. The musical acts include Blackthorn, VioLeeN and The Upducky Band.
18
5.10 UPDATE – CRAIGAVON PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014 (D164/2014) – Cont.
o Organization of radio interviews
o Updates to be provided on Council’s Twitter and Facebook
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
The amount of £15,700 has previously been approved from the Event/Tourism Development budget 2014/2015 to organize the event, including the Children’s Fun area at a cost of £3,000 and a further amount of £15,277 to promote three key events through television advertising that are taking place in Lurgan Park in June 2014 including Lurgan Show, Lurgan Park Rally and the Pipe Band Championships has also been previously approved from the Tourism Development budget.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
19
5.11 MEMBERSHIP OF THE CONFERENCE OF ATLANTIC ARC CITIES (CAAC) Report by: Paul Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer
Purpose of Report
To seek Members’ approval to apply for admission to the group of Atlantic Arc Cities.
Recommendation
That Council formally seeks admission for Craigavon to become a member of the group of Atlantic Arc Cities at a cost of €2,500.
Background
The Conference of Atlantic Arc Cities (CAAC) was formed in 2000 and currently has more than 100 cities/urban networks of the European Atlantic seaboard. This network works with different institutions, to promote the role of cities in Europe and to highlight the specificity of the Atlantic Arc. The presidency is currently held by Mr Philippe Duron, Mayor of Caen and MP for Calvados.
Craigavon has much in common with the aims of CAAC. Most members like Cork, Rennes, Caen, A Coruna are more the size of Craigavon or the new ABC area and the group also includes larger cities like Dublin, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bordeaux and San Sebastian. The general Secretary has said “2014 is the most appropriate year for joining, giving that we are launching our working groups so as to respond to the new EU calls for projects”.
Through a structure of coordination and representation, CAAC provides a tangible mechanism that creates synergies between different actions at local and transnational level. It works to improve their attractiveness, networking offers and the opportunity for cities to complete a critical mass that gradually increases their visibility and influence. CAAC intends to become the urban forum of reference for the Atlantic Arc through the promotion of a model for green, attractive and cohesive cities by:
1. Promoting the balanced and polycentric European territory and showing the essential role of cities as drivers of regional development 2. Promoting synergies and partnerships between member cities, creating the entrepreneurial spirit of the Atlantic cities 3. Create a space to develop collaborative projects 4. Promoting the interests of the Atlantic cities making the Atlantic cities more influential and attractive for economic development
The benefits of membership as stated by the CAAC are:
1. Receive support services offered by the General Secretariat 2. Take part in new initiatives and build partnerships with other local and regional authorities 3. Receive information and express opinions on proposals of the European Union, strengthening relations with the EU institutions 4. Involvement in projects and studies at European level 5. Establish or strengthen links with other cities and thematic networks (EU funding) 6. Communicate information about their city at an international level 7. Free participation at meetings and thematic seminars, as well as the General Assembly
20
5.11 MEMBERSHIP OF THE CONFERENCE OF ATLANTIC ARC CITIES (CAAC) – Cont.
8. Develop and participate in ad hoc working groups on issues of particular interest, within the EU Thematic Commissions
In the last 3 years CAAC has brought forward a large number of EU funded projects in the following themes and plans more from 2014 onwards:
• Urban Renewal and Innovative Urban Policy • Youth Unemployment • Creative Industries in Creative Cities • Sustainable Development and Renewable Energies • Forests and Fisheries
The association has full members, associate members and observer members as described below:
1. Full members are those cities, metropolitan areas or urban agglomerations with at least 200,000 inhabitants, situated in the Atlantic Arc, involved or interested in its dynamics. Cost €4547 Euro 2. May be associate members, thus concerned by the work of the committees and working groups of the Conference, metropolitan areas or urban agglomerations with less than 200,000 inhabitants located in the Atlantic Arc involved or interested in its dynamics. Cost €2500 Euro 3. Observer members may be bodies or institutions located in the Atlantic cities that wish to collaborate in the work of committees and working groups of the Conference.
Officers recommend Craigavon applies to the ‘Associate Member’ category with a potential future referral to full membership after the establishment of the new Council in 2015.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
€2,500 Euro.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
21
5.12 INNOVATION R&D AND NEW PRODUCT – BEST PRACTICE AND FUNDING CONFERENCE Report by: Paul Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer
Purpose of Report
To seek Members’ approval to host an ‘Innovation, R&D and New Product – Best Practice and Funding Conference’ in the Civic Centre.
Recommendation
That Council approves a budget of £7,000 to organise the Innovation and Funding Conference to enable local businesses access new funding streams in Craigavon Civic Centre in the Autumn of 2014. Budget available within Economic Development.
Background
Queens University’s Northern Ireland Technology Centre has been delivering the ‘You Can Develop It’ programme for Craigavon over the last 2.5 years. In that time 16 businesses have been assisted to develop new products, services and technologies. The programme will finish at the end of 2014 and work is concluding with the businesses in the coming months. A number of the new products will be ready for market launch in the Autumn 2014.
In recent months Officers from QUB and Council have been investigating potential opportunities to support local businesses to become more innovative and gain competitive advantage to grow their business locally and for export. New EU Funding streams and how to access them have been discussed at length.
The situation is so diverse and complex that a one-day Conference would be needed to cover a range of appropriate topics. The intention is to present information, best practice examples, ‘You Can Develop It’ successes and future opportunities in a straightforward and practical manner so that local businesses are better informed and ready to take advantage of new funding streams.
The Conference will therefore feature a number of keynote speakers from industry, academia and funding bodies, along with breakout sessions where practical examples of new funding assistance will be discussed in detail. Invest NI, DCAL, DEL, Intertrade Ireland and EU Funding hosts are among the major bodies that are likely to attend. This seminal business event will contain topics of practical benefit to a wide range of our companies both large and small and it is envisaged to send invitations to every forward thinking business in the Borough. The timing is also critical as many EU funding streams are opening up in the latter half of 2014.
A date has not yet been set although it is envisaged that Autumn 2014 will be an opportune time and the availability of appropriate keynote speakers is currently being investigated. An experienced ‘events management’ company would be required to coordinate and manage the Conference along with Council Officers.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
£7,000 to be provided from the Economic Development budget. 22
5.12 INNOVATION R&D AND NEW PRODUCT – BEST PRACTICE AND FUNDING CONFERENCE
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A.
23
5.13 PROPOSAL TO APPOINT THE COUNCIL’S APPROVED CONTRACTOR TO DEEP CLEAN THE GRANITE AND ASPHALT SURFACES IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN TOWN CENTRES Report by: Lyn McNeill, Town Centre Manager
Purpose of Report
To seek Members’ approval to appoint the Council’s approved specialist cleaning contractor, Tergo Solutions to deep clean the granite and asphalt surfaces in Lurgan and Portadown town centres. Members are reminded that it is a condition of the Public Realm funding from DSD that regular cleaning is undertaken.
Recommendation
1 That Members approve a deep clean of the granite and asphalt surfaces in Lurgan and Portadown town centres at a cost of £18,401.40 + VAT; and
2 That Members should note the budget is available from the 2014/2015 Economic Development budget (Public Realm) and the contractor, Tergo Solutions was procured in 2013 for a three-year contract in line with Council’ s Procurement Policy.
Background
Members are aware that daily activities in the town centres result in staining of several genres including:
1. General staining and grime 2. Chewing gum 3. Food stains 4. Oil and grease
In order to maintain the town centres in premium condition following the significant Public Realm investment of recent years and meet the condition of funding from DSD to regularly clean the Public Realm areas it was necessary to appoint a specialist cleaning contractor. Following a detailed procurement process in March 2013 Tergo Solutions was appointed for a three-year contract and a deep clean was carried out in June 2013.
The results of the first deep clean were significantly positive and together with other regeneration projects have greatly improved the ascetics of both town centres.
Before and after images of the deep clean are attached for Members’ consideration. Appendix 6
Following recent discussions between Officers from Environmental Services and Economic Development it has been proposed that a further deep clean be carried out to remove the dirt and grime that has accrued over the past 12 months and to keep the appearance of the stone and asphalt surfaces pristine.
Officers are aware that chewing gum removal equipment has been purchased by Council and that this equipment is used on an ad hoc basis in each town centre however this equipment does not address the stone/asphalt surfaces.
24
5.13 PROPOSAL TO APPOINT THE COUNCIL’S APPROVED CONTRACTOR TO DEEP CLEAN THE GRANITE AND ASPHALT SURFACES IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN TOWN CENTRES – Cont.
Pending approval the deep clean by the Council’s specialist contractor will address both the current chewing gum levels and clean the stone/asphalt surfaces. In addition, this will free up vital Environmental Services resources for the coming months.
Members are asked to note that the cost quoted by Tergo Solutions covers Portadown Public Realm and Lurgan Public Realm Phases 1 & 2, a total of 20,446 m² and if approved work would take place over July and August 2014.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
The budget for a deep clean of Portadown and Lurgan town centres is available from the 2014-2015 Economic Development budget (Public Realm).
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
25
5.14 FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE FROM MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT REFERENCE ‘OFF STREET’ CAR PARKING AND DETAIL ON A DEPARTMENT LED SIX-MONTH PILOT SCHEME APPLICABLE IN LURGAN AND PORTADOWN (D155/2014) Report by: Lyn McNeill, Town Centre Manager
Purpose of Report
To provide Members with a copy of further correspondence received from the Office of the Minister for Regional Development reference ‘off street’ car parking and provide detail on the Department’s six-month pilot scheme of lower car park charges introduced on 12 April 2014.
Recommendation
1 That Members note the contents of correspondence from the Office of the Minister for Regional Development reference to ‘off street’ car parking;
2 That Members note the detail of the Department’s six-month pilot scheme of lower car park charges in 93 car parks across 25 towns in Northern Ireland (including Lurgan and Portadown).
Key Issues
Members will recall that a motion was passed by Council in December 2013 to have a “free parking day” within both Lurgan and Portadown town centre car parks on Saturday 21 December 2013. This initiative, funded by Council, aimed to help local traders boost their footfall in the run up to Christmas and was promoted using social media, posters and regional radio advertising.
Following the initiative Members requested that correspondence be sent to the Minister requesting a meeting to discuss potential DRD Roads Service led initiatives in 2014 and in response the Chair received a holding letter dated 24 February 2014 followed by a follow up letter dated 20 March 2014. Appendix 7A and 7B
Since these letters the Department announced an extension to their Christmas 2013 Parking Scheme which involved charging lower parking rates in car parks across NI throughout the festive trading period.
As a result 93 ‘off street’ car parks across 25 towns including Lurgan and Portadown will charge £1 for five hours parking for 6 months (commenced on 12 April 2014).
The Departments full press release can be viewed via the link in Appendix 7C.
Employee Implications N/A
Financial Implications N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought N/A
Equality Screening N/A
26
5.15 TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION – UPDATE & APPROVAL REQUEST (D157/2014) Report by: Lyn McNeill, Town Centre Manager
Purpose of Report
To provide Members with an update on town centre regeneration activity delivered as part of the Town Centre Regeneration & Revitalisation Action Plan (2013-2015).
Recommendation
1 That Members review the creative concept for the proposed ‘Love Craigavon….this Summer’ campaign contained in Appendix 8C and note the success of the ‘Spring Made Stylish’ events that took place on Easter Saturday 19 April 2014 in Lurgan and Portdown Town Centres; and
2 That Members also note the proposed integration of Lurgan Town Centre with the Pipe Band Championships via the use of a large LED screen on the Plaza on Saturday 21 June 2014.
Key Issues
The ‘Spring Made Stylish’ events took place on Easter Saturday, 19 April 2014 in Lurgan and Portadown Town Centres. The event attracted much attention as professional models, escorted by Siobhan McGarry in Lurgan and Pamela Ballantine in Portadown showcased clothing from the towns’ fashion retailers in cafes and restaurants and on the plaza’s.
Participating retailers were encouraged to offer discount on the day and this was promoted by Cool FM promotional teams. One participating retailer commented, “I think it was a great success, one of our busiest Saturdays and all very positive feedback from customers.”
The event was promoted in local press, on Cool FM, through Social Media, via the town centre sound systems. Press coverage attached. Appendix 8A
Members will recall that approval was granted to produce incentive voucher booklets for circulation at key events in Lurgan and Portadown over the summer months. The first Portadown event was ‘The Viking Experience’ which took place on Saturday 17 May 2014 and the creative is attached. Appendix 8B
A Cool FM promotional team distributed the booklets for added brand identification and in doing so the event and the booklet received photographic coverage on Cool FM’s facebook page which has over 143K likes.
In Lurgan, Officers have been working on further enhancing the linkages between Lurgan Park and the town centre in relation to the Craigavon and District Pipe Band Competition scheduled for 21 June 2014. This year there will be a large LED screen set up on the plaza to enable town centre shoppers/visitors to see what’s going on in the Park. In addition, in collaboration with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association there will also be some live performances on the plaza throughout the day including the New Ross Pipe Band from Co Wexford.
27
5.15 TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION – UPDATE & APPROVAL REQUEST D157/2014) – Cont.
In addition a Lurgan specific offer booklet has been created for distribution by Cool FM at Lurgan Show, the Craigavon and District Pipe Band Competition and Lurgan Rally.
As Members are aware approval was granted for the replication of a Summer campaign for 6 weeks similar to the “Discover Craigavon…this Summer” campaign in 2013. This year’s proposed “Love Craigavon…this Summer” will run Saturday 26 July 2014 – Saturday 30 August 2014 and will include pop up performers in Lurgan and Portadown town centres each Saturday together with complimentary tea/coffee giveaways in conjunction with retail partners from the hospitalitysectors in each town and with the Council’s Leisure Services Department. Appendix 8C
In relation to the Portadown Revitalisation project, works are completed with some final snagging taking place. Officers are in the process of gathering information/data for the Post Project Evaluation – a requirement for DSD.
In Lurgan the Revitalisation works are also complete. With reference to the replacement shutter scheme it is encouraging to see that some businesses have invested their own money in new signage to complement the new punched shutters.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
28
5.16 NEIGHBOURHOOD FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEME (D132/2014) Report by: Tracey Johnston, Community Development Officer (Brownlow)
Purpose of Report
To advise Members of the re-advertising of the Neighbourhood Festival Event Scheme and to request delegated authority for the Director of Development to administer the scheme during the period September 2014 – December 2014.
Recommendation
That Members grant delegated authority to the Director of Development to administer grant-aid to the Neighbourhood Festival Event Scheme for the period September 2014 – December 2014.
Background
The Neighbourhood Festival Event Scheme is a rolling grant programme which is advertised approximately 3 times per year and is aimed at encouraging participation in Community life. It is targeted at the community/voluntary sector and groups can secure funding for locally based events to the value of £500.
Key Issues
Members will recall the Neighbourhood Festival Event Scheme was recently advertised for events occurring between 1 September through to 31t December 2014. While traditionally this is a period when fewer applications are forwarded, in this instance only one application was received.
As community groups are particularly busy at this time of year, Officers would suggest that the scheme be re-advertised in order to ensure community groups have not overlooked this particular avenue of funding. Officers would propose that the Director of Development be granted delegated authority to progress this.
Members are asked to note that £10,000 is allocated to this Scheme on an annual basis and that to date £8,435 has been committed.
Members are asked to note that the Neighbourhood Festival Events Scheme will be advertised in local papers week commencing 26 May 2014 with a closing date of Friday 20 June 2014. Applications will be available on line via the Council website or from Mrs Sheenagh McCann from Thursday 29 May 2014
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
Within existing budgets.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A 29
5.17 ERECTION OF NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SIGNS Report by: Sarah Wilson, PCSP Manager
Purpose of Report
To erect Neighbourhood Watch signs at Upper Ramone Park, Portadown
Recommendation
That Members approve the erection of signs at Upper Ramone Park, Portadown and forward to Environmental Services Committee for approval.
Background
Members are reminded that Craigavon Borough Council agreed to erect signs for accredited Neighbourhood Watch schemes within the Borough. The Upper Ramone Park, Portadown scheme has now been accredited and as agreed the potential locations for the erection of signs have been proposed, in consultation with the residents.
Other Implications (e.g. legal, environmental)
Committee had previously agreed in principle that Neighbourhood Watch signage be erected by Technical Services invoking Section 115 of the Local Government Act, subject to specific proposals being presented to the Development Committee for consideration and referral to the Environmental Services Committee. Officers would therefore recommend that Section 115 be invoked to erect the signage, as the expenditure (in term of labour costs) is in the interests of the residents of the Borough. Officers would further recommend that the matter be referred to the Environmental Services Committee. A copy of the proposed locations are attached for Members consideration. Appendix 9
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
30
5.18 ABSENCE MANAGEMENT (D158/2014) Report by: Olga Murtagh, Director of Development
Purpose of Report
To update Members on absence within Development Directorate.
Recommendation
That Members note the content of the report.
Background
The tables attached set out absence statistics for the Development Directorate for the 2014/2015 financial year, month of May 2014. Comparison figures are provided for the 3 previous years. 89.9% of employees within Development recorded no absence in April 2014. Appendix 10
The Council’s target for 2014/2015 is 4%. The Department figure for the month of May 2014 is 6.3%. The year-to-date figure 6.5%. Officers are actively managing case reviews relating to long-term sick absences within the Department. Absence is being monitored in liaison with the Council’s new attendance policy and training in attendance management is being rolled out to all Managers.
Referrals are also being made to the Occupational Health service.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
31
5.19 DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT APRIL 2013 T0 MARCH 2014 (D159/2014) Report by: Olga Murtagh, Director of Development
Purpose of Report
To consider the financial performance report which shows how the Department’s actual spend varied from its budgeted spend for the 2013/2014 financial year from April 2013 to March 2014.
Please note that the figures reported are the management accounts and are subject to any adjustments that may arise during the production of the Council’s final year end accounts.
Recommendation
That the report at Appendix 11A is noted along with the explanations for variances at Appendix 11B.
Background
Management information is now being reported to budget holders in a timely, relevant and accurate manner. Finance will continue to provide this information moving forward to assist budget holders manage their budgets as effectively as possible.
Overall Position
The Department was £37k under budget for the 2013/2014 financial year. This is primarily through additional grant funding received through various projects while community centre/town hall income also over achieved on their income targets during the year.
Please note that any expenditure that Council have agreed to be funded from Councils reserves have been removed from the current reported budget position.
Employee Implications
The continuing improvement in provision of management information will assist budget holders in their decision-making in order to continue to provide services within budget constraints.
Financial Implications
Detailed performance reports have been forwarded to the Departments with high level figures shown in Committee reports.
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
32
5.20 ORGANISATIONAL BUSINESS PLAN 2013/2014 PROGRESS REPORT Report by: Olga Murtagh, Director of Development
Purpose of Report
To update Members on the progress made by the Development Department against the Organisational Business Plan.
Recommendation
That Members note the final quarterly progress report against the organisational business plan 2013/2014.
Background
Members will be aware that updates have been provided on progress against objectives in the Organistional Business Plan.
A progress report for the period ending March 2014 is attached for Members’ information. Appendix 12
A significant number of projects have been delivered throughout the Department resulting in increased job creation, securing of external funding and improving the physical and social environment of the Borough.
Update on the new Organisational Business Plan for the period 2014-2015 will be presented to Committee.
Employee Implications
N/A
Financial Implications
N/A
Level of Delegated Authority Sought
N/A
Equality Screening
N/A
33
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
5.21 LIFE SCIENCES EXPLORATORY VISIT TO BRUSSELS (D107/2014) Report by: Louise Cushnahan, Regeneration & Economic Development Officer
In the development of the Craigavon Borough Council Corporate Plan in 2011 it was identified under the Growing the Economy Theme that Craigavon Borough Council would focus on creating opportunities to stimulate growth and competitiveness in key growth areas such as Life Sciences.
As identified in the Life Sciences Strategy we aim to secure further funding post 2015. The next stage in development is to promote our capability capacity and confidence at a European Level in relation to “Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence in Life Sciences”. As part of the DETI/Invest NI early engagement with Councils, it is becoming increasingly clear that access to ERDF will be limited in the new round of funds. More strategic initiatives with new EU partners need to be sought.
With this in mind an exploratory visit to Brussels was identified as the most appropriate way of meeting with as many potential project partners as possible in such a short space of time.
This 2-day visit took place in 28-30 April 2014 with meetings held with the following regional offices:
• South Denmark • Innovative Medicines Initiative • Welsh government • Highlands and Islands Enterprise • Scotland Europa • Southwest Finland
These were very successful meetings which allowed Officers to present an overview of Craigavon, our successes to date, as well as future Life Sciences project ideas within the Horizon 2020 framework and indeed other future funding streams that become available. Officers were also able to ask for Craigavon Borough Council as a partner to be further distributed to the regional offices’ wider network of contacts.
This will result in Craigavon Borough Council being invited/included as a partner in future projects and provide us with a large network for those projects that we aim to lead.
Overall an extremely successful visit with the fact that we were being so proactive in the promotion of the Borough identified by several partners as showing the caliber of partner we would/could be in the future.
Follow up with all of the contacts made is ongoing.
34
5.22 NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL FOOD PROGRAMME FUNDING FOR CRAIGAVON AGRI-FOOD AND DRINK FORUM (D69/2014) Report by: Louise Cushnahan, Regeneration & Economic Development Officer
As advised and approved in previous reports Officers have been liaising with industry leaders and have gained support to establish Craigavon Agri-Food & Drink Forum, which will be a food and drink industry cluster and will involve working in partnership with local producers, SME’s, business leaders and representatives from key stakeholder organisations, such as Invest NI and NIFDA all of whom can drive initiatives forward that will encourage export, innovation and entrepreneurship within the agri-food industry across Craigavon.
The purposes of this group will include:
• To harness the exporting expertise in this industry, to help ensure the competitiveness of all local producers and agri-food businesses within the Borough • To create networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the industry to ensure the agri-food industry is strengthened for generations to come • To encourage and provide the skill to local agri-food and drink producers to enter their products into prestigious competitions such as the ‘Great Taste Awards’ to increase the standard and reputation of these businesses within the Borough, across Northern Ireland and beyond to export markets • To promote and encourage the development of “Craigavon as a Centre of Excellence for the Agri-food and Drink industry” which will assist with the marketing and promotion of the area to export markets
Officers have recently been successful in securing 40% funding up to maximum of £4,000 and a management fee of up to 10% of £1,000, a total of £5,000 grant funding towards the approved budget (£10,000) for this project through the DARD, Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. The aim of the NI Regional Food Programme is to promote quality regional food and promote its consumption within Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
This is the first time that funding from this programme has been secured and the experience in this project will assist with future applications for larger grant amounts.
List of Approved Project Expenditure
: Item Eligible Amount (£)
Brand/Logo 120
Invitations/Literature 400 Facilitator and guest speakers for 4 workshops 2,000 Venue, catering/hospitality 1,480 Management fee 1,000 Total 5,000
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5.23 SEED PRODUCT TRANSFER AND SALES ACCELERATION PROGRAMME
Report by: Paul Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer
Craigavon was awarded grants totaling £216,452 from Invest NI to lead a new project for the 7 SEED Councils called Product Transfer and Sales Acceleration. The project is funded 50% (£108,226) from the LED ERDF fund, 25% (£54,113) from Invest NI and 25% (£54,113) equally shared between the Councils.
A Helix Innovations and Brilliant Red consortium are delivering the programme.
The programme has been branded “Source and Sell” and 41 applications from across the SEED Council area were received. From these 28 met the qualification criteria.
The following Craigavon based companies have been recruited to the first wave pending Invest NI approval to proceed:
• Market LED • Lucy and Belle Textiles • Kitchen Bakes • Access Needs • Annaghmore Mushrooms
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5.24 BOROUGH-WIDE SHOP FRONT PAINTING – UPDATE (D70/2014) Report by: Paul Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer
At the end of May 2014 a total of 53 application packs had been sent out. 3 have been completed and returned and offers of grant assistance made to them. The average expenditure for the 3 offers is £837.
Officers expect that the bulk of work will be completed during the summer months.
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5.25 BRIGHT IDEA YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME UPDATE Report by: Paul Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer
Craigavon is managing Bright Idea which is the largest Council led resource project in Northern Ireland. The budget is just over £500,000.
Ards, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down and Newry & Mourne Council are participating.
At the end of May 2014 a total of 318 new business ideas from across SEED had been explored. To date 15 new businesses have started and employ 21 new people.
The breakdown of ‘Explore’ phase participants is as follows:
Ards: 16 Armagh: 68 Banbridge: 37 Craigavon: 91 Down: 36 Newry & Mourne: 70
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5.26 CREATIVE ECONOMY EXPORTING UPDATE (D127/2014) Report by: Paul Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer
Council was awarded a grant of £122,898 from DETI to run a Creative Economy Exporting project. Craigavon is leading the project for the SEED Councils of Ards, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down and Newry & Mourne.
Monthly ‘Best Practice’ seminars are being run across the Councils with an average attendance to date of 34 people.
At the end of May 2014 a total of 239 businesses from across SEED had registered and 178 profiles had been published.
This breakdown is illustrated in the following chart:
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5.27 EXTENSION TO THE ACHIEVING FINANCE PROGRAMME (D85/2014) Report by: Ciaran Tipping, Economic Development Officer
The delivery agent and Council partners identified that a proportion of Achieving Finance participants (in particular those seeking financing from the Northern Ireland Small Business Loan Fund) would benefit from additional mentoring over and above the 3 days provided by the programme.
A portion of the budget that had been allocated to reimburse partner Councils for time spent by their staff on the project was underutilized and as such an opportunity existed for additional mentoring to be provided through the existing programme. The match-funding requirement could be met by the fees of £100 per company charged to the participants and as such the partner Councils would not incur a further cost for the additional mentoring.
A request was made to Invest Northern Ireland to transfer funds within the original budget to allow for an extended contract to provide 15 of the 75 participants with and additional 3 days of mentoring to assist them in gaining additional investment finance for their companies.
Invest Northern Ireland forwarded an amended letter of offer in January 2014 and this was approved by Council in March 2014. The cost of the additional mentoring is £18,000 which is met by the re-allocation of funding from salaries (which would have been left unused by the Council for the reasons stated above) and the income gained from the £100 fee paid by participating companies.
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5.28 BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PROJECT LAUNCH (D151/2014) Report by: Ciaran Tipping, Economic Development Officer
The Business Engagement Project was formally launched on 8 May 2014 in Craigavon Civic Centre. The launch was attended by the project’s mentoring coordinator NORIBIC, Economic Development Staff, Invest Northern Ireland and a number of local businesses.
The project is already progressing well and has engaged with 29 Craigavon-based businesses providing baseline assessments and mentoring plans for these.
The project has also developed a new online management information system which allows the project managers, mentors and the businesses themselves to upload information on progress and feedback directly.
The Business Engagement Programme aims to engage with 280 businesses in the Borough and carry out a baseline study with them to identify areas where they would benefit from support and then either signpost these businesses to existing support programmes or provide them with a bespoke package of one-to-one mentoring.
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5.29 CRAIGAVON BUSINESS AWARDS (D282/2013) Report by: Ciaran Tipping, Economic Development Officer
The Craigavon Business Awards for 2014 is now complete with all promotional and publicity activity finalised.
This year’s gala event was held on the 9 April 2014 at the Mayes Hall with more than 250 guests attending the event from more than 50 local companies and stakeholder organizations.
The 2014 awards attracted than 108 entries from 52 local businesses and entrepreneur. This was the first time that the scheme had surpassed the 100 mark for entries.
The project also received positive coverage in the national and local press and was considered by all stakeholders and sponsors as a success.
A full list of awards categories and the highly commended and winning companies is provided in the table below:
Category Highly Commended Winner 1 The Best New Business HC: Hollypark Nursery Scallywags Award’ & Taught Media
2 Best Green Business Portadown Recycling Newforge House
3 Tourism & Hospitality Emma Reynolds Music Ballydougan Pottery Business of the Year & Customer Sense Training and Consultancy
4 Best Restaurant OR Food Ballydougan Pottery Icons Coffee Provider.
5 Best Creative Business Dandelion Lane & Purple BNL Productions Sheep 6 Manufacturing Excellence SlurryKat Award’ 7 Best Retailer Award for The Bridal Court & The Meat Cleaver Independently owned Hendersons companies 8 Best Retailer – Multiple Funky Monkeys
9 Best Business – Rural Ballydougan Pottery Segway NI
10 Best Business – Urban JH Label Solutions The Meat Cleaver
11 Best Export Initiative Rapid International SlurryKat
12 Most Innovative Business BNL Productions & JH Label Solutions Shankhill (Lurgan) Community Project 13 Sir Allen McClay Young Ben Nelson – Love Dwaine Smith – The Business Person Of The Coffee Meat Cleaver Year 14 2014 Craigavon Legacy SlurryKat Award
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5.30 ABC AND INTERTRADE IRELAND BUSINESS INFORMATION EVENT (D108/2014) Report by: Ciaran Tipping, Economic Development Officer
The “Unlock New Business Opportunities” event was held on the 12 May 2014 in Craigavon Civic Centre.
The event provided SME’s from the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas with the opportunity to meet with a range of business support agencies and programme providers. Representatives from the Economic Development Departments of the three Councils were available to provide attendees with information on their current projects. In addition representatives from Investors In People, Invest Northern Ireland, the Department of Employment and Learning, the Jobs and Benefits Office, CIDO and SRC were on hand to provide information on their projects and services.
Intertrade Ireland who sponsored the event provided a brief presentation at the beginning of the evening.
The event was attended by more than 50 representatives from local businesses and stakeholder organizations and has helped to create awareness of the supports available to local business people.
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5.31 LIFE SCIENCES INNOVATION PROJECT (D341/2013) Report by: Ciaran Tipping, Economic Development Officer
The Life Sciences Innovation Project was initiated at a meeting with the project delivery agents (a consortium of Biobusiness and Integrity NI) on 30 April 2014.
At this meeting a project plan was agreed which would see the recruitment of 10 Craigavon-based companies on to the programme by September 2014, the delivery of 5 innovation seminars and mentoring support assist participating companies to develop innovation action plans based on identified customer needs within the life and health sciences sector by June 2015.
Background research has subsequently begun with established Life Sciences companies to determine product development opportunities for participating businesses. An initial “meet the experts” event is currently in planning and will be held in September 2014. This will act as an introduction to the programme for businesses already recruited and as an awareness raising event for potential participants not yet signed up. It is anticipated that the event will be attended by up to 40 potential participants who will receive an introduction to the sector along with an overview of issues, product development opportunities, supplier requirements and opportunities for exporting.
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5.32 TOURIST INFORMATION ENQUIRIES AT LURGAN, PORTADOWN AND LOUGH NEAGH DISCOVERY CENTRE TIPs (D167/2014) Report by: Bronagh Harbinson, Project Officer (Tourism)
SLA agreements are operational at Lurgan Town Hall, Millennium Court Arts Centre and Lough Neagh Discovery Centre VIPs for the provision of visitor information.
Monthly enquiry statistics are detailed below:
APRIL 2014
COUNTER TELEPHONE TOTALS
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre 1086 108 1,194
Millennium Court Arts Centre 399 0 399
*Lurgan Town Hall 119 0 119
*Improvement works to the Visitor Information Point were held during this timeframe. Plans are in place to install a footfall counter indicator in the near future.
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5.33 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN CHANGING TIMES CONFERENCE (D172/2014) Report by: Tracey Johnston, Community Development Officer (Brownlow)
Members will be aware that the Community Development Officers recently coordinated a conference on the theme of Community Development in Changing Times. The event which took place on 19 March 2014 at Craigavon Civic Centre was attended by some 97 community and voluntary groups. Notable speakers included senior representatives from the Department for Social Development - Tracy Meharg - Deputy Secretary, Urban Regeneration and Community Development Group who outlined current and future policy thrusts in the light of local government reform while Tony McKibben - Head of Urban Policy Branch outlined the themes of the Community Development and Urban Regeneration Framework. Kate Clifford of the Rural Community Network provided a thought provoking insight as to what inspired her in terms of community development while Aideen McGinley, former Chief Executive of ILEX Urban Regeneration, Derry-Londonderry reflected on the successes and challenges of wining the Derry City of Culture bid.
Participants attended workshops on the following 4 themes which included Exploring the role of Community Development in the new Council structures, the Challenges facing Community Development, How groups can ensure their voices will be heard and the impact of the Urban Regeneration and Community Development Framework.
Staff within the Rural Community Network together with Council Officers facilitated the workshops a synopsis of which is available from the Community Development Section within Craigavon Borough Council
Those attending rated the event as excellent in terms of speakers and content covered. Comments included:
“Overall the speakers seminars were excellent - a very worthwhile informative event that should be the first of many” “Good Focus and discussions on drawing on key issues” “I look forward to attending future engagement events and being given the opportunity to be informed of the change process.”
As Local Government Reform gathers pace the theme of the conference ‘Community Development in Changing times’ resonated strongly with all attendees. As well as communicating information from Central Government on new policy initiatives such as the Urban Regeneration and Community Development Framework the workshop format enabled attendees to highlight issues such as coping with change, sustainability and the need to retain good practice.
Officers within Council have taken on board the comments and issues identified during the conference and this will provide a sound working basis by which to support the community/voluntary sector as Craigavon moves into a new Tri Council era. Groups will be kept informed of progress regarding this through a variety of mediums including Council’s website and written communiqué.
Officers are currently putting together some material from the conference for viewing on the Council website. Members will be kept updated regarding this.
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5.34 POSITIVE COMMUNITY DIALOGUE PROGRAMME Report by: Bernie Marshall, Community Development Officer (Lurgan) and Emma O’Carroll, Peace III Programme Co-Ordinator
Members are reminded that Craigavon Borough Council through the Peace lll Southern Cluster Partnership’s Investing in Our Future Programme secured £847,348 of funding, under Phase 2 to deliver a range of projects across Craigavon, Banbridge, Armagh and Newry and Mourne council areas.
As part of this programme in collaboration with the Community Development Unit a Community Development Programme is being delivered across Lurgan with three Community Organisations, North Lurgan Community Association, Mourneview Grey and Hospital Estate and Taghnevan Community Development Association. Approximately 20 individuals are involved in this programme which provides opportunities to meet regularly, have shared experiences, explore identity whilst learning about leadership and looking at key historical figures.
This programme aims to continue to develop and foster good relations across Lurgan, whilst complementing existing work ongoing through Community Development and Good Relations.
This programme will run for 6 weeks and Officers are hopeful given the initial “buy in“ and community engagement that this programme can be built upon to create positive links for the future.
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5.35 CRAIGAVON VILLAGE PLANS – PRESENTATION QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BELFAST (D20/2014) Report by: Patricia Lappin, Rural Development Officer
Members will be aware that Craigavon Borough Council appointed MWA Partnership Ltd to help prepare 9 Village Cluster Plans as detailed below:
1. Waringstown, Bleary and Gibson’s Hill 2. Donaghcloney, Milltown and Ballynabragget 3. Magheralin, Dollingstown and Ballymacaine 4. Tartaraghan, The Birches 5. Maghery, Milltown 6. Charlestown, Derrytrasna 7. Derryadd, Derrymacash 8. Scotch Street 9. Aghagallon
Members will be aware that the Craigavon Village Plans were launched at an event on Thursday 5 December 2014 in Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Approximately 100 people attended including a wide range of Community representatives and key stakeholders.
Following this, Queen's University Belfast requested a copy of each of the Village Plans to stock in the McClay Library at Queen’s University. The Rural Development Officer was also invited to give a presentation on the Village Plans Project to second year undergraduate students undertaking the Development Plan Module at Queen’s University Belfast. The presentation was delivered to students at Queen’s University in April 2014.
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5.36 BROWNLOW FESTIVAL Report by: Tracey Johnston, Community Development Officer (Brownlow)
Members are advised that Brownlow Festival Committee is currently planning a third festival week for the Central area of Craigavon. The event will commence on Saturday 30 August 2014 with a Fun Day at Brownlow Community Hub and conclude on Saturday 6 September 2014 with a finale at Craigavon Watersports Centre. Members will recall that this is the third festival and that the Committee coordinated a highly successful weeklong event last year with a packed array of activities including a football tournament, storytelling, tea dance, drama production and an inter-estates quiz.
Traditionally the festivities coincide with a celebration to mark the birthday celebrations of Brownlow Community Hub and this will again be the format this year.
The collaborative partnership between Council and Community has resulted in a quality programme which is reflective of Council’s corporate plan in encouraging customer focus and reflective of leading with unity and purpose.
The Festival has been successful in securing funding through Peace III Southern Partnership to the value of £8,000 for this coming year and the Committee anticipate delivering a similar programme as was delivered last year. With the support of Peace III and the CDO (Brownlow), the Committee has worked on improving linkages with locally based BME groups and youth providers to ensure this coming year’s festival is both inclusive and representative.
In addition the Committee has agreed that the British Heart Foundation is to be the nominated charity during the course of the festival. The group has met with representatives of the Foundation and have offered the charity the opportunity to promote the organisation during the Fun Day at the Hub while in turn the Foundation hope to offer printing and publicity opportunities to the Committee in order to promote the Festival.
Members are reminded that the Committee is made up of local community representatives from the Brownlow estates and the festival committee is fully constituted. At the time of writing this report the group are preparing for the Committee’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for Monday 2 June 2014 at 7pm in Brownlow Community Hub.
Further reports regarding the Festival Programme will be issued to Members in due course.
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5.37 EVALUATION OF BEGINNERS CITIZEN 21 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME (D119/2014) Report by: Tracey Johnston, Community Development Officer (Brownlow)
Members will recall that the Community Development Team have developed a bespoke Community Development Training programme focused on Community Development principles and practices which is also aligned to the National Occupational Standards in Community Development. Following procurement processes, Learning for Change were appointed to facilitate the programme. A range of funders are supporting the initiative including the DSD Community Support Programme which assisted the Beginners class, while Peace III Southern Partnership and Good Relations are supporting the Advanced class. An application is currently with DSD Neighbourhood Renewal to secure funding for further elements of the programme and Officers may be advised in June 2014 regarding the outcome of this. To date 3 cohorts of community representatives have received training on this programme with the most recent group completing their programme in the February/March period. Candidates will secure an OCN level 2 accreditation which marks a step-up from previous beginners classes at which attendees attained a level 1 accreditation.
An evaluation of this most recent programme indicated a high level of satisfaction with the content and delivery of the training. In terms of relevance one candidate stated:
“I am a member of a Community Group. It was good to have the opportunity to take a ‘step back’ and examine both the theory of Community Development and the practice. In terms of benefits of the training it was stated “I have a far better understanding for problems and solving them within communities” Skills and Knowledge also were developed during the course with candidates indicating improvements in the running of their committee, governance and organisational skills.
Those who completed the Beginners course have now moved on to the Advanced Citizen 21 course whose focus is on influencing local decision making. An emphasis will be placed on the Reform of Local Government, Community planning and lobbying techniques.
Subject to funding from DSD a further two strands of the course are proposed to commence in September 2014. Strand A will focus on a 7-week OCN course in Community Development targeted specifically at young people. It is hoped this will act as a catalyst to encourage young people in the 18 plus age bracket to consider getting involved in their local community groups. Officers will work closely with the SELB in terms of recruitment and development. Strand B will offer mentoring support to five groups/individuals who have participated in both the beginners and advanced Citizen 21 programme. It is anticipated this will enhance community representatives’ skills in advance of the new super Council.
Members will be kept informed of future progress on this training programme
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5.38 GOOD RELATIONS SMALL GRANT SCHEME 2014-2015 (C376/2014) Report by: Nicola Evans, Peace III Project Officer
As part of the Good Relations Action Plan, Members are reminded that the Good Relations Small Grant Scheme was advertised on 17 February 2014 with a closing date of Friday 28 March 2014 at 12noon. Organisations could apply for funding for projects that had a core Good Relations focus for amounts of up to £1,000.
In keeping with the new Strategy, ‘Together Building a United Community’ issued by the Office of First and Deputy First Minister in May 2013, the aims of the Strategy were outlined in the Good Relations Small Grants Policy for 2014-2015 with applicants requested to indicate which of the aims their proposed project would address.
The four aims are:
1. Our Children and Young People 2. Our Shared Community 3. Our Safe Community 4. Our Cultural Expression
Council’s budget for the scheme in 2014 - 2015 is £10,000. A total of 11 applications were received. Officers assessed all applications and ranked them according to their score. One application was deemed ineligible.
Officers have prepared a schedule of awards which commits a total of £7,251. Appendix 13
The schedule has been prepared in line with the Good Relations Small Grants Policy and Scoring Matrix. Groups had to achieve a score of at least 40% to be awarded funding and thereafter were awarded a percentage of eligible costs depending on their score.
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5.39 WORLD WAR ONE SMALL GRANTS SCHEME UPDATE (D146/2014) Report by: Emma O’Carroll, Peace III Programme Co-Ordinator
Members are reminded that at the Development Committee Meeting of 14 April 2014 approval was given to the scheme designed for the World War One Small Grants Programme.
This programme has taken the format of a rolling scheme for projects to be undertaken between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2014 to incorporate events and projects that will mark the centenary of the commencement of World War One in August 1914. The scheme has approximately £5,000 reserved for it and groups can apply for a maximum of £500. This is conditional to the groups meeting key objectives and principles of commemorations as outlined in the policy and submission of all necessary documentation.
The scheme was advertised through local press, Facebook and the community database and to date there has been a great deal of interest in the Small Grants. At the time of this report there have been two applications received and numerous phone-calls about applications. Officers are working diligently to assist with all enquiries about the grants and also to ensure that all applications are turned around in the set time-scale of four weeks from receipt of application.
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5.40 BROWNLOW COMMUNITY HUB PROGRESS REPORT – APRIL & MAY 2014 (D176/2014) Report by: Christ Cassidy, Facility Development Manager
Tables showing usage and income for the Hub are attached for Members’ information. Appendix 14
There has been a steady increase in Birthday Parties held at the Hub over the last 12 months and there were 10 throughout the months of April and May. This type of booking is becoming more popular as the Hub is a great venue and excellent facilities.
On the 7 April 2014 PLACE held an open workshop at which 20 participants attended. PLACE has booked the Hub for a number of future workshops and seminars and they are a very happy repeat customer.
The Hub hosted a number of training workshops during April which included a range of organizations such as Early Years Lurgan, Homecare Independent Living, Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) and Sport NI. Those in charge of bookings commented on the high quality service and cleanliness of the building.
Jumping Clay held their Easter workshops for kids at the Hub on the 25 and 26 April 2014. The organisation use innovative modeling clay to produce objects which can be painted and crafted by children. The group booked the Training and Craft room which was ideal for their needs as it has good ventilation and suitable flooring for their materials. Around 20 children attended over two days and parents and children were really pleased with the workshop and venue.
Brownlow Hub accommodated Moyraverty Arts and Drama Society (MADS) for a number of sessions in May 2014. The Production Company based at St. Anthony’s held a number of training courses including child protection training as well as open auditions for a local production of a play. They were pleased with the facilities at the Hub for these sessions and we hope to see more of them in the future.
The Hub hosted a number of community and statutory groups of the month of May 2014 including the PSNI community meeting, Craigavon Intercultural Programme training sessions, Polish community celebration DVD. Adapt NI hosted an invite session to local businesses/organisations from the ABC area where they promoted their services in relation to Disability Access and awareness. Oasis Youth Project filmed their own production about a “Minnion” arriving in Craigavon to see the nice places to visit in the area and we were delighted that the Hub was one of them!
The Giro D’Italia volunteers gathered at the Hub for the final stage of the prestigious cycle event on Sunday 11 May 2014. The Hub worked in partnership with Volunteer Now to provide the main collection point for 150 volunteers who were to steward the last leg of the Giro’s visit to Northern Ireland. Volunteer Now organizers were delighted to use the Hub and felt it was a great central venue with the capabilities of accommodating such a large group. Volunteer Now are a good customer of the Hub and continue to use the facility for various events and training.
The Hub will be hosting the end of season Glenavon Football Club Awards Ceremony. The event will see around 200 footballers and their partners attending when trophies and awards will be presented. Staff have been working with the organizers to ensure all needs are met and catering provided.
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5.40 BROWNLOW COMMUNITY HUB PROGRESS REPORT – APRIL & MAY 2014 (D176/2014) – Cont.
The Play scheme continues its programme at the Hub from Monday to Friday 2pm to 6pm offering a range of recreational and physical activities. The play scheme offers two sessions per day with the first session aimed at primary 1 to primary 3, at 2pm- 4pm (junior) and the second session for primary 4 to year 10 children at 4pm-6pm (seniors).
Moyraverty Preschool Playgroup is based at the Hub five days per week Monday to Friday from 9am-12pm with around 26 children attending. Splash Sure Start offer Play group activities at the Hub for children from Neighbourhood renewal area through a referral process. This service is offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1.30pm to 5.00pm with 25 children attending.
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5.41 BROWNSTOWN JUBILEE COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRESS REPORT – APRIL & MAY 2014 (D177/2014) Report by: Stephen Black, Manager
Tables showing usage and income for the Community Centre are attached for Members’ information. Appendix 15
A local fitness instructor, Jenna Love, is running Zumba exercise classes two evenings per week in the studio and due to demand has plans to run additional classes. The instructor initially trialled the class once a week but it has grown greatly in popularity.
Craigavon Borough Council Play scheme is running successfully three afternoons every week, on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1.30pm – 6.00pm. The play scheme offers two sessions per day with the first session aimed at primary 1 to primary 3, 2pm-4pm (junior) and the second session for primary 4 to year 10 children, 4pm-6pm (seniors).
An antique and collectable fair is held on the second Saturday of every month from 8.30am to 4.00pm and has been steadily increasing visitor numbers each month,
In addition to the Zumba exercise classes the studio also hosts a Yoga/Pilates class every Monday and dance classes on a Tuesday and Thursday evening. Portadown Youth also use the main hall on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Linda May has commenced dance classes every Tuesday evening.
The three six week classes all came to an end in April 2014 and all were well attended and the artists expressed an interest in running these classes again.
The ten week circuit classes also came to an end in May 2014, however the instructor has booked another fitness class into the centre, a ‘boot camp’, to run two nights per week.
Birthday parties continue to be a regular booking in the centre particularly at weekends, Saturday and Sunday.
Slimming World now use the boardroom to train their agents and meet once a month.
Human Resources section of Craigavon Borough Council now use the centre to shortlist and conduct interviews.
Reach Youth in Portadown held a very successful fundraising evening in the main hall. There was an estimated 150 people in attendance and they were treated to a fashion show and local arts and crafts.
The Elim church have also booked the main hall for a table quiz at the end of May 2014.
A local ballet instructor, Jill Dickson Monte, has also successfully started adult ballet classes which are held every Wednesday evening.
Income for April & May 2014 - £1,919.
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5.42 KILLICOMAINE JUBILEE COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRESS REPORT – MAY 2014 (D178/2014) Report by: Diane Clarke, Principal Community Resources Officer
Tables showing usage and income for the Community Centre are attached for Members’ information. Appendix 16
Activities at Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre continue to be popular with both regular and one-off bookings.
The usual programme of pre-school, health and fitness classes and church groups continue to meet on a regular basis. Officers are pleased to note that there are also a number of other more specialized bookings such as:
Childrens’ Latvian Classes IT Classes run in conjunction with the Southern Regional College Art Workshops
Other bookings consist of various internal and external groups holding training sessions and committee meetings. The centre continues to be popular with birthday party bookings at weekends.
Improvements to the centre continue with the recent installation of foyer/reception furniture which not only looks extremely professional but also helps customers and staff to undertake enquiries and administration.
Future initiatives include:
Working in partnership with the local residents group and Housing Executive in hosting an event to mark Killicomaine estates 60th birthday celebrations and managing the centres summer programme which includes a range of classes and activities such as summer drop in dance classes, pre-school playgroup summer scheme and CBC Summerscheme, (details provided under separate playscheme Committee item).
Income for May 2014 - £3,025.
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5.43 PLAYSCHEME PROGRESS REPORT (D179/2014) Report by: Cathy Roberts, Senior Playleader
In the lead up to Easter the children in the various Playschemes took part in Easter arts and crafts, making bird nests, painted eggs competitions, Easter egg hunts and picnics.
Earth Day also took place in April 2014. The children in the Hub drew up designs for their new Hub garden. These in turn were handed over to a local artist who will take elements of the children’s drawings and put them together in one design. Their next step will be having the design drawn to scale so that the work can begin. Once the Hub garden is complete we will be working with Centre Managers to identify a spot at the various community centres that the children can develop and call their own.
Children in North Lurgan have been making good use of the new sensory garden. The children will be taking part in various activities to keep the sensory garden clean and tidy.
Autism Awareness Day took place on 2 April 2014 and as we have a lot of children on different levels of the autistic spectrum we thought the easiest way to teach the other children to understand this disorder was through arts/crafts and group discussions. These activities take place alongside the usual programme which includes dance, drama, sports, games, arts and crafts and various other activities.
At the start of May 2014 registration for the various summer schemes opened to the public. Staff have been busy registering children and at present the junior places in the Hub and North Lurgan are fully booked and all the places in Brownstown have been taken.
During May children made cards and gifts for their teachers to celebrate Teacher Day which took place on 7 May 2014. Children in the Hub continue their work with Active Communities and we are beginning to roll the programme out to other Playschemes.
Future events include Father’s Day crafts, a visit from Oral Health Educators who will be coming out to our junior clubs during Nation Smile Month which runs from 19 May - 19 June 2014. We will be having visits to the library for storytelling and to encourage the children to read more and show what is on offer at the library. We are also preparing for Child Safety Week which will runs 23 - 29 June 2014. During this week the Playscheme aim to raise awareness of the number of accidents and serious injuries that kill children every year and the steps they can take to help prevent this happening. We also hope to make a start on the Hub’s Playscheme garden as we would like it to be ready for the Hub’s 3rd birthday celebrations.
Play leaders will also be taking part in training delivered by Belong NI, which will increase cultural awareness, confidence and competence in the workplace. We will also have 2 new members of staff taking up posts in North Lurgan Community Centre on Thursday and Fridays which will increase provision to 5 afternoons per week.
The 2014 CBC Summer scheme will continue to have a strong cross-community theme. Children will be encouraged to work together regardless of race, religion or creed. The Play leaders will be working towards promoting good relations between children of different races, culture and religious groups. Racial/religious/cultural awareness activities will take place during the centre days and will be implemented through arts and crafts and group discussions. We aim to provide learning opportunities for the children so that they explore their own identity and build their self esteem free from attitudes which would limit their development.
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5.43 PLAYSCHEME PROGRESS REPORT – Cont.
We would like to ensure that children have an understanding of different needs in a diverse and multicultural society. Through our day trips children will be encouraged and given the opportunity to meet and make new friends as they have done in the past. Some of these friendships have continued long after previous summer schemes have finished.
Details of the Summer Scheme programmes at the various centres is attached. Appendix 17
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5.44 GREAT TASTE AWARD Report by: Louise Cushnahan, Regeneration & Economic Development Officer
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has announced that, for the first time, the UK Guild of Fine Food will hold the 2014 Great Taste Award judging session in Northern Ireland (Stormont Hotel Belfast).
The Great Taste Awards are the largest and most trusted awards scheme for specialty fine food & drink. A one, two or three-star accreditation from the awards means a winning product will stand out on the overcrowded retail shelves and promotion by the Guild of Fine Food will lead to increased sales and brand awareness.
Speaking after welcoming the judges to Northern Ireland, Minister Arlene foster said “Holding the judging here is a marvelous endorsement of the quality of food and drink being produced by artisan enterprises and smaller companies. It also recognises the outstanding achievements of our companies in the Great Taste Awards.”
Northern Ireland companies have performed extremely well over the past number of years with renowned Portadown business The Yellow Door Deli winning the Farm shop and Deli Signature Dish category last year.
With 125 Northern Ireland companies putting forward 726 products for this year’s competition it is anticipated that this success will continue.
The high profile nature and success of the above awards underlines the importance of the focus on this sector by the Development Committee through the Craigavon Means Business initiative and the soon to be launched Craigavon Agri-food and Drink Forum and Craigavon SME Agri-food and Drink Business Development Programme which aim to assist with the continued success and growth of the Agri-food and Drink sector by encouraging export, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Olga Murtagh DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 4 JUNE 2014
59 Return to Agenda Appendix 1 Return to Agenda Appendix 2A
CRAIGAVON BOROUGH COUNCIL RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION PAPER RE: FUTURE RAILWAY INVESTMENT
Craigavon Borough Council 25th March 2013
1. Introduction & Context This short paper outlines Craigavon Borough Council’s response to the DRD publication ‘FUTURE RAILWAY INVESTMENT: A CONSULTATION PAPER’.
Craigavon Borough Council welcome this opportunity to contribute to the prioritisation of future railway investment and look forward to working further with the Department to develop detailed and fully integrated approaches to transportation.
Craigavon has been designated as a Sub Regional Centre in the RDS. As the data contained in the RDS consultation document illustrates, Craigavon outperforms all other proposed Sub-Regional Centres in terms of urbanisation and population, and Craigavon can be more closely identified with Derry/Londonderry on these key indicators than any of the other Sub-Regional Centres.
In addition to an exceptionally large natural catchment and population, Craigavon also occupies a key strategic location in the south of Northern Ireland at the axis of two economic corridors and has a varied employment base and regionally significant natural assets. If Craigavon’s potential to contribute to balanced regional development is to be realised, then the characteristics that set Craigavon apart from other Sub-Regional Centres need to be exploited.
Accordingly, if the concept of effective Sub-Regional Centres is to be achieved, investment in infrastructure should be prioritised according to the scale of the opportunity and the capacity of each Centre to deliver. Given the areas assets and strong performance, Craigavon arguably has the capacity to accommodate and support regionally significant infrastructure that might ordinarily be associated with Principal Cities.
Transportation will form a critical component of any future development strategy for Craigavon Borough and given our strategic location on a key corridor between major population areas and key gateways, providing the necessary levels of passenger numbers required to deliver sustainable rail services, our rail connections represent a significant asset now, and a key driver of growth in the future. As the consultation paper details, the Portadown line has seen an 89% increase in passenger usage between 2001/02 and 2011/12
These general issues and themes have been communicated to the Department during previous consultation processes and form the wider context of our response to this consultation.
2. Proposed Packages of Investment The order in which Packages 1-8 appear in the consultation paper appears to be an appropriate ranking in terms of priority. It is also noted that Packages 1-5 represent priorities for investment which are viable and potentially deliverable and as such should be the investment packages that are explored in further detail at this time.
We have set out below our comments in relation to each package:
Package 1- Maintain present network only Council consider that Package 1, as the minimum level of investment required to maintain the present network, must be delivered to ensure current services continue and that future improvements can be targeted. Delivery of this package of investment is considered essential.
Package 2- Improving Passenger Capacity on Existing Network As stated the Portadown line has seen the biggest increase in usage in Northern Ireland during the last 10 years and carries the highest number of passengers, and with further increases projected those measures detailed within Package 2 are considered appropriate to promote modal shift and increase scope for integrated travel on key corridors.
The estimated cost attributed to this package is significant and it is considered that interventions should be prioritised in line with prevailing policy and strategy including the RDS, to ensure that need and capacity inform investment decisions that maximise impact and can achieve ongoing viability. Of the measures detailed within this package, the following are considered to be particularly important:
- Developing new halts where a passenger demand can be identified, particularly where associated with new Park and Ride - Improving the quality and attractiveness of station facilities - Increasing Park and Ride capacity at existing stations and halts
The recent programme of improvements to Portadown station which are now nearing completion were a much needed and very welcome investment in local facilities. Alongside the delivery of the People’s Park shared space initiative on adjacent lands as well as a number of other capital projects including the extension of public realm improvements along Woodhouse Street to the station, there are a number of complementary DRD/DSD/Translink/Council initiatives which continue to explore means of better connecting and integrating the rail station with the town centre in particular. At a town level, the proximity of the station to the retail core of Portadown is a significant asset that has yet to be fully realised.
Perhaps more significantly Portadown occupies a strategic location on the Belfast-Dublin rail corridor, and also offers high quality road links to the west of Northern Ireland in particular. Allied to a high and increasing number of rail passengers, these factors support the case for quality park and ride facilities associated with Portadown station. It is considered that such facilities could be delivered through Package 2 as detailed, and that Portadown represents a particular opportunity as it occupies a position on a key corridor between major population areas and key gateways, and provides the necessary levels of passenger numbers required to deliver sustainable rail services.
Given that Package 7 which indicates that the re-opening of rail lines to the west from Portadown to Dungannon, Omagh and Enniskillen, is not currently considered to be economically viable, the potential for Portadown to function as a key north-south/east-west interchange should be explored. In the absence of viable rail links there is further potential to consider in detail the merits of investment in improved bus services (as identified by Package 7 as an alternative) serving the west of Northern Ireland. As stated, Portadown occupies a location on the Belfast-Dublin rail corridor, and is also well positioned relative to existing roads infrastructure serving the west of NI. The development of an integrated transport hub in Portadown warrants further consideration.
The merits of a rail link to Central Craigavon should also be reviewed in the context of further investment opportunities. Investment Package 2 proposes development of ‘new halts where a passenger demand can be identified, particularly where associated with new Park and Ride’. It is considered that potential for such an opportunity in Central Craigavon should be considered through Package 2.
There is potential to more easily provide step-free access, and access by car, cycle, and taxi in Central Craigavon, but it will clearly be critical to take full account of the potential impact on the two existing stations in Portadown and Lurgan, including the subtraction of passenger demand, the time penalty for existing passengers caused by the extra stop and the use of investment resources that might otherwise be available for improvements at Portadown and Lurgan. The potential to integrate bus and rail services at a new halt/station could also be considered through delivery of Package 2.
Package 3- Increase Network Capacity to Accommodate More Trains The measures detailed within this package relating to increased capacity in Belfast (through construction of a Belfast Transport Hub at Great Victoria Street with new third lines linking the two existing Belfast stations) are considered a priority given the potential benefits for all services to the city.
Development of additional platform space to facilitate an hourly Enterprise service from Dublin is also considered important given that future improvements to the Enterprise service would require this work to have been completed.
Given the potential of investment in Belfast detailed in this Package to enable future improvements outlined in Packages 4 and 5, in particular relating to the critically important Enterprise service, it is considered that these represent a higher priority than other measures outlined in Package 3.
Package 4- Enhancing the Enterprise Service Given the considerable improvements in road infrastructure in recent years, investment in cross- border rail services is considered essential if it is to remain a viable option. Craigavon Borough Council consider cross-border rail a high priority and would welcome any improvements to the service, though clearly the issue of reciprocal funding from ROI will need to be addressed early in the consideration of this Package of investment. We would request that this position be reviewed with Iarnród Éireann at appropriate intervals and that speed restrictions on the line between Belfast and the border continue to be addressed.
In Lurgan, a priority issue is to minimise delays caused by the rail barrier on William Street. While the proximity of the rail station to the town centre is a considerable asset, it is somewhat undermined by the traffic congestion that results from the lowering of the barrier. Recent minor improvements have been delivered, but congestion in the area remains a major concern, alongside other local infrastructure needs including the completion of Millennium Way.
Whilst it is requested that further means of alleviating the situation in William Street and generally improving the service from Lurgan station be explored and delivered through Packages 2 and 3, it is hoped that through the delivery of Packages 4 and 5 a permanent solution to the situation in Lurgan can be found as part of the improvements to the Enterprise service and electrification between Belfast and the border.
Package 5- Electrification of Northern Ireland Network The gradual electrification of the NI network is considered to represent a logical and necessary longer term objective following and building on delivery of those measures detailed within Packages 1-4. Electrification of the Enterprise line should be considered in the first instance.
Package 6- Re-opening Antrim-Knockmore line and link to Belfast International Airport / Package 7- Extending rail lines to the west / Package 8- Rail links to Donegal Given the reservations conveyed in the consultation paper regarding current viability, Packages 6-8 do not appear to warrant detailed consideration at this time. While Council would be supportive of a rail link serving the International Airport, and in particular the re-opening of lines to the west from Portadown (and would request that these options are reviewed in the future), it would appear that in the short and medium term at least, resources aimed at addressing these issues/locations would be better focused on modes and services other than rail. Package 8 is not considered a priority for investment given the limited benefits that the significant investment required might yield.
Appendix 2B
DRD Railway Investment Strategy Extract
Appendix 3
The VikingReturn to Agenda Experience Appendeix 4A Saturday 17th May 2014 from 10.00am - 5.00pm Bann Boulevard, Portadown Town Centre
Capture the bygone days of a Medieval era Interactive Viking Village re-lived on the River Bann! Living History Demos In commemoration of Brian Boru Anniversary Mock Bale Re-enactments Falconry Displays
Longboat Races
Mini Food Village
Authentic Cra Stalls
Music and Entertainment
In association with Ardglass Viking Association and Fingal Living History Society
This project is part-financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) managed by the Special EU Programmes body
www.facebook.com/discovercraigavon PRESS CLIPPINGS
Client: Craigavon Borough Council
Date: May 2014 Press Coverage Overview Date Publication Title of article Type Circulation OTS AVE Weighted PR Value Fun-packed Viking day has the axe 15.05.14 Belfast Telegraph Newspaper 47,528 142,584 2,216.52 6,649.58 factor for little Ellie May All aboard for a Viking day on the 16.05.14 Portadown Times Newspaper 7,764 23,292 1,982.88 5,948.64 Bann 1,950 16.05.14 U105 Interview Broadcast 178,000 534,000 5,850
Brian Boru celebrations bring 16.05.14 NI Gossip Guy (web) Online 9,653 9,653 224 672 Viking invasion to Portadown 16.05.14 Dubbelin (web) Portadown set for Viking invasion Online 1,035 1,035 28 84 Northern Ireland Visitors 16.05.14 Viking Event Online 1,424 1,424 35 105 journal (Facebook) 1,950 17.05.14 U105 Gig guide Broadcast 178,000 534,000 650
Portadown enjoys a slice of Viking 19.05.14 Belfast Telegraph Newspaper 47,528 142,584 2,955.37 8,866.11 Life Vikings invade Portadown for Brian 19.05.14 Belfast Telegraph (web) Online 20,445 20,445 548 1,644 Boru anniversary 23.05.14 Portadown Times Pictures Newspaper 7,764 23,292 7,931.52 23,794.56
Totals 499,141 1,432,309 18,521.29 55,563.89 Return to Agenda
PR Value of Coverage
£55,563.89 Return to Agenda
Opportunities to See
1,432,309 Belfast Telegraph 15.05.14 Portadown Times 16.05.14 NI Gossip Guy (web) 16.05.14 Dubbelin (web) 16.05.14 Northern Ireland Visitors Journal (Facebook) 16.05.14 Belfast Telegraph 19.05.14 Belfast Telegraph (web) 19.05.14 Belfast Telegraph (web) 19.05.14 Belfast Telegraph (web) 19.05.14 Belfast Telegraph (web) 19.05.14 Portadown Times 23.05.14 www.discovercraigavon.com Return to Agenda
Saturday 17th May 2014 10.00am - 5.00pm Bann Boulevard, Portadown Town Centre
Did you know? Many family names are derived from Old Norse, such as Hammond, Lamont, McAuley, McCaffrey, MacManus, McKierick, McKeever, McSorley and Reynolds. The name Ireland is Scandinavian in form and it replaced the original Irish word ‘Eriu’ during the period of the Viking raids. The name Viking comes from the Norse word ‘víkingr’, which This project is part-financed by the means ‘to go on an expedition’. People who went off raiding in European Union’s European ships were said to be ‘going Viking’. Regional Development Fund through the EU Programme for Peace and he introduced coinage into Ireland. Reconciliation (PEACE III) T Viking managed by the Special EU Programmes body
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this brochure. Craigavon Borough Council however cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our a ention, future publications will be
amended accordingly. This event may be subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. 07805 814355 evolution designed by
Acknowledgement to Ardglass Viking Association, Fingal Living History Society and Craigavon Museum services.
www.discovercraigavon.com The Viking Experience Saturday 17th May 2014 10.00am - 5.00pm Bann Boulevard, Portadown Town Centre
Capture the bygone days of a Medieval era re-lived on the River Bann! @ In commemoration of Brian Boru Anniversary
Return to Agenda The Vikings
From the 8th century AD theVikings, a term used to describe the Norse speaking natives of Scandinavia (modern day Denmark, Norway and Sweden), waged a campaign of terror throughout Europe and further afield.
Arriving by sea in their dragon prowed longships, which were up to seventy feet in length, theVikings ransacked monasteries and selements located along the coastlines and islands of Europe in search of slaves and silver.
An Irish monk in the 9th century AD, writing in the margin of his manuscript, noted:
“Fierce and wild is the wind tonight, It tosses the tresses of the sea to white; On such a night I take my ease; Fierce Northmen only course the quiet seas.”
Inland sites were not safe either from theViking outrages, as the shallow draught of their longships meant they could travel along lakes and rivers to strike deep into the heart of Europe. The ships were even light enough to be carried over land if necessary. Return to Agenda The Vikings in Ulster
When theVikings assaulted Rathlin Island in AD 795, it marked the beginning of a series of aacks on Ulster which would last for the next two hundred years.
Lough Neagh, which could be reached through the Lower Bann, was an especially important base for theVikings. By travelling along the six main rivers that flowed into the Lough, they were able to penetrate deep into the interior of Ulster, increasing their ability to sack monastic sites located further inland.
The Vikings in Saint Patrick’s City Armagh, as a centre of wealth located near to the River Blackwater, was particularly vulnerable toViking assault.
It was first aacked in 832 AD, when the Annals of Ulster records that it was plundered three times in one month.
The city would suffer periodic aacks over the next 150 years, in which bishops and clergy were murdered, churches were destroyed and treasures were looted.
One quote aributed to an unknown Irish monk of the 9th century AD, gives an insight into the helplessness which the Armagh clergy must have felt when theVikings appeared: Return to Agenda “Alas, holy Patrick! The “Etach-Padraig” seems to have been a garment belonging to Saint Patrick, which was stolen from Unavailing your prayers, an unknown church beside Lough Neagh. It is even possible that the ancient monasteries the Vikings with axes of Saint Gobhan’s at Seagoe and Saint Evin at Taghnevan were also aacked, although no record are hacking your Churches.” survives.
Viking material, including swords and jewellery dredged from the boom of the River Blackwater, offer plentiful evidence of theViking incursions to Armagh. Some of these items are now on display in Armagh County Museum.
Other religious centres situated around the Lough such as Ardboe and Antrim, were also subjected to theVikings sacrilege.
In 895 AD the Annals of the 4 Masters notes that:
“The foreigners were on Lough Eathach (Lough Neagh) on the calends of January (1st January) and seized on Etach-Padraig.” Return to Agenda Resistance to the Vikings
Despite their fearsome reputation, tribes of Ulster were able to inflict overwhelming defeats on the Vikings on a number of occasions.
In fact, so ferocious was the resistance in Ulster, that theVikings were unable to establish permanent selements in the region. This was in stark contrast to the South of Ireland, were the Brian Boru and Armagh Vikings founded towns such as Dublin, Limerick he menace in Ireland was finally ended and Waterford that continue to flourish today. T Viking on 23rd April 1014, when the great High King According to the Annals of the Four Masters, of Ireland, Brian Boroimhe (Boru), smashed a theVikings’ power in the North of Ireland was greatViking host at Clontarf, near Dublin. finally broken in 943 AD when It is somewhat ironic that the same wealth that doomed Armagh toViking aack would “The foreigners of Lough help fund the armies of Boru. The High King had aligned himself with the Armagh clergy Eathach (Lough Neagh) were and, in return for their monetary support, named Armagh the religious capital of Ireland. slain together with their king in a Boru, who was killed during the bale at battle with Domhnall O’Neill.” Clontarf, was buried in Armagh, ensuring that the link between the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and this legendary King would be everlasting. To this day, visitors to Armagh can find a plaque on the side of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral that marks the spot where Brian Boru’s body is rumoured to be buried. Day Date Time Len C/E Programme Tvrs Sun 01-06-14 21:15 20 C CORONATION STREET 13.2 Mon 02-06-14 18:58 20 E ITV EARLY EVENING NEWS 10 Tue 03-06-14 19:45 20 C EMMERDALE 10 Thu 05-06-14 17:58 20 E THE CHASE 8.7 Thu 05-06-14 20:59 20 E CORONATION STREET 10 Sun 15-06-14 10:10 20 C MAY THE BEST HOUSE WIN 2 Sun 15-06-14 10:55 20 C MURDER SHE WROTE 0.4 Sun 15-06-14 11:45 20 C LOVE YOUR GARDEN REPEAT 0.7 Sun 15-06-14 13:15 20 C LONG LOST FAMILY REPEAT 1.4 Sun 15-06-14 14:30 20 C COLUMBO 1.4 Sun 15-06-14 21:15 20 C INSPECTOR WHICHER 3.8 Mon 16-06-14 10:50 20 C THIS MORNING 1.8 Mon 16-06-14 15:45 20 C DICKINSONS REAL DEAL REPEAT 2.2 Mon 16-06-14 23:55 20 C MAGICIANS 3.2 Tue 17-06-14 12:45 20 C LOOSE WOMEN 1.6 Tue 17-06-14 19:58 20 E EMMERDALE 10 Wed 18-06-14 12:10 20 C THIS MORNING 1.8 Thu 19-06-14 12:45 20 C LOOSE WOMEN 1.6 Thu 19-06-14 15:15 20 C DICKINSONS REAL DEAL REPEAT 1.7 Fri 20-06-14 16:15 20 C TIPPING POINT RPT 2.1 Fri 20-06-14 22:08 20 E WORLD CUP 2014 SWITZ FRANCE 3.4 Sat 21-06-14 19:30 20 C YOU VE BEEN FRAMED 4.4 Sat 21-06-14 20:30 20 C OUR QUEEN 2.9 98.3 Transmission Date Transmission Time Scheduled Episode Next Scheduled Episode Spot TVR Break Type 01-Jun-14 16:10:00 CHALET GIRL CHALET GIRL 0.77 Centre Break 01-Jun-14 23:45:00 THE CHANGE-UP THE CHANGE-UP 1.93 Centre Break 02-Jun-14 15:55:00 DEAL OR NO DEAL DEAL OR NO DEAL 0.6 Centre Break 02-Jun-14 20:57:00 JAMIE'S MONEY SAVING MEALS THE ISLAND WITH BEAR GRYLLS 2.24 End Break 03-Jun-14 15:40:00 DEAL OR NO DEAL DEAL OR NO DEAL 0.37 Centre Break 03-Jun-14 21:10:00 THE COMPLAINERS THE COMPLAINERS 2.19 Centre Break 04-Jun-14 16:45:00 DRAW IT! DRAW IT! 0.49 Centre Break 04-Jun-14 17:25:00 COME DINE WITH ME COME DINE WITH ME 1.16 Centre Break 04-Jun-14 23:58:30 THE COMPLAINERS MUSIC ON 4: BARCLAYCARD MERCURY PRIZE SESSIONS 0.94 End Break 05-Jun-14 13:50:00 FRENCH COLLECTION FRENCH COLLECTION 0.17 Centre Break 05-Jun-14 15:10:00 COUNTDOWN COUNTDOWN 0.53 Centre Break 06-Jun-14 11:27:30 COME DINE WITH ME COME DINE WITH ME 0.14 End Break 15-Jun-14 20:50:00 AIR PRESSURE AIR PRESSURE 2.3 Centre Break 15-Jun-14 23:15:00 TBA TBA 1.11 Centre Break 16-Jun-14 14:25:00 PHIL SPENCER SECRET AGENT 3 WINNERSH PHIL SPENCER SECRET AGENT 3 WINNERSH 0.4 Centre Break 17-Jun-14 17:20:00 CHANNEL 4 RACING CHANNEL 4 RACING 0.65 Centre Break 17-Jun-14 20:50:00 LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION 2.4 Centre Break 17-Jun-14 24:15:00 TBA TBA 0.17 Centre Break 18-Jun-14 20:10:00 MARY'S SILVER SERVICE MARY'S SILVER SERVICE 1.17 Centre Break 18-Jun-14 23:15:00 ALAN CARR: CHATTY MAN ALAN CARR: CHATTY MAN 0.59 Centre Break 19-Jun-14 14:13:24 CHANNEL 4 RACING CHANNEL 4 RACING 1.24 Centre Break 20-Jun-14 18:15:00 SIMPSONS, THE (YEAR 8) YEAR 19 - MIDNIGH SIMPSONS, THE (YEAR 8) YEAR 19 - MIDNIGH 1.05 Centre Break 21-Jun-14 09:30:00 TBA TBA 0.09 Centre Break 21-Jun-14 17:58:00 CHANNEL 4 RACING TBA 0.48 End Break 21-Jun-14 19:58:30 RESTORATION MAN GRAND DESIGNS 0.8 End Break 23.98 Date Time Programme Len TVR 02-Jun-14 06:55 GOOD MORN 20 0.7 03-Jun-14 06:55 GOOD MORN 20 0.7 04-Jun-14 07:20 GOOD MORN 20 1 16-Jun-14 08:15 GOOD MORN 20 2.2 19-Jun-14 07:40 GOOD MORN 20 1.6 20-Jun-14 07:20 GOOD MORN 20 1 20-Jun-14 07:50 GOOD MORN 20 1.9 9.1 Appendix 5A
Date Day Time Programme Len TVR 0206 MO 2045 C DIY DUMMIES 20 1.036 0406 WE 2115 C THE MAN WHO CONNED THE MCCANNS 20 1.955 0506 TH 0945 C THE WRIGHT STUFF 20 0.230 0606 FR 1110 C BIG BROTHER 20 0.195 1606 MO 1545 C ASM TV MOVIE TBA 20 0.808 1606 MO 2130 C DOLE TOWN 20 2.040 1706 TU 1015 C THE WRIGHT STUFF 20 0.234 1706 TU 1045 C THE WRIGHT STUFF 20 0.234 1706 TU 1355 C NEIGHBOURS 20 1.008 1706 TU 1445 C ACQUIRED TBA 60' 20 0.644 1706 TU 1620 C ASM TV MOVIE TBA 20 1.391 1706 TU 2215 C BIG BROTHER 20 2.600 1706 TU 2410 C BODY OF PROOF 20 0.780 1806 WE 1728 E 5 NEWS AT 5 20 0.776 1806 WE 2356 E BIG BROTHER'S BIT ON THE SIDE 20 0.714 1906 TH 0945 C THE WRIGHT STUFF 20 0.230 1906 TH 2156 E TRAUMA DOCTORS 20 0.935 2106 SA 1430 C ASM FEATURE FILM TBA 20 0.460 2106 SA 2051 E NCIS 20 0.740 17 Appendix 5B The Craigavon &Return District to Agenda Pipe Band Championships Celebrate a fusion of piper melodies and rhythms to upbeat tempi, eclectic medleys and elite musicianship!
h World Champion Pipe Bands Saturday 21st June 2014 h Cultural Music Stage 11.00am - 6.00pm headlined by Blackthorn Lurgan Park h Kids’ Fairground Zone h Cuisine Court h Admission - £5.00 h 18’s and under - FREE h Town Centre Link-Up Appendix 6
Lurgan Town Centre – Specialist Deep Clean, June 2013
PRE CLEAN
POST CLEAN
PRE CLEAN
POST CLEAN
Portadown Town Centre, Specialist Deep Clean,June 2013
PRE & POST COMPARISON
PRE CLEAN
POST CLEAN
PRE CLEAN
POST CLEAN
PRE CLEAN
POST CLEAN
Appendix 7C http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/news-drd/news-drd- april-2014/news-drd-070414-towns-to-benefit.htm
PRESS CLIPPINGS
Lurgan Mail 17/04/14
Portadown Times 18/04/14
Lurgan Mail (Front Page) 25/04/04
Portadown Times (26/04/14)
For quirky events and retail Appendixtherapy.. 8B. Return to Agenda Visit Portadown
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The Viking Experience - Saturday 17th May 2014, Bann Boulevard, Portadown Town Centre Return to Agenda Portadown We hope you and your family have enjoyed your time at the beautiful Bann Boulevard? Perhaps you have some energy left for a little retail therapy?
We at Discover Craigavon HQ have teamed up with Portadown town centre retailers to bring you some unmissable retail offers so go on..... spoil yourself today!
In Portadown town centre you will discover shopping the way it should be....with a plethora of welcoming, friendly shops offering a wide range of high quality products and services. No matter what you are looking for, or whatever your budget – you can be sure to find what you need....
Enjoy and ....tell your friends!
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The Bottom Drawer, 2 Magowan West, Portadown, BT62 3PG.
Terms & Conditions
This offer can be redeemed against beauty treatments received or beauty treatment bookings made* on
Saturday 17th May 2014 at *Offers will only apply to bookings up to Blue Lagoon, 30th June 2014 (that are placed on the 17th May 2014). 34 Church Street, Portadown, BT62 3LT.
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This offer can be redeemed on
Saturday 17th May 2014 at
The Streat, High Street Mall, Portadown, BT62 1HX.
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. See in-store for further details.
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Saturday 17th May 2014 at
The Wardrobe, 6 Magowan West, Portadown, BT62 3TG.
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Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Robert James Fine Clothing, 11 Church Street, Portadown, BT62 3LG.
Terms & Conditions
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Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Gordons Chemist, High Street Mall, Portadown, BT62 1HX.
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Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Dandelion Lane, 9 Church Street, Portadown, BT62 3LG.
Offer excludes Annie Sloan Fabrics
Terms & Conditions
This offer can be redeemed on
Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Mrs Sew ‘n’ Sew, 14 Mandeville Mews, Portadown, BT62 3NZ.
Offer excludes dressmaking patterns and made to order goods.
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Tea or Filter coffee and a tray bake only £2.45 per person.
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Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Chimes Coffee House, 18 Church Street, Portadown, BT62 3LQ.
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The Argento store event is taking place on
Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Argento, 15 Market Street, Portadown, BT62 3JY.
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Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Bitty Button, 10 Edward Street, Portadown, BT62 3LX.
Terms & Conditions
This offer can be redeemed on
Saturday 17th May 2014 at
Dolce & Gelato, 8 West Street, Portadown, BT62 3PN.
13 44 Return to Agenda Car Parking
P 5 hours for just £1!
To keep up to date with all events and initiatives in Craigavon follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/discovercraigavon
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www.discovercraigavon.com www.facebook.com/discovercraigavon Appendix 8C Love CraigavonReturn to Agenda... this Summer twitter.com/visitcraigavon www.discovercraigavon.com Lurgan | Craigavon | Portadown
Appendix 9
Locations for NHW Signs – Upper Ramone Park, Portadown Street Light No. Location
1701 Facing down towards Upper Church Lane
1704 Facing down towards Upper Church Lane
1706 Facing towards the cycle path
1801 Cul de sac facing towards Upper Ramone Park
1711 Facing the cycle path
1712 Facing pathway to the side of number 16 Upper Ramone Park
The green between Upper Ramone and Ramone Park, facing the 04 cycle path
Appendix 10
All Development (YTD = Year to Date LTS = Long Term Sick) 2011/12 YTD LTS 2012/13 YTD LTS 2013/14 YTD LTS 2014/15 YTD LTS April 5.97 5.97 96.9 1.44 1.44 41.7 2.27 2.27 60.5 6.8 6.8 80.0 May 4.56 5.26 72.3 4.41 2.92 0.00 5.17 3.72 23.1 6.3 6.55 65.0 June 4.61 5.04 81.3 3.93 3.26 84.8 4.77 4.04 80.6 July 1.90 4.26 73.1 2.45 3.06 74.4 7.18 4.84 64.0 August 1.19 3.65 0.00 2.37 2.92 45.5 9.38 5.75 81.6 Sept 2.18 3.40 62.9 3.70 3.05 66.1 5.99 5.79 76.4 Oct 0.99 3.06 33.3 3.12 3.06 17.2 4.30 5.58 78.4 Nov 2.63 3.00 0.00 5.39 3.35 43.3 6.36 5.67 52.5 Dec 0.57 2.73 0.00 7.45 3.81 65.6 6.15 5.73 72.4 Jan 1.14 2.57 0.00 7.24 4.15 50 4.81 5.63 73.7 Feb 3.03 2.61 0.00 4.89 4.22 70.4 4.30 5.51 54.5 March 2.51 2.61 65.9 7.30 4.47 75.7 3.39 5.33 33.3
Development Absence period 1st April 2014 to 31st May 2014 Division % loss rate Administration 0.83 Community Development 10.4 Development 0.00 PCSP 0.00 Economic Development 0.43
Development Absence Year to Date (YTD%) & Long Term Sick (LTS%)
Administration Community Development Development
2014/15 YTD LTS 2014/15 YTD LTS 2014/15 YTD LTS April 0.00 0.00 0.00 11.1 11.1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 May 1.67 0.83 0.00 9.83 10.4 68.47 0.00 0.00 0.00 June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March
PCSP Economic Development Council Total 2014/15 YTD LTS 2014/15 YTD LTS 2014/15 YTD LTS April 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.78 4.78 63.9 May 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.87 0.43 0.00 3.84 4.31 60.9 June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March
Development Average Days Lost per employee for the Period 1st April to 31st May 2014 YTD Division % loss rate April 1.3 May 2.5 June July August September October November December January February March
Days Lost Per Department by Month 2013/14
Directorate Admin Community Development PCSP Economic Land& Total (6) Development (6) (4) Development Property (53) (23) (1) (93) April 0 115 0 0 0 0 115 May 2 111 0 0 4 0 117 June July August September October November December January February March
Reasons for Absence
Table 4 below shows the reasons given for absence year to date 2014/15. The category of Stress, Depression and Mental Health accounts for the highest at over 13%.
Table 4 Reasons for absence YTD at 31st May 2014 Absence Category Days Lost % of Total Heart, Circulatory & BP 0 0.00 Chest & Respiratory 7 3.02 Back & Neck 55 23.71 Stomach , liver, kidney 26 11.21 Musculo-Skeletal 39 16.81 Pregnancy Related 12 5.17 Genito, Urinary, Gynae 0 0.00 Infections 12 5.17 Stress, Depression, Mental Health 35 15.08 Eye, Ear & Nose 0 0.00 Other 0 0.00 Neurological 46 19.83
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT REPORT Appendix 11A APRIL 2013 TO MARCH 2014
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Expenditure Heading Annual Budget Budget Actual Spend Total Variance YTD YTD Overbudget/ (Underbudget) £000's £000's £000's £000's
Employee Costs 2,305 2,305 2,373 68
Premises Costs 299 299 305 6
Transport Costs 29 29 46 17
Supplies & Services 1,262 1,262 1,612 350
Support Costs 86 86 83 (3)
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 3,981 3,981 4,419 438
Income (1,132) (1,132) (1,607) (475)
NET EXPENDITURE 2,848 2,848 2,812 (37)
NOTE: Budget figures above do not include loan charges of £621K. Total 2013/14 budget £3,469K Appendix 11B Summary of Variations – Development Department 2013-2014 April 2013 to March 2014
Heading Amount Over/ Explanation/Comment (Under) budget £000’s Employee Costs 68 The majority of this expenditure represents Council’s contribution towards PCSP. There has also been additional staffing costs, some of which is covered by increased income in the community centres.
Premises Costs 6 Building maintenance costs were over budget during the year but this was partially offset by savings in maintenance agreements and electricity costs. Energy and utility budgets have been reduced accordingly for the 2014/15 budgets through the estimates process.
Transport costs 17 There have been travel expenses for economic development programmes and attending various conferences, some of which has been funded.
Supplies & Services 350 There has been expenditure on grant related projects such as PCSP, SOAR, Public Realm Art and Town Centre Wi-fi that is also shown in the income figures.
An additional £88k has been paid to advice centre grants and to run various events through the community centres from additional in year funding received from DSD.
Support Costs (3)
Income (475) Additional income has been received on grant related projects such as PCSP, SOAR, Public Realm Art and Town Centre Wi-fi, while the community centre income is over achieved to date.
Also income has been received from DSD to fund additional expenditure to advice centres grants and to run various events across the community centres, as shown above.
Total (37)
Appendix 12 ORGANISATIONAL PLAN 2013-14 Progress Report Quarter 4 - Consolidated
• GREEN - progress is being made according to plan and the activity overall is expected to deliver on time, within budget and to the appropriate quality. • AMBER - there have been some difficulties or slippage with the activity but that remedial action is planned or in place. • RED - there have been significant difficulties or slippage and delivery of the objective is at risk. • BLUE – there have been significant difficulties or slippage beyond our control
Quarter 1 = April-June Quarter 2 = July – September Quarter 3 = October – December Quarter 4 = January - March
KEY PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES
Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 CORPORATE THEME: CUSTOMER FOCUS
Improve and develop • Test the quality and effectiveness of Relevant Directors G Consultation quality of service our service areas by completing processes have provision. customer consultations for programmed been undertaken reviews Ensure service provision is tailored to • Work via the ICE programme with CMT/Lead G Collaboration with meet needs of our cluster and other councils to achieve Directors Cluster Councils 1 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 customers and efficiencies and share good practice via on economic delivered to a high collaborate projects development, cost-effective rural and Peace standard projects CORPORATE THEME: GROWING THE ECONOMY
Focus on creating • Deliver Life Sciences Cluster supply DD 2015 G opportunities to chain programme stimulate growth and competitiveness in • Deliver the Creative Edge programme DD Sept 2013 G key growth sectors through Northern Periphery funding (Key growth sectors identified as Life • Deliver SEED creative programmes DD March 2014 G Sciences, Creative Industries, Food • Work up applications for funding to DD March 2014 DARD funding manufacturing) G promote the Borough as a pro food application location successful for Agri-food support Focus and drive • Implement key actions within CIDF DD Ongoing regeneration efforts including development briefs, feasibility within the Borough studies and regeneration projects in including partnership with key stakeholders implementation of CIDF and the town • Review and update CIDF Action Plan to DD August G Action Plan to be centre regeneration reflect new priorities 2014 reviewed with DSD • Deliver the Lurgan Revitalisation DD March 2013 Complete Project • Deliver Portadown Revitalisation DD Sept 2013 Complete Project
• Deliver Phase 2 public realm in Lurgan DD October Works completed 2013 July 2013. 2 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 Additional funding obtained to deliver North St • Deliver Phase 3 of public realm in DD November G Procurement of Lurgan 2014 design team underway • Deliver Portadown Riverside Project DD March 2015 G Procurement of design team to be undertaken by July 2014 • Complete design and economic DD September G Economic appraisal of Portadown Linkages 2014 appraisal to be Project submitted May 2014 • Develop a South Lakeshore DD September G Engagement with Masterplanning project 2014 new Leisure centre team ongoing • Install public art in Lurgan and DD March 2014 G Portadown
Take the lead role in • Continue to work with Invest NI in DD March 2014 G enterprise support of a business start programme development for entrepreneurs
• Deliver suite of programmes for the DD March 2014 G Creative Edge Creative Sector with a focus on winner of NILGA emerging talent Best European funded project Take effective action Take a lead role in the SEED suite of DD March 2014 G to respond to and Programmes lead dealing with the • Creative Edge economic downturn - • Creative Economy Exporting • Achieving Finance
3 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 • Bright Ideas Work with partners to • Continue to work with all partners on DD/DLS Ongoing G develop our local developing employability within the skills base and Borough employability • Host and facilitate CALC events for DD March 2014 Complete young people
• Work within the Creative Edge DD Sept 2013 G programme with young people in terms of emerging talent
• Work with Volunteers, Schools, CMT Ongoing G Placement Colleges and employment opportunities with organisations to provide work schools and shadowing and back to work USEL ongoing opportunities
Maximise and access • Assess the needs of the borough, the DD Ongoing G funding and availability of funds and meet with investment Invest NI and other funders and put programmes for the together new programmes. Borough • Work with DSD to maximise the impact DD Ongoing G Ongoing of the neighbourhood renewal funding delivering and for the borough work with DSD to explore a way forward with powers transferring to Council Actively lobby for • Work with the Chambers of Commerce DD Ongoing G DRD Committee further investment in in both Lurgan and Portadown to presentation the transport network continue to lobby for investment in the delivered. transport network. Support the DRD Further initiative for Portadown Railway station correspondence 4 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 to issue Encourage our • Delivery of key actions within the Town DD March 2015 G citizens and visitors to Centre Regeneration and Revitalisation utilise and avail of our Framework wide range of facilities and to • Key events and competitions with the DD Ongoing G support local private sector in both towns, eg, ipad businesses competitions, events
• Develop relationships with citizens and DD Ongoing G visitors through Discover Craigavon website and Facebook page. Explore other appropriate social media outlets
• Continue to build the relationships and DD Ongoing G links with the private sector and council and between the towns through support for events and competitions to attract footfall Develop the visitor • Review the Tourism Information Points DD March 2014 Complete potential of Craigavon
• DD Ongoing Support for and Continue to develop Discover G delivery of high profile Craigavon website and Facebook page events to promote the borough • Apply to Funds within NITB , SOAR DD Ongoing G rural development fund, Interreg for strategic tourism initiatives such as Craigavon Welcome Way (outcome pending, potential project delivery in 2013-14)
• Support international connections DD Ongoing including the Sister City link with La Grange USA
5 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4
• Complete the public art project which DD October Projects installed will attract visitors to the borough 2013 in Portadown and Lurgan • Commence the process for delivering DD/DLS June 2015 G Planning the Shared Spaces Portadown permission People’s Park Master Plan granted. Tender – secure letter of offer exercises being – proceed to appointment of undertaken for Project Manager contractor and – commencement of design community process. engagement programme
Continue to liaise with external Ongoing agencies for delivery of the non- G community Council elements of the scheme engagement programme
CORPORATE THEME: OPEN AND EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Ensure accountability • Develop an asset management DD March 2014 G Asset for the standard of strategy and review the Council’s Management service provision portfolio of estates Ongoing system across Council by introduced for means of an effective Cluster and and robust corporate Council assets governance listed. framework G Liaison with • Develop Craigavon Development Plan CMT (DLS/DD) Ongoing Planners and preliminary work on data for area
6 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 plan
• Risk management reviewed twice All Directors G Risk Register yearly presented to January Audit Committee Work towards the • Identity collaborative opportunities via CMO planned local ICE programme government reform
• Continue collaborative procurement DES/All Directors with Armagh and Banbridge under the ICE programme
• Utilise Craigavon Integrated DD Ongoing G Meetings Regeneration Partnership as a local ongoing. vehicle to assist transfer of functions Workstream in through Local Government Reform place for DSD transfer of powers Facilitate community • Actively participate in any community Relevant Directors G Participation in planning, considering planning initiatives Community the needs of our Planning citizens now and in meetings the future, seeking funding support from all relevant initiatives Lead with unity and • Briefing to be provided to Elected DD March 2014 G Youth Agency purpose in the Members on roles of agencies and meeting held in promotion of organisations representing the interests September 2013 community of young people agreed to involvement, and • Report then to be provided on follow-up undertake further especially actions. work on tri encouraging young Council basis people to play their 7 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 part in initiatives Continue to work with • Facilitate and participate in local DD March 2014 G Ongoing Government and its partnerships including Neighbourhood agencies, NGPBs, Renewal Partnerships, Interagency (NGOs) and local Forums and address current issues communities in addressing • Identify new projects under DD G Sensory Garden community issues Neighbourhood Renewal and at North Lurgan associated programmes CC funded by NR complete (42K) Continue to work • Implementation of training package for DD March 2014 Achieved towards the staff through District Council Good mainstreaming of Relations Programme – two sessions equality of opportunity to be held for staff and one for Elected and good relations in Members the workplace and Council services
CORPORATE THEME: ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE
Deliver on our major • Enact year two of Implementation Plan DD March 2014 G On target flagship projects for SPACE programme
Work with external • .Facilitate 3 Neighbourhood Renewal DD G Ongoing funding agencies and Partnerships on behalf of DSD Partnerships to address areas of • Identify opportunities for deprivation within the programmes/projects and funding DD G Ongoing Borough which address local need
Implement • Objectives and targets identified for DD March 2014 G All ongoing and Community 2013-14 to be met as per letters of on target Development, Good offers from funding agencies. Relations, Community
8 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 Safety and Rural Development strategies Implement 9 Village • Funding sourced to implement initiatives DD Sept 2014 G Successful village Plans identified in Village Plans plan • Identify 5 projects and progress funding enhancement applications applications to SOAR – project to be completed by September 14 Continue to support • Allocation of funding to over 60 community DD March 2014 G Allocated local community and groups through the Community £111,000 – over sporting groups via a Development Grant-Aid, Neighbourhood 60 groups range of grant aid Festival/Events and Good Relations Grant through CDGA schemes Schemes.
Facilitate the • Implement initiatives outlined in PCSP DD March 2014 G Ongoing delivery Policing and action plan for 2013-15 of PCSP action Community Safety plan Partnership
Work to empower and • Implementation of the Community Support DD March 2014 G Ongoing support new and and related Plans existing groups to • Continued provision of signposting through improve their own Grant Finder quality of life
Develop initiatives, • Deliver Citizen 21 Programme DD March 2014 Citizen 21 events and delivered Feb- programmes to March 14 promote participation • Deliver minimum of 10 initiatives, events, DD March 2014 Successful in community life programmes promoting participation in activities community life organised e.g. Meet Your Neighbour,
9 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 Community Development Conference and further events in community centres and town halls in Feb/March • Refurbishment of Brownstown/Killicomaine DD March 2014 £3.2m Community Centres refurbishment complete and centres reopened by end of 2013 Maintain and develop • Ensure all services manage health and CMT G All meetings being a health and safety safety proactively by reaching held and H&S is a culture that leads by established targets standard agenda item on all team example • Health and safety departmental meetings. Front meetings to be held at least three times line managers per year invited to Department Health & Safety meetings To develop a more • Continue work with SELB through DD March 2014 G Ongoing coordinated approach Lurgan Town project, Bridging the Gap to creating initiatives project and other initiatives under for young people Community Development section
General • Work with departments on the DCS /All Directors Ongoing G marketing of the Borough and Council services
CORPORATE THEME: PROTECTING AND ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT
10 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Corporate Objective Actions Responsibility Target Date Q Q Q Q Comments 1 2 3 4 Work with Work with community and statutory agencies DD/DLS/DES Ongoing G Revitalisation communities and all to improve local neighbourhoods programmes stakeholders to delivered in improve the Lurgan and aesthetics of our Portadown towns, neighbor- hoods and villages resulting in creating civic responsibility Deliver improvements to public spaces and ownership through Lurgan Public Realm, Portadown DD On target Linkages and Portadown Riversides projects G
Organisational Effectiveness and Efficiency Efficiency savings • To assist with the identification of 2% CMT Achieved efficiency savings across the organisation Ongoing review • To assist in achieving a reduction in the use of overtime/casuals CMT
• To assist with the identification of Ongoing as part significant savings via service reviews CMT of rate setting process INSPIRE • Ensure compliance with new INSPIRE DD March 2014 Completed EU Directive (Infrastructure for Spatial Information Europe)
11 f:\administration\secretariat\development committee\2014\reports\june\appendices\app. 12 - organisational business plan 2013-14 - development quarter 4 progress report.doc Appendix 13 Scores of Applications submitted to the Good Relations Small Grants Fund 2014-2015
Ref Rank of score Organisation Score % Amount Requested Amount awarded Status
06/2014-15 1 Love Hockey Ireland 65/90 72.0% £ 1,000.00 £ 1,000.00 Successful 08/2014-15 2 Polish NI Community Network 65/90 72.0% £ 850.00 £ 850.00 Successful 03/2014-15 3 Epworth Bonfire 64/90 71.0% £ 825.00 £ 825.00 Successful 04/2014-15 4 Goaline Youth Trust 64/90 71.0% £ 1,000.00 £ 1,000.00 Successful 11/2014-15 5 St Mary's GAA Club Aghagallon 61/90 68.0% £ 1,000.00 £ 700.00 Successful 10/2014-15 6 Scotch Street Youth Club 60/90 67.0% £ 1,000.00 £ 700.00 Successful 05/2014-15 7 Happy Tots Playgroup 51/90 57.0% £ 960.00 £ 576.00 Successful 01/2014-15 8 Bannside Community Group 48/90 53.0% £ 1,000.00 £ 600.00 Successful 02/2014-15 9 Corcrain Redmanville Community Partnerhip 43/90 48.0% £ 1,000.00 £ 500.00 Successful 09/2014-15 10 Rectory Rangers Football Club 39/90 43.0% £ 1,000.00 £ 500.00 Successful 07/2014-15 11 Parkmore Community Association n/a n/a £ 480.00 £ - Ineligible - Community Festival
Total £ 10,115.00 £ 7,251.00 Return to Agenda pril May 2014 Appendix 14
ro nlo Community Hu
sage igures or the Hub are gi en in the table belo these igures are obtained by counting each user o the hub on a daily basis and then di iding these igures by the number o days per month to gi e an appro imate daily total.
Monthly aily
Jan-14 6741 225 262 Feb-14 7341 Mar-14 8732 282 Apr-14 7529 250 May-14 7237 234
Return to Agenda pril May 2014 Appendix 14
Hu Income y Room
April May 2014 Appendix 14
Hub: Income by Room
Rooms Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Main Hall £1,300.52 £1,552.10 £2,357.60 £1,715.13 £1,566.52 Lounge £1,346.15 £1,462.15 £1,717.00 £1,395.08 £1,213.94 Kitchen £330.00 £474.00 £456.50 £284.75 £290.00 Training & Crafts £486.00 £638.50 £762.50 £360.00 £407.50 Studio £850.38 £983.60 £1,601.70 £863.96 £708.88 Meeting Room 1 £222.00 £944.60 £1,166.15 £582.85 £779.90 Meeting Room 2 £204.00 £232.75 £358.50 £167.25 £253.25 Meeting Room 3 £200.50 £1,011.50 £973.50 £459.00 £255.00 Meeting Room 4 £23.00 £40.00 £95.00 £151.50 £195.70 Servery £13.75 £15.00 £38.75 £7.50 £7.50 Child care space £1,249.72 £1,127.08 £1,576.80 £947.36 £1,120.00 Total £6,226.02 £8,481.28 £11,104.00 £6,934.38 £6,798.19
Return to Agenda pril May 2014 Appendix 14
Hu Room Usage Figures ours
April May 2014 Appendix 14
Hub: Room Usage Figures (hours)
Rooms Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Main Hall 161 175.5 236.5 143.25 153.5 Lounge 77.75 86 121.5 87 77.75 Kitchen 34.25 49.5 64.5 36.25 31 Training & Crafts 140.75 144.5 196 98.5 121 Studio 107.5 123.25 179.5 96 93 Meeting Room 1 20.5 72.5 106.5 55.5 85.5 Meeting Room 2 33 35.5 57.5 30 43 Meeting Room 3 25 138 224 160 64 Meeting Room 4 18.5 21.5 32 28 34.5 Servery 2.75 3 7.75 1.5 1.5 Child care space 31.5 112 156.5 94.5 112
Return to Agenda pril May 2014 Appendix 14
Hu Room Utilisation
The room utilisation rates are based on the ollo ing in ormation. erage ee ly opening hours Monday riday 9am 10pm, Saturday 9am 5pm and Sunday 9am 9pm. oo ings can be made outside o these core hours as and hen re uired. minimum set up time o 0.5 hours is needed bet een boo ings hich or the purposes o the report ha e been allo ed 2 hours per room per day.
April May 2014 Appendix 14
Hub: Room Utilisation
Rooms Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Main Hall 67.08% 73.13% 78.83% 59.69% 63.96% Lounge 32.40% 35.83% 40.50% 36.25% 32.40% Kitchen 14.27% 20.63% 21.50% 15.10% 12.92% Training & Crafts 58.65% 60.21% 65.33% 41.04% 50.42% Studio 44.79% 51.35% 59.83% 40.00% 38.75% Meeting Room 1 12.81% 45.31% 53.25% 34.69% 53.44% Meeting Room 2 13.75% 14.79% 19.17% 12.50% 17.92% Meeting Room 3 10.42% 57.50% 74.67% 66.67% 53.33% Meeting Room 4 7.71% 11.94% 10.67% 15.56% 14.38% Servery 1.15% 1.25% 2.58% 0.83% 0.83% Child care space 51.88% 46.67% 52.17% 39.38% 46.67%
Brownstown Jubilee Community Centre
Income Figures - April 2014
Rooms Apr-14 Main Hall £292.94 Studio £534.04 Meeting Room 1 £49.00 Meeting Room 2 £154.00 Kitchen £0.00 Total £1,029.98
Room Income - April 2014 £600.00
£500.00
£400.00 Main Hall Studio £300.00 Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 £200.00 Kitchen
£100.00
£0.00 Main Hall Studio Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 Kitchen Brownstown Jubilee Community Centre
Room Usage Hours - April 2014
Rooms Apr-14 Main Hall 73 Studio 51 Meeting Room 1 3.5 Meeting Room 2 20 Kitchen 73 Total 220.5
Room Usage Hours - April 2014 80
70
60
50 Main Hall Studio 40 Meeting Room 1 30 Meeting Room 2 Kitchen 20
10
0 Main Hall Studio Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 Kitchen Brownstown Jubilee Community Centre
User Figures - April 2014
Rooms Apr-14 Main Hall 666 Studio 505 Meeting Room 1 12 Meeting Room 2 98 Kitchen 666 Total 1947
User Figures - April 2014 700
600
500 Main Hall 400 Studio Meeting Room 1 300 Meeting Room 2 200 Kitchen
100
0 Main Hall Studio Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 Kitchen Brownstown Jubilee Community Centre Appendix 15
Utilisation Figures - April 2014
Rooms Apr-14 Main Hall 57.94% Studio 40.48% Meeting Room 1 2.78% Meeting Room 2 15.87% Kitchen 57.94% Total 175.01%
Utilization Figures April 2014 70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
Main Hall 40.00% Studio 30.00% Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 20.00% Kitchen
10.00%
0.00% Main Hall Studio Meeting Room Meeting Room Kitchen 1 2 Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre Appendix 16
Centre Income Figures - May 2014
Rooms May-14 Main Hall £628.94 Studio £1,007.82 Meeting Room 1 £85.00 Meeting Room 2 £15.00 Kitchen £0.00 Child care space £1,288.84 Total £3,025.60
Room Income - May 2014 £1,400.00
£1,200.00
£1,000.00 Main Hall
£800.00 Studio Meeting Room 1 £600.00 Meeting Room 2 Kitchen £400.00 Child care space
£200.00
£0.00 Main Hall Studio Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 Kitchen Child care space Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre
Room Usage Hours - May 2014
Rooms May-14 Main Hall 80.5 Studio 65.25 Meeting Room 1 8 Meeting Room 2 1.5 Kitchen 80.5 Child Care Space 152 Total 387.75
Room Usage Hours - May 2014 160
140
120 Main Hall 100 Studio 80 Meeting Room 1
60 Meeting Room 2 Kitchen 40 Child Care Space 20
0 Main Hall Studio Meeting Meeting Kitchen Child Care Room 1 Room 2 Space Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre
User Figures - May 2014
Rooms May-14 Main Hall 685 Studio 650 Meeting Room 1 72 Meeting Room 2 6 Kitchen 685 Child Care Space 788 Total 2886
User Figures - May 2014 900 800 700 600 Main Hall 500 Studio 400 Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 300 Kitchen 200 Child Care Space 100 0 Main Hall Studio Meeting Meeting Kitchen Child Care Room 1 Room 2 Space Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre
Utilisation Figures - May 2014
Rooms May-14 Main Hall 63.89% Studio 51.79% Meeting Room 1 6.35% Meeting Room 2 1.19% Kitchen 63.89% Child Care Space 120.63% Total
Utilization Figures May 2014 140.00%
120.00%
100.00% Main Hall 80.00% Studio Meeting Room 1 60.00% Meeting Room 2 Kitchen 40.00% Child Care Space 20.00%
0.00% Main Hall Studio Meeting Meeting Kitchen Child Care Room 1 Room 2 Space Appendix 17
Craigavon Borough Council Summerscheme 2014 North Lurgan/Avenue Road/Brownstown Community Centres Week 1
Monday 21 July – Funday @ Local Community Centres Activities include: Games, Sports, Dancing, Arts & Crafts, Cooking Children will also have supper and drinks Time 1.30 – 3.30pm Juniors 4pm – 6pm Seniors Cost £1
Tuesday22nd July – Pickies Fun Park Bangor Activities include Swan Pedalos, water walkers, crazy golf, electric carsand a train ride on the Pickie Puffer Children should bring a packed lunch, swimwear and a towel Juniors only Age 5 - 8 Time 11am – 6pm Cost £12
Wednesday 23rd July – Centre Day Arts & Crafts Drama & Dance, Games etc Time 1.30 – 3.30pm Juniors 4pm – 6pm Seniors Cost £1
Thursday 24th July – Trip to Lisburn Pool
Seniors Only age 9 – 13years Time 1.15 – 5.15 Cost £5
Friday 25th July – Trip to Lisburn Omniplex. Juniors only age 5 – 8 years 1pm – 5pm Cost:
WEEK 2
Monday 28th July – Trip to Lisburn Omniplex. Seniors only aged 9 – 13 years 1pm – 5pm. Cost: £5
Tuesday 29th July – Trip to Clementsmount Fun Farm Crumlin. Jumping Pillow, Crazy Golf, Feeding the Animals and much more Juniors only Time: 1pm-5.15pm. Cost £5
Wednesday 30th July – Centre Day Arts & Crafts Drama & Dance, Games etc Time 1.30 – 3.30pm Juniors 4pm – 6pm Seniors Cost £1
Thursday 31st July – Pickies Fun Park Bangor Activities include Swan Pedalos, water walkers, crazy golf, electric cars and a train ride on the Pickie Puffer Children should bring a packed lunch, swimwear and a towel Seniors only age 9 – 13years Time 11am – 6pm Cost: £12
Friday 1st August – Pirates and Princesses Disco Brownlow Community Hub Includes Ice Cream and Fruit Skewers Time: 1.30pm – 5.30pm Cost: £2
JUNIORS: Age 5 – 8yrs. SENIORS: Age 9 – 13yrs
Consent forms must be signed with all medical details included. Children MUST be 5 years and over to take part in the Summerscheme. Places are limited and children who attend the Councils Playschemes throughout the year will be given first preference on all trips. In the interest of fairness children may only attend one Summerscheme programme.
For further information contact: Cathy Roberts, Senior Playleader, 02838313632/ [email protected] Parents can register children from Tuesday 29th April at the following Places and Times
Brownlow Community Hub Mon –Fri 2pm – 6pm
North Lurgan Community Centre Mon – Wed 2pm – 6pm
Avenue Road Community Centre Thurs & Fri 2pm – 6pm
Brownstown Community Centre Wed & Thurs 2pm – 6pm
Killicomaine Community Centre Mon & Tues 2pm – 6pm
Craigavon Borough Council Summerscheme 2014 Brownlow Hub/Killicomaine Community Centre Week 1
Monday 4th Aug Funday @ Local Community Centres Activities include: Games, Sports, Dancing, Arts & Crafts and Cooking Children will also have supper and drinks Time 1.30 – 3.30pm Juniors 4pm – 6pm Seniors Cost £1
Tuesday 5th Aug Pickies Fun Park Bangor Activities include Swan Pedalos, water walkers, crazy golf, electric cars and a train ride on the Pickie Puffer Children should bring a packed lunch, swimwear and a towel Juniors only Age 5 - 8 Time 11am – 6pm Cost £12
Wednesday 6th Aug Centre Day Arts & Crafts Drama & Dance, Games etc Time 1.30 – 3.30pm Juniors 4pm – 6pm Seniors Cost £1
Thursday 7th Aug – Trip to Lisburn Pool
Seniors Only age 9 – 13 years 1.15 – 5.15 Cost £5
Friday 8th Aug Trip to Lisburn Omniplex.
Juniors only age 5 – 8 years 1pm – 5pm Cost: £5
WEEK 2
Monday 11th Aug Trip to Lisburn Omniplex. Seniors only aged 9 – 13 years 1pm – 5pm. Cost: £5
Tuesday 12th Aug Trip to Clementsmount Fun Farm Crumlin. Jumping Pillow, Crazy Golf, Feeding the Animals and much more Juniors only Time: 1pm-5.15pm. Cost £5
Wednesday 13th Aug Centre Day Arts & Crafts Drama & Dance, Games etc Time 1.30 – 3.30pm Juniors 4pm – 6pm Seniors Cost £1
Thursday 14th Aug – Pickies Fun Park Bangor Activities include Swan Pedalos, water walkers, crazy golf, electric cars and a train ride on the Pickie Puffer Children should bring a packed lunch, swimwear and a towel Seniors only age 9 – 13years Time 11am – 6pm Cost: £12
Friday 15th Aug - Pirates and Princesses Disco Brownlow Community Hub Includes Ice Cream and Fruit Skewers Time: 2pm – 5pm Cost: £2
JUNIORS: Age 5 – 8yrs. SENIORS: Age 9 – 13yrs
Consent forms must be signed with all medical details included. Children MUST be 5 years and over to take part in the Summerscheme. Places are limited and children who attend the Councils Playschemes throughout the year will be given first preference on all trips. In the interest of fairness children may only attend one Summerscheme programme. For further information contact: Cathy Roberts, Senior Playleader, 02838313632/ [email protected] Parents can register children from Tuesday 29th April at the following Places and Times
Brownlow Community Hub Mon –Fri 2pm – 6pm
North Lurgan Community Centre Mon – Wed 2pm – 6pm
Avenue Road Community Centre Thurs & Fri 2pm – 6pm
Brownstown Community Centre Wed & Thurs 2pm – 6pm
Killicomaine Community Centre Mon & Tues 2pm – 6pm