Public Document Pack Committee and Members’ Services Section rd 3 Floor, Adelaide Exchange 24-26 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GD
9th May, 2008
MEETING OF PARKS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE
Dear Councillor
The above-named Committee will meet in the Council Chamber, 3rd Floor, Adelaide Exchange on Thursday, 15th May, 2008 at 4.30 pm, for the transaction of the business noted below.
You are requested to attend.
Yours faithfully
PETER McNANEY
Chief Executive
AGENDA:
1. Routine Matters
(a) Apologies
(b) Minutes
2. Support for Sport (Pages 1 - 8)
3. Woodvale Park Celebration (Pages 9 - 14)
4. Belfast Multi-Purpose Sports Stadium Update (to follow)
5. Beechmount Leisure Centre Update (Pages 15 - 18)
6. Andersonstown Leisure Centre Funfair Application (Page 19)
7. Whiterock Leisure Centre - Gort na Mona Application (Page 20)
8. Cemetery Operatives (Pages 21 - 34)
9. Stables Project Update (Pages 35 - 36)
10. Mary Peters Track (Pages 37 - 38)
- 2 - 11. Forth River and Clarendon Playing Fields (Pages 39 - 46)
12. Access Lane at Cavehill Country Park (Pages 47 - 50)
13. Blythefield Art Work (Pages 51 - 52)
14. Carville Development at Annadale (Pages 53 - 56)
15. Crusaders Football Club (Pages 57 - 78)
16. Lands at Wandsworth (Pages 79 - 82)
17. McCrory Park (Pages 83 - 88)
18. Transfer of Land at Springhill (Pages 89 - 95)
19. Ulster Wildlife - 'Watch this Space' (Pages 96 - 101)
20. Zoo Awards (Pages 102 - 103)
Page 1 Agenda Item 2
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Support for Sport Development Grants
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officer: Claire Moraghan, Sports Development Officer
Relevant Background Information
To recommend appropriate levels of support for bids received through the Support for Sport scheme.
Members will be aware that delegated authority was given to the Director of Parks and Leisure for development applications requesting up to £1,000.
The Small Development applications (delegated authority) are listed in Appendix 1.
Detailed applications are held in the Parks and Leisure Department and can be forwarded to Members on request.
A copy of each application will be available at Committee.
Key Issues
The Director and relevant officers met on Wednesday 30 April 08 to discuss development applications under delegated authority.
Resource Implications
Financial The table below indicates the amounts allocated from the 2008/2009 budget.
Total Allocated Proposed Area available to date allocation for April Remaining Development £120,000 £0 £9,571 £111,049
Page 2
Recommendations
That Members note the content of this report with regard to Support for Sport Development Applications
Documents Attached
Table of Recommendations Appendix 1: Development Applications Table 25 March - 24 April 2008.
Appendix 1 Support for Sport Development Applications Received 25 March – 24 April 2008
ID Club / Activity Details Running Amount Recommendation & Reason Amount Organisation Costs Requested Awarded D-139-09 Windsor Youth Coach Education/ Club £5,100 £1,000 Support (Part) £368 Development Training/Kick Start Coach Ed – course already started – no retrospective funding. Try-it event – taking place in UUJ not within Belfast Equipment Grant – Windsor Youth not yet amalgamated with Page 3 Crusaders D-140-09 Immaculata FC Coach Education & Club £2150 £1,000 + Support £1,000 Development Training Equipment Provision of support up to a To improve the quality of Grant maximum of £1,000 coaching at the club and to Representing not more than increase awareness of child 75% of all eligible costs. protection etc. Equipment Grant not eligible – club established 1944
D-141-09 Ballysillan Sport Festival/Development £830 £623 Support Gymnastics Club Event Provision of support up to a £623 To display members ability from maximum of £623 beginners to elite and to attract Representing not more than new members to the club based 75% of all eligible costs at Ballysillan LC D-142-09 Woodvale Coach training course for £1440 £1,000 + Support £1,000 + Community football coaches. More Equipment Provision of support up to a £250 Initiative qualified coaches are need to Grant maximum of £1000 Appendix 1 Support for Sport Development Applications Received 25 March – 24 April 2008
cope with the increasing Representing not more than members – they plan to train up 75% of all eligible costs + parents and volunteers to IFA equipment grant level 1
ID Club / Activity Details Running Amount Recommendation & Reason Amount Organisation Costs Requested Awarded
D-143-09 Ionad il Sport Sport Festival/Development £1,200 £900 Support £900 Bharr an Event Provision of support up to a Chluanai A 12 week programme focusing maximum of £900 on Soccer and Basketball Representing not more than
targeting 7-16 years 75% of all eligible costs Page 4
£890 D-144-09 Corrymeela FC Sport Festival/Development £1,186 £ 890 Support Event Provision of support up to a Hosting a tournament to maximum of £890 celebrate their 20 th anniversary Representing not more than with 5 teams from NI, 1 from 75% of all eligible costs Scotland, Germany and The World United made up of refugees from NI.
D-145-09 Up & Runners Coach Education £280 £210 Support £210 2 coaches going through UK Provision of support up to a Athletics Level 2 maximum of £210 Representing not more than 75% of all eligible costs D-146-09 99 th Old Boys Training of Coaches & Kick Start £1,800 £1,000 +£250 Support £1,000 + Appendix 1 Support for Sport Development Applications Received 25 March – 24 April 2008
Grant. To train up 4 coaches in Equipment Provision of support up to a £250 IFA Level 1& establish new youth Grant maximum of £1000 section Representing not more than 75% of all eligible costs + equipment grant D-147-09 St. Georges ABC A new club requesting an £260 £250 Equipment Grant £250 equipment grant to get started
ID Club / Activity Details Running Amount Recommendation & Reason Amount Organisation Costs Requested Awarded D-148-09 Cregagh Cricket Kick Start Grant + Equipment £1,280 £960 + £250 Support £960 +
Club Grant Equipment Provision of support up to a £250 Page 5 maximum of £960 + £250 equipmen Withdrawn from equipment grant. t 2008 & Representing not more than resubmitted new 75% of all eligible costs financial year
D-149-09 Belfast Kronk Sport Festival/Dev Event £2050 £1,000 Support £1,000 Boxing Boxing Club from Newcastle Provision of support up to a Upon Tyne for 11-18 years boys & maximum of £1000 Withdrawn from girls Representing not more than 2008 & 75% of all eligible costs. resubmitted new financial year D-150-09 Beechmount Sports Festival/Dev Event £827.00 £620.00 Support £620 Health Club Weight Lifting competition Provision of support to a Weight Lifting involving lifters from Scotland maximum of £620. Club and Wales as well as the local Representing not more than club 75% of eligible costs Total Amount Allocated This Month Total Amount Allocated To Date Appendix 1 Support for Sport Development Applications Received 25 March – 24 April 2008
£9,571 £ 9,571
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Appendix B Hospitality Support for Sport May 2008 ORGANISER / EVENT AREA REF. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION REASON EVENT DATE Cairnlodge Hospitalit Hosting a boxing club – Kyber 66 participant meals at Amateur H-01/09 18 th June Offer Support of £990 y Colts from South Wales £15/per head Boxing Club Hosting a bowling tour from Hospitalit PSNI Bowling 29 May Offer Support of 80 participants -£15 per H-02/09 Bedfordshire County Bowling y Club 2008 £1200 head for evening meal Asso. Hosting the Junior Inter- 140 participants/guests NI Bowling Hospitalit H-03/09 18& 19 July Association Series with teams Offer support of £700 £5 per head finger buffet Association y from across Ireland Hosting Blaina Bowling Club – 130 participants/guests H-04/09 Hospitalit Belmont 29 th May Wales & over the 2 events & Offer support of £650 y Bowling Club 23 rd July Hosting Warwickshire Bowling £5 per head finger buffet H-05/09 Club
Page 7 Spokes in 20 th The Belfast 2008 International Offer Support of Hospitalit H-06/09 Motion September Wheelchair Tennis Tournament £1500 y Beechmount 50 participants/guests Hospitalit Health Club Ulster Open Weighlifting H-07/09 31 st May Offer support of £250 £5 per head finger buffet y Weight Lifting Championship
Club
92 nd Belfast Offer Support of 140 participants -£15 per Hospitalit H-08/09 23 rd June Charity Golf Day Boys Brigade £2000 head for evening meal y 185 participants/guests Orangefield Community Cup Football Hospitalit H-09/09 21 st June Offer Support of £925 £5 per head finger buffet Old Boys FC Tournament y
Irish Football Hospitalit H-10/09 21 st June Football for All Awards Do Not Support Venue is outside Belfast Association y 106 participants/guests over H-11/09 Hosting Kelty & District Bowling Hospitalit Shaftebury 15 th July & the 2 events & Club (Scotland) Offer Support of £586 y Bowling Club 24 th July £5 per head finger buffet H-12/09 & Wessex Wanders Bowls Club
Appendix B Hospitality Support for Sport May 2008 NI Private 185 participants/guests Inter Area Irish Bowling Hospitalit Greens H-13/09 31 st May Offer Support of £750 £5 per head finger buffet Championships y Bowling Club ORGANISER / EVENT AREA REF. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION REASON EVENT DATE Hospitalit Queen’s University Boat Race – Trinity Vs Offer Support of 350 Participants/Guests £5 y University Boat H-14/09 7th June Queens £1,750 per head finger Buffet Race Hospitalit Irish Strength 50 Participants -£15 per H-15/09 25 th August UK Strongest Man Offer Support of £750 y Association head for evening meal Hospitalit Ulster Region y of Deferred until 3rd Week in Launch of Event requested in Showjumping H-16/09 additional June Lord Mayor Parlour Asso. Of information supplied Ireland Page 8
Page 9 Agenda Item 3
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Use of Woodvale Park for a cultural celebration 11 July
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officers: Laura Hamill, Anti Social Behaviour Coordinator David Robinson, Good Relations Officer
Relevant Background Information
Members will be aware of the on-going work of the Council led Bonfire Management Programme. The programme is currently into year 2 of the current 3 year programme. The continuation of the programme, which is subject to an annual review, was agreed by Council at its meeting in December 2007 (B 142).
Woodvale and Cambrai Youth and Community Association have been active participants on the programme for a number of years. In 2007 they were involved in the design of the Bonfire Beacon structure with a view to developing an alternative to the traditional 11 July bonfire. They are also active participants, along with Friends of Woodvale Park, in developing actions as part of the Antisocial Behaviour Pilot programme.
Both of these groups are seeking to develop a cultural event in Woodvale Park on 11 July to launch the Bonfire Beacon and run a series of activities to celebrate the occasion. This proposal refers to a Bonfire Beacon, which has been tested and proven to cause no damage to the ground surface – as opposed to a traditional bonfire.
Key Issues
The Beacon structure has been through a testing regime over the past seven months. The initial structure was designed by Groundwork Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Woodvale and Donegall Pass Communities. It was then tested under the supervision of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service at Boucher Crescent on 30 September 2007.
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The design of the Beacon has since been modified in consultation with RPS Consultant Engineers and these modifications were agreed in consultation with FireCERT, based at the School of the Built Environment in the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. The structure is as robust as is possible and health and safety considerations have been the primary concern in its development. The design is undergoing further structural analysis at the University of Ulster prior to the beacon to be used on 11 July being fabricated.
The Beacon structure will replace the traditional bonfire in Woodvale and take bonfires off the narrow streets in the area. This proposal in itself, commands the support of the Fire and Roads Services for this very reason. The structure will do no damage to the surface on which it is placed – as evidenced by the test last year. The base of the beacon is filled with wood, however the primary fuel used is willow wood chippings, which is a carbon neutral product. The ash residue can be recycled with the sand base afterwards. Some photographs of the Beacon test are attached as Appendix 1.
The development of the Beacon has the support of the inter-agency group who assist the Council with the Bonfire Management Programme. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Police Service for Northern Ireland, Department of Regional Development (Roads Service), Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Environment and Heritage Service and the Community Relations Unit of OFM/DFM have all supported developments thus far. All of these organisations, other parts of the City, as well as other Council areas, will be awaiting the outcome of an event in Woodvale Park with great interest.
There is huge local support for the proposal with a commitment that up to 100 volunteers to supervise the event. These volunteers are trained in stewarding techniques and officially accredited by the Open College Network.
The proposals to hold an event emerged during the public consultations that have taken place during the development of an Antisocial Behaviour action plan for Woodvale Park. This proposed event will bring the community together, into the Park for a positive community experience. It will make a massive contribution to eliminating Antisocial Behaviour from the park over the ‘twelfth’ period and will also make a major contribution towards developing a wider understanding and respect for cultural diversity within the City and beyond.
Resource Implications Financial None. Current approved budgets will support the initiative.
Human Resources Continued Antisocial Behaviour and Good Relations staff engagement with developing the proposed event.
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Recommendations That the Committee approve the proposal to allow the Woodvale Community to use Woodvale Park for their 11 th July celebrations including the lighting of the beacon.
Documents Attached
Appendix 1: Photographs of the beacon before and after its use
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BLANK PAGE Page 15 Agenda Item 5
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Beechmount Leisure Centre
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Katrina Morgan-Talbot, Leisure Operations Manager
Contact Officer: Katrina Morgan-Talbot, Leisure Operations Manager
Relevant Background Information
Under the strategic review of Council indoor leisure facilities, the transfer of the site at Beechmount Leisure Centre to Colaiste Feirste and Fobairt Feirste was agreed, subject to detailed terms, which included public use. The transfer was initially to be at no charge, but officers subsequently negotiated a price of £3.685 million for the 9.567 acre site required by Colaiste Feirste. No ongoing revenue will be required from Council.
At the meeting of Parks and Leisure meeting on 14 February 2008 Members agreed to note the contents of the report in relation to the progress which had been achieved in respect of the transfer of the Beechmount Leisure Centre to Colaiste Feirste and Fobairt Feirste. The Committee was advised that a further report in relation to the matter would be submitted for its consideration at a future meeting.
A meeting was held on 24 April between Colaiste Feirste and Officers of Belfast City Council. The Officers were advised of the following anticipated timeline: • Business plan to be completed by mid June • Follow up meeting to take place 19 June • Business plan to be submitted to Dept of Finance and Personnel by end of June 2008 • 2nd draft of lease to be prepared by end May • Overall completion including - publication of economic appraisal by DENI, - agreement of lease by BCC/Coláiste Feirste and - receipt of planning approval by September 2008. • A further meeting is to be scheduled for mid to end September 2008 and Colaiste Feirste should be in a position at this stage to inform the Council of position of the project in Dept of Education’s financial cycle.
Page 16
Key Issues
At the Community and Leisure Services Sub Committee meeting on 3 October 2006, Members agreed in principle that Colaiste Feirste would apply for Sports Lottery funding for the provision of handball and weightlifting facilities, with Council to fund any shortfall in capital, up to a maximum cost (at 2005 prices) of £594,000. A number of public meetings had been held in Beechmount Leisure Centre to brief facility users and listen to local opinion. Those attending the more recent meetings were happy with the overall proposals, subject to the provision of the weightlifting and handball facilities.
Officers have recently been advised that the Sports Lottery application in respect of the proposed handball courts and weight-lifting area submitted by Coláiste Feirste has been declined. If this is now to be included in the rebuild of the school the Council is already committed in principle to fund this section and Officers can develop a project proposal for consideration in the Council’s Capital Programme. It is important to note that in doing so, the Council would not be funding the School, but would be funding the provision of recreational facilities within its area, which is within the Councils powers.
Members agreed that Beechmount Leisure Centre should remain open until 30 June 2008. However, given the anticipated revised timeframe for the transfer of facilities, it is recommended that Members approve the continuance of the current service at Beechmount Leisure Centre until the end of December 2008 or until the transfer can be completed, whichever is the earlier.
Resource Implications
Financial Currently the revenue budget assigned to Beechmount Leisure Centre is only sufficient to continue to provide services at Beechmount until end June 2008. To extend the current service to end December 2008 will require approximately £180,000 additional revenue expenditure. This additional expenditure will require to be met from compensatory savings from across the Leisure Services section.
Assets In the interim period, between now and September Officers would propose that a building survey is undertaken at Beechmount to identify what necessary minimal works are required to keep the centre open until December 2008.
It is anticipated that this condition report, with associated costings would be available to Members for the Committee meeting in September
Page 17
Recommendations
Committee is asked to approve the extension of the opening of Beechmount Leisure Centre until end of December 2008, pending the condition report.
It is recommended that a project proposal be prepared and submitted for consideration within the Council’s capital programme.
Key to Abbreviations
None.
Documents Attached
None.
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BLANK PAGE Page 19 Agenda Item 6
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Andersonstown Leisure Centre: Funfair Application
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Katrina Morgan–Talbot, Leisure Operations Manager
Contact Officer: Katrina Morgan–Talbot, Leisure Operations Manager
Relevant Background Information
Cullen’s Funfair have booked the all weather pitch at Andersonstown for the past number of years and on each occasion residents of neighbouring houses have been consulted in advance of the booking. Although there were some public control issues in previous years, no significant difficulties were reported following the event held during the Summers of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Key Issues
An application for the use of the all weather pitch at Andersonstown Leisure Centre during the period 25 May – 1 June 2008 has been received from Cullen’s Funfair. All residents neighbouring Andersonstown Leisure Centre will be consulted, seeking their views on this potential booking. It would be officers’ intention to accept the booking, pending a satisfactory response from residents, however given Members previous interest in this booking it is appropriate to seek the views of Members prior to formal acceptance of the booking request.
Resource Implications
It is anticipated that the fee charged to Cullen’s Funfair would be approximately £1,056, in line with Council charging policy.
Recommendations
Members are asked to note the contents of this report and to offer comments as appropriate.
Page 20 Agenda Item 7
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Whiterock Leisure Centre: Special Event Application
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Katrina Morgan–Talbot, Leisure Operations Manager
Contact Officer: Katrina Morgan-Talbot, Leisure Operations Manager
Relevant Background Information
Gort Na Mona Historical and Cultural Society have applied to Whiterock Leisure Centre to hold a special event in the premises. Gort Na Mona has stated they are a group based in the Upper Springfield area which research and tell of the history of the area and the people who reside there.
Key Issues
The application from this group states that the event, scheduled for Saturday 21 June would firstly require bar facilities and would consist of a number of local residents using a slide show and a question and answer session recounting their personal experiences of their time in jail and prison life in general.
The event organisers have undertaken to provide the Occasional Licence that will be required for the event and have given assurance of full compliance with Council and statutory guidance.
Resource Implications
It is anticipated that the fee charged to Gort Na Mona Historical and Cultural Society would be approximately £720.00 plus associated staff overtime costs, in line with Council charging policy.
Recommendations
It is recommended that Members approve: 1) The Gort Na Mona Historical and Cultural Society application to hire facilities at Whiterock Leisure Centre on Saturday 21 June 2008. 2) The request to have bar facilities at the event
Page 21 Agenda Item 8
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Services Committee
Subject: Cemetery Operative posts
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Fiona Holdsworth, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Services Manager
Contact Officer: John MacFarlane, Area Manager, Parks and Cemeteries Norman Neill, Consultant, Business Improvement
Purpose of Report
To report to Committee on the progress made on the Parks and Cemeteries Services Section Pandemic Action Plan and request Committee to approve the consequent recruitment process.
Relevant Background Information
As part of Business Continuity Management, Bereavement Services have undertaken a risk assessment of the Service and have identified areas that need to be managed more effectively in order to be able to continue with burials and cremations in the event of an emergency.
As Committee is aware, a Pandemic Action Plan has been drafted, in consultation with the Corporate Governance and Risk Manager, which has outlined specific areas that need improved if the Council is to continue providing this high priority service to members of the public in the occurrence of an emergency.
The Pandemic Action Plan has highlighted the need for additional staff members to be employed in order to provide adequate cover, specifically at the Crematorium and the Cemeteries.
It was proposed that a new post of Cemetery Operative be created. This post will embrace all aspects of the work to be carried out in the Cemeteries and Crematorium – including acting as Crematorium Technician when necessary. This will allow for more flexibility in arranging cover in the Crematorium. A draft job description has been forwarded to Trade Unions who have agreed with the content of the job description. This post has been evaluated at Salary Scale 4.
Consequently, Committee requested that a process be agreed on how to ensure that a Cemetery Operative position would be implemented in the most cost effective manner. Page 22
Key Issues
It has been identified through the Pandemic Action Plan that approximately 12 posts will be required to enable competent levels of service in the event of an emergency. It has been proposed that these additional posts will not be newly established posts but rather recruited from the current pool of Bereavement Services staff e.g. Gardeners, Gravediggers and Driver/Gardeners, as and when a vacancy arises.
The result of this will mean that up to a maximum of 12 Gravediggers, Gardeners and Driver/Gardeners posts will be replaced by the more flexible role of Cemetery Operative. The introduction of this role will also reduce the amount of overtime being paid to managers to provide cover at the Crematorium.
Trade Unions have been consulted on this proposal and they have agreed with both the job description and the process involved.
At present, there are 3 vacancies within the current establishment. These vacancies are for the posts of Gravedigger (1), Gardener (1) and Driver/Gardener (1).
It is proposed that these posts will be recruited through external recruitment in order to recruit the 3 current vacancies. A waiting list will be compiled and the remaining posts will be recruited as and when vacancies arise in the designations of Gardeners, Gravediggers, and Driver/Gardeners. These vacancies will be recruited as Cemetery Operatives and the established number of Gardeners, Gravediggers and Driver/Gardeners will be changed accordingly, ensuring no overall increase in the total establishment figures.
The new post of Cemetery Operative will enable additional staff to be trained in the operations of the Crematorium, therefore facilitating cover to be provided in the event of an emergency plan needing to be implemented and also, as a result of more staff being trained, reduce the overtime currently being paid to provide cover at the crematorium.
Staff have, in the past, undergone training for the duties being carried out in the Crematorium. However, due to operational pressures of their substantive roles, these postholders had been carrying out the role infrequently and when the need arose for them to provide cover, the postholders required to be retrained when needed. This, therefore, resulted in the time and money invested in training being wholly ineffective.
It is proposed that training for the post of Cremator Operator will be carried out over a two month period. Duties for this post will be interchanged on a regular basis to ensure that staff maintain the appropriate level of knowledge and skills to undertake all the relevant duties.
There are three main issues that need to be addressed;
Ø Implement elements of the Parks and Cemeteries Pandemic Action Plan Ø Agree the recruitment process Ø Identify resource implications
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Resource Implications
Financial The creation of 12 posts of Cemetery Operatives will have financial implications.
This will include the differential between currently remunerating staff at Scale 3 and proposed Cemetery Operative staff at Scale 4.
This difference will initially be £5682, which will allow for 3 Cemetery Operatives to be appointed (based on the current vacant posts of Gravedigger, Driver/Gardener and Gardener). This cost will rise to £22, 728 over a period of time, until such times as all 12 posts are filled.
It should be noted that in the calculations of the above, it has been assumed that postholders currently being remunerated at Scale 4 will not apply. However, if this is not the case the financial impact will be lessened.
Human Resources Recruitment for the post of Cemetery Operative will be carried out through external recruitment and the positions will be filled as and when further vacancies arise in the posts of Gardeners, Gravediggers, and Driver/Gardeners, within Bereavement Services.
This recruitment process is similar in nature to that adopted by Cleansing Services in the recruitment of staff to the new designation of Driver/Loaders. This was approved by Committee in September 2006.
Asset and Other Implications There are no other implications.
Recommendations
Members are asked to approve the contents of this report namely; Ø Implementation of the recommendations outlined above, which form part of the Parks and Cemeteries Services Section Pandemic Action Plan. Ø Agree the method of recruitment through which the new posts can be filled. Ø
Key to Abbreviations
None.
Documents Attached
Appendix 1: Parks and Cemeteries Services Pandemic Action Plan
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BLANK PAGE Page 25
Pandemic Action Plan
Bereavement Services
VERSION CONTROL
Issue Date Issued by Reason for Issue No. 1 02/3/07 John MacFarlane First draft 2 01/5/07 John Macfarlane Second draft
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1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this plan is to document how Bereavement Services will operate in the event of a flu pandemic.
The plan outlines measures that will be adopted to enable Bereavement Services to cope with a flu pandemic. They document how the Crematorium and Cemeteries could operate, subject to limiting factors. When preparing this plan, it was assumed that at worse case scenario, 50% of existing staff will be unavailable to work
At the height of a pandemic these measures may not be sufficient to deal with demand. Body storage measures are being considered by the Mass Fatalities Pandemic Group and are outside the scope of this plan.
Note, to support individual service plans there will be a corporate communication plan and relevant HR policies.
2.0 Service Plans
2.1 Crematorium
Service
The Crematorium is responsible for providing a chapel service, cremation of bodies and
issuing or burying of ashes.
During a pandemic the demand for this service will increase significantly. To meet this demand, the Crematorium would operate three 8-hour shifts to provide 24 hour service, 7
days a week. Each of the cremators needs to shut down for 24 hrs per week for servicing.
This will give us a capacity of 168 cremations a week.
People
Each shift will require 2 cremator operators and 1 chapel attendant. Therefore, 6 cremator operators and 3 chapel attendants are required to cover. Due to increased usage of the cremators there is a need for close service support for servicing and repair.
To allow for 50% sickness, 12 cremator operators and 6 chapel attendants are required. Additional support from service engineer.
Volunteers for cremator and chapel attendant training have been sought from within the Parks service and four people for each discipline have volunteered for training. A trawl is to be sent out to the whole council seeking volunteers to train.
2.2 Roselawn Cemetery
Service Roselawn Cemetery provides a burial service
At present, 6 gravediggers assisted by 2 diggers and 2 dumpers can do 10 burials per day.
By hiring an additional digger and dumper it can be increased to 12 per day.
Staff requirements are worked out for an eight hour day. During the summer months the capacity could be increased by working longer hours dependent on day length or hiring arch
lights for working in the dark.
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People
See table below for People & Technology requirements:
Graves per day Gravediggers Diggers Dumpers 16 8 4 4 20 10 5 5 24 12 6 6
To allow for 50% sickness we would need to double the amount of gravediggers required.
If enough gravediggers can not be found or the appropriate machinery sourced, then the number of burials will be limited.
Volunteers for gravedigger training are coming from gardening staff at the cemetery and from area east. They are being trained on digger and dumper operation and preparing graves for burial and carrying out burials.
Staff are being recruited and trained from the Parks section.
2.3 Dundonald Cemetery
Service
Dundonald Cemetery provides a burial service.
At present there are 4 gravediggers and 2 diggers working in Dundonald plus 3 gardeners and an attendant.
Staff requirements are worked out for an eight hour day. During the summer months the
capacity could be increased by working longer hours dependent on day length or hiring arch lights for working in the dark.
People
See table below for People & Technology requirements:
Graves per day Gravediggers Diggers 6 4 2 9 6 3 12 8 4
To allow for 50% sickness we would need to double the amount of gravediggers required.
If enough gravediggers can not be found or the appropriate machinery sourced, then the number of burials will be limited.
Staff are being recruited and trained from the Parks section.
2.4 City Cemetery Page 28
Service
City Cemetery provides a burial service.
At present there are 6 gravediggers and 1 digger working in City Cemetery. There are also
11 gardeners and two attendants.
Staff requirements are worked out for an eight hour day. During the summer months the
capacity could be increased by working longer hours dependent on day length or hiring arch
lights for working in the dark.
People
See table below for People & Technology requirements:
Graves per day Gravediggers Diggers Dumpers 6 6 1 12 8 2 2 16 10 3 3
To allow for 50% sickness we would need to double the amount of gravediggers required.
If enough gravediggers can not be found or the appropriate machinery sourced, then the number of burials will be limited.
Staff are being recruited and trained from the Parks section.
2.5 Cemeteries Office
Service
The Cemeteries Office currently takes the bookings for all cremations and burials
To spread the workload of taking bookings it is proposed to open the cemeteries office 7 days a week. Eight staff would be required in order to cover seven days allowing two rest days per week. All staff would be involved in taking bookings for cremations and burials. They would rotate tasks i.e. answering phones, dealing with the counter, writing up orders
and cremation papers.
People
To cope with the increased workload it is proposed to have eight staff working five days in seven on a rota.
To allow for 50% sickness levels we would require another 8 staff available to be trained with the existing teams.
Other Service Considerations: Please use this box to indicate if there are any other considerations that need to addressed during a pandemic. Examples are shown in the box.
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Premises
Crematorium – a temporary chapel would be set up to increase capacity of services during
the day. The back log would then be cremated through the night. 24 hr security for the cemetery site would cover yard and crematorium.
Service Yards – There would be a need for 24 hr security at the yards when additional
machinery is hired in that can not be properly secured overnight.
Cemeteries Office - There would be a need for an additional room next to the existing
cemetery office.
Supplies
- Fuel, hydraulic oil, engine oil, grave tapes. Additional storage
Technology - Diggers, dumpers, generators and arch lights.
Cremators – maintenance, parts etc.
Cemeteries Office - An additional fax line .
Stakeholders - Funeral directors, clergy, Monumental masons. - The bereaved, families, grave owners. -
Transport - Staff need access to fuel for personal vehicles to get to work, in the event of fuel shortages.
3.0 General
On-site Cemetery Clerks At present, there is one clerk at each of the 3 cemeteries plus a floater for cover.
If the cemeteries were required to open for longer hours there would be a need for cemetery clerks to cover. To allow for 50% sickness and to cover possible extended opening hours there would be a need for another 3 cemetery clerks for cover.
Communication
- Cemetery and crematorium opening times. Cemeteries office opening times. Details of service being provided. How to contact the service. Security need to know changes to cemeteries office opening times.
- Public announcement for opening times. E-mail, telephone, letter to Funeral directors.
Page 30
Key Dependencies – Internal/External
- Funeral Directors, clergy, public, Doctors, Medical referees, Coroners office. - They rely on us to provide burial and cremation service - The Pandemic action plan to provide an increased service to meet estimated increase in demand.
Contacts
Internal:
Contact details relating to all essential staff are documented in Appendix A.
External:
Contact details for Suppliers in Appendix D and Funeral Directors are in Appendix E
Staff Training
- Staff Training Plans attached in Appendix B.
- Staff are being trained on diggers, dumpers and grave etiquette for gravedigger cover.
- Staff are being trained on the operation of the cremators and the chapel to provide cover for the crematorium. A post of Cemetery Operative is being created to provide the additional cover and flexibility in the workforce. It is proposed to create 12 positions.
Page 31
Operational Procedures
Operational Procedures are currently being prepared for all key activities and will be available to all staff after approval. Staff will be given training where appropriate.
4.0 Recovery Plan
- Burial of ashes, organise the burial of ashes in graves and at trees. - Accounts - Reinstatement of graves that have built up over the period. - Issuing of grave leases for grave sold over the period. - Processing foundations for headstones - Ad hoc enquiries - Pull back the grounds maintenance of the sites. - Stock inventory
5.0 Further Actions/Recommendations
Action Responsible Target Date
Person
Complete training plans S McCloy/M End July
Largey
Funeral Directors e-mail addresses J Campbell End Aug
Identify staff with cemeteries office experience J Campbell End June Identify a list of staff interested in cemetery office J Campbell End June training
For further information, please contact John Macfarlane Ext. 3443 Location: Cecil Ward Building
Appendices
Page 32
Appendix A List of Internal Contacts Appendix B Staff Training Plans Appendix C Operational Procedures Appendix D List of Suppliers Appendix E List of Funeral Directors
Appendix A
Important Contact Numbers:
John Macfarlane Bereavement Services Tel: 02890 918736 Manager Mob: 07860 461812 Michael Largey City Cemetery Manager Tel: 02890 319629 Mob: 07860 461955 Sharon McCloy Roselawn Crematorium Tel: 02890 448342 and Cemetery Manager Mob: 07767271684 Juliet Campbell Cemetery Office Tel: 02890 270296 Manager Mob: 07825140407 Gordon Quinn Roselawn Crematorium Tel: 02890 449170 and Cemetery Officer Mob: 07920187203 Mark Foreman Roselawn Cemetery Tel: 02890 449170 Team Leader Graves Mob: 07919493661 Gerry Hamill City Cemetery Team Tel: 02890 323112 Leader Hort Mob: 07845317867 Stuart Austin City Cemetery Team Tel: 02890 231620 Leader Graves Mob: 07802544396 Cedric Barry Roselawn Cemetery Tel: 02890 449170 Team Leader Hort Mob: 07919576427 Tommy Gourley Dundonald Cemetery Tel: 02890 480193 Team Leader Mob: 07789994583 Dundonald Cemetery Office Tel: 02890 480193 City Cemetery Office Tel: 02890 323112 City Cemetery Service Yard Tel: 02890 231620 Roselawn Cemetery Office Tel: 02890 448288 Roselawn Cemetery Service Yard Tel: 02890 449170 Cemeteries Office Office Tel: 02890 270296 Fiona Holdsworth Principle Parks Manager Mob: 07774231438
Page 33
Appendix B
Staff training plans
Type of How Many How Many Who is to be When Training Required Trained to Trained Date Digger Driver 50 34 20 Parks/Cem 4 per Month Operatives Continuing 26.2.07 Dumper Driver 40 25 17 Parks/Cem 4 per month Operatives Continuing 26.2.07 Grave Digger 24 24 Anybody who On Demand Hand requests Cremator 12 6 Any body who On demand Operator requests
Chapel 3 3 Anybody who On Demand Attendant requests
Cemetery 6 3? Clerk on-site Cemetery 16 4? Office
Page 34
Appendix D
Service Suppliers Key Requirement Supplier Address
1 Electricity C. Johnston Ballynahinch Road Carryduff Generator Hire Ltd BT8 6DE Tel: 02890 815009 2 Set up Charge C. Johnston Ballynahinch Road Carryduff Hire Ltd BT8 6DE Tel: 02890 815009 3 Shower units Greenline Hire 2 Ferguson Road Lisburn BT28 2FW Tel: 08702 408987 4 Shower units Greenline Hire 2 Ferguson Road Lisburn BT28 Delivery 2FW Tel: 08702 408987 5 Additional Halidane & 59 Ladas Drive Belfast Fuel Tank Fisher BT6 9FR 2500 litre Tel: 02890 225000 6 Digger Training Quickstart 47 Donegore Hill, Donegore, Muckamore BT41 2HS Tel: 02894 439740 7 Digger Hire C. Johnston Ballynahinch Road Carryduff 3 tonne Hire Ltd BT8 6DE Tel: 02890 815009 8 Dumpers C. Johnston Ballynahinch Road Carryduff 4 tonne Hire Ltd BT8 6DE Tel: 02890 815009 9 Additional C. Johnston Ballynahinch Road Carryduff Lighting Hire Ltd BT8 6DE Tel: 02890 815009 10 Additional B.C.C. Clensing Services Cecil Ward Skip Cleansing Building 6-10 Lininhall Street Belfast BT2 8BP Tel: 02890 320202 11 Face Shield Arco 7 Trench Road Mallusk Newtownabbey BT36 4TY Tel: 02890 501711 12 Face Mask Arco 7 Trench Road Mallusk Moldex Newtownabbey BT36 4TY Tel: 02890 501711 13 Drinking Water Antrim Hills 100 Irish Hills Road Ballyclare BT39 9NL Tel; 02893 322325 14 Flexathane Arco 7 Trench Road Mallusk Suit Newtownabbey BT36 4TY Tel: 02890 501711
Page 35 Agenda Item 9
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Opening of the Refurbished Stables at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Fiona Holdsworth, Principal Parks and Cemetery Services Manager
Contact Officer: Paul Magee, Area Manager
Relevant Background Information
The Stables is a two storey building in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park which has been largely unused, except for storage over the last few years. It was agreed by the Parks and Leisure Committee in August 2007 to refurbish the building to preserve the asset.
The uses of the building when complete will include office accommodation for the Conservation and Promotion Unit of the Parks and Cemeteries Section, freeing up room in the Cecil Ward Building and Malone House and a restaurant facility on the first floor.
Key Issues
The work on this project is nearing completion and the facilities should be up and running by late May to early June 2008. There will be an opportunity for good publicity from the reopening of this facility. Due to the amount of money invested in the project from the Property Steering Group and the very significant carbon reduction and sustainability features incorporated into the design as suggested by the Sustainable Development Group a joint launch would appear to be appropriate. Officers from relevant sections will work together on the launch and Members of the Parks and Leisure Committee will be invited to attend the event.
Resource Implications
Financial The room at Malone House freed by office staff moving to the Stables can now be redecorated and offered out for hire with the potential to generate an additional income of £10,000 per annum for Malone House. Page 36
The bottom floor of the Stables will be shortly up and running as a restaurant/ café and has been franchised out, bringing in an initial income of £11,500 in the first year and £12,000 in the second year.
The main cost of the project was funded from the Building Upgrade Fund with revenue funding being provided from Parks and Cemeteries to refurbish the kitchen, restaurant, and for the completion of final landscaping and the provision of lighting around the building.
Recommendations
Members are asked to note the content of this report.
Key to Abbreviations
None.
Documents Attached
None.
Page 37 Agenda Item 10
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Mary Peters Track
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Relevant Background Information
The Committee is reminded that the Mary Peters Track was completed in 1975. Since that time the track has received remedial treatment in the form of re- texturing in 1986 and 1991 and was resurfaced in 2003. Following the re- surfacing a number of defects were detected and these remain the subject of on going legal discussions between the Council and the legal representatives of the contractor.
At its meeting on 13 March 2007 the former Parks and Cemeteries Sub- Committee, as part of the Elite Facilities Programme to support the 2012 Olympics, agreed to the submission of an application in respect of the development of an indoor athletics area on the site of Mary Peters. The Sub- Committee further agreed to seek the inclusion of the upgrade of the Mary Peters Track within the Council’s Capital Programme, subject to the Gateway process, and dependent upon receipt of funding to provide an indoor athletics area.
The Committee is asked to note that an application has been made under the Elite Facilities Programme and that it has been successful at Stage 1. Council is awaiting formal notification to proceed with a stage 2 Application. Members are advised that formal notification has been delayed pending discussions between Sport NI and Government re funding for the Programme. Officers are concerned with the lengthening delay and the impact this will have on the ability of Council and other organisations to deliver projects on time.
Page 38
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note that the Council has received a request from Dame Mary Peters to make a presentation to Committee later in the summer concerning the future of the track.
Resource Implications
There are no resource implications at this time.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee accede to the request to receive a presentation from Dame Mary Peters concerning the future of the Mary Peters Track at a future Committee meeting.
Page 39 Agenda Item 11
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Forthriver Linear Park and Access to Clarendon Playing Fields
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officers: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager Ken Anderson, Estates Surveyor, Core Improvement Team
Relevant Background Information
The Committee is asked to note that by an Agreement for Sale dated 11 October 2001 the Council agreed to dispose of an area of land at Forthriver Linear Park to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The purpose of the land transfer was to provide an access road from Ballygomartin Road to a proposed housing development and school to be constructed on land lying to the rear of existing housing on Mountainview Park and Ingledale Park. Substantial walls and a ‘landscaped’ area are to be provided to separate the Mountainview and Ingledale housing from the new development. The new development will be undertaken by a private developer under contract with the Housing Executive. The scheme will deliver a mix of both social and private housing.
As part of the Agreement with the Council the NIHE provided the Council with an option to purchase (at a nominal sum) a laneway at the northern end of the proposed housing development. This lane currently provides the only pedestrian and vehicle access to the Council’s facility at Clarendon Playing Fields. This access is approached via Somerdale Park from the Crumlin Road. The same lane provides a pedestrian link between Crumlin Road and Forthriver Way in the NIHE’s Forthriver housing estate. The laneway has been linked to antisocial behaviour and attacks on property in the locality. The attached map (Appendix 2) shows the route of the laneway (hatched) and the Council’s lands at Clarendon Park Playing Fields and Forthriver Linear Park, shaded green.
Page 40
The 2001 Agreement with NIHE also stated that Council consent was required to any arrangements which affected the existing access to Clarendon Playing Fields.
The attached layout plan of the proposed housing development (Appendix 1) shows the proposed access route from Ballygomartin Road to Clarendon Playing Fields, through the proposed new housing development. The Housing Executive has confirmed that its preferred proposal is to keep open the existing laneway access to Clarendon Playing Fields from Crumlin Road until such times as the new access from Ballygomartin Road is completed. Thereafter vehicle and pedestrian access would normally be provided through the housing development from Ballygomartin Road. A secondary pedestrian access point along the route of the existing laneway (from Crumlin Road/ Somerdale Park to the Playing Fields) is however envisaged but this route would normally be sealed with two sets of high security gates. The gates would only be opened in the event of an emergency, to be agreed between the relevant agencies (probably NIHE, PSNI and BCC). Most of the existing laneway to/from Forthriver Way would be eradicated and incorporated as a landscape area visually dividing Clarendon Playing Fields from the housing development. The portion of laneway to the west of the new development towards Forthriver Way will remain in place and continue to provide access from the Forthriver Estate to Forthriver Linear Park.
The laneway may be a public right of way. The Housing Executive will seek to close the lane in accordance with provisions contained in the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983. The Executive has initiated a process to extinguish rights of way.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note the following:
- Clarendon Playing Fields is currently under a facilities management agreement; - The facility is used on a cross community basis and the Clarendon Development Association has expressed its desire to enhance cross community use; - The facility is currently accessed through a laneway from Crumlin Road/Somerdale Park. On the back of proposed new housing development (which will be in excess of 200 units) NIHE has proposed a new vehicle and pedestrian access to the facility, from Ballygomartin Road, through the new housing development at Forthriver. Most of the existing laneway, connecting the NIHE’s Forthriver estate to Crumlin Road will be converted to a landscaped area. The residual portion of lane will continue to provide access to Forthriver Linear Park from Forthriver Way; - The need for the closure of the laneway is premised on a Design out Crime report, which has not been seen by Council Officers; and discussions between Senior NIHE Officials and PSNI Officers over a Page 41
number of years; - There is a history of antisocial behaviour and attacks on people and property in the area; - It is the view of NIHE and PSNI that the additional housing might create further tension in the area and that this could be mitigated through the erection of a security gate; - Council Officers have met with NIHE Officials to express Officer concerns regarding the detrimental impact on the facility and the potential negative impact on shared space; - Council Officers discussed a number of alternative solutions and have been advised that all options had been considered and that the erection of the gate provided the most appropriate solution; - Members are asked to note that the Council does have an option to purchase laneway from NIHE at nominal cost; - It is clear that the NIHE wish this project to progress and it has been intimated that it will not proceed without the stopping-up of normal access along the laneway to Clarendon Playing Fields from Somerdale Park; - Reports from PSNI indicate there is a public safety issue and that the area, following the development of the new housing should be closed; - The Committee is asked to make a decision, in principle, whether to exercise the Council’s option to acquire the laneway.
Resource Implications
Financial The objective is to make any arrangement cost neutral and ensure that any construction works necessary to give effect to any new access arrangements are funded by NIHE and/or their selected developer.
Human Resources Not aware of any additional human resources being required.
Asset and Other Implications The retention of adequate and appropriate access to Clarendon Playing Fields is vital to the future value of the site as a Council facility. A decision ‘in principle’ by the Committee would be followed by further examination of all the various issues flowing from that decision and agreement sought with the Housing Executive to achieve the optimum result for the Council.
Recommendations
It is recommended that Committee:
1. note that the stopping-up of normal access and erection of security gates will have a detrimental impact on access to Clarendon Playing Fields; Page 42
2. note that the erection of a gate is potentially detrimental to maintenance of shared space; 3. note the NIHE position that the proposed housing development will not proceed without appropriate security measures; 4. agree that in the light of discussions between Officers from NIHE and City council the Council does not exercise its option to acquire the laneway from NIHE.
Key to Abbreviations
NIHE – Northern Ireland Housing Executive Clarendon Playing Fields – Clarendon Park Playing Fields
Documents Attached
Appendix 1 Plan showing proposed development scheme and proposed approach to Clarendon Playing Fields from Ballygomartin Road. Appendix 2 Map showing existing laneway from Crumlin Road/Somerdale Park to Clarendon Playing Fields and on to Forthriver Park.
Page 43 Page 44
BLANK PAGE SOMERDALE PARK
River C l a r e n d o n P a r k Appendix '2'
Forth River
INGLEDALE PK
32
32a 32
River
Forth River Forth Iss
ESS Page 45
Path
Post 68
Path 60
Foot Bridge
Scale 1:1250 ss
BLANK PAGE Page 46 Page Page 47 Agenda Item 12
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Access Lane at Cavehill Country Park
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Contact Officer: Ken Anderson, Estates Surveyor, Core Improvement Team
Relevant Background Information
The Committee is asked to note that Mr Paul Creagh and Mr Martin Creagh own houses at 694/696 Antrim Road which adjoin the exit laneway from Belfast Castle estate to the Antrim Road. The Council owns the laneway and Messrs Creagh have an unfettered right of way along the lane to provide access to the houses.
The houses were originally held by the former Belfast Corporation and were transferred to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on local government reorganisation in 1973. It has recently come to light that in 1992 the NIHE sold the houses to a private purchaser and mistakenly included a portion of the Council owned laneway in the disposal. A hedge and path have been installed on the land mistakenly disposed of by NIHE.
We have been approached by the current owners of the houses (Messrs Creagh) with a view to rectifying the position. The attached map shows a proposed compromise solution as follows: i) Area shaded pink to be transferred by the Council to Messrs Creagh. ii) Area shaded blue to be transferred to the Council from Messrs Creagh. iii) Messrs Creagh to carry out works at their own expense to provide agreed boundary structures along the new boundary line and to carry out other agreed works to ensure improvement to the access laneway.
Page 48
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note that: - An exchange of lands is being proposed in order to rectify title issues. - Construction works associated with the proposed exchange of lands to be carried out and funded by Messrs M and P Creagh.
Resource Implications
Financial Minor revenue costs associated with erection of new signage on laneway and relocation of one speed ramp.
Human Resources No additional human resources required.
Asset and Other Implications The proposed land exchange regularises the use of lands at this location and provides improved pedestrian visibility and safety where the laneway meets the Antrim Road. Improved boundary treatments will improve the visual amenity at this location.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee approves the proposed land exchange between Belfast City Council and Messrs M and P Creagh as set out in this report, subject to Messrs Creagh carrying out and funding associated works to be agreed by the Estates Manager and to be contained in a legal agreement to be prepared by the Director of Legal Services and also subject to the approval of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in accordance with Standing Order 60.
Key to Abbreviations
NIHE – Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Documents Attached
Appendix 1: Map showing (shaded pink) area of land to be transferred from Belfast City Council to Messrs Creagh and area to be transferred by Messrs Creagh to Belfast City Council (shaded blue). Land remaining in Council ownership is shaded green.
Page 49 Appendix '1'767a
A N T R I M 769c
BM 71.51 769a
70.9
696
694 (Private Nursing Home) 761 TCB
692
70.1
= Area being sold by BCC
= Area being acquired by BCC Scale 1:500 = Land Remaining in Council Ownership ss Page 50
BLANK PAGE Page 51 Agenda Item 13
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Proposed Piece of Sculpture for Blythefield Park
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Contact Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Relevant Background Information
The Committee is asked to note that a request has been received from the Arellian Nursery School located in the Donegall Road area. The school has requested Council approval to erect a piece of art work commissioned by the school. It is proposed that sculpture be erected near the entrance to the nursery, but on land which is owned by the Council, Blythefield Park.
Members will be aware that there has been an increase in the number of families from ethnic minorities living in the area. The school has seen an increase in the number of children from ethnic minority groups attending the school and wishes to embrace the new community.
With the support of a small grant from the Arts Council, the school has commissioned an artist to work with the children and their parents from the range of ethnic backgrounds to design and create a ‘totem pole’ to represent the cultural diversity of the area and of the school. As part of the process children and parents will learn about their different cultural backgrounds through creative workshops and music sessions.
The school has written to the Council seeking its support to finalise the project.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note the following points:
1. This a community led project which seeks to create a shared, welcoming space by embracing the emerging cultural diversity of the Donegall Road area of Belfast; Page 52
2. The School has requested that the Council: a. grant its consent to locate the ‘totem pole’, which will be approximately 2m high on council land; b. agree to meet the cost of erecting the ‘totem pole’; and c. agree to carry public liability insurance; 3. Members are asked to note that with all such projects there is a risk of vandalism.
Resource Implications
Financial There will be minor revenue implications but these are negligible and can be undertaken within existing resources.
Human Resources There are no significant HR implications.
Asset and Other Implications This small piece of art work will make a positive contribution to the creation of a more open space.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee: • grant approval for the ‘totem pole’ sculpture to be located in Blythfield Park; • agree to meet the costs of erecting this ‘totem pole’; • agree to carry the public liability insurance.
Key to Abbreviations
None.
Documents Attached
None.
Page 53 Agenda Item 14
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Land at Annadale Embankment
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager Ken Anderson, Estates Surveyor, Core Improvement Team
Relevant Background Information
The Carvill Group has recently received Planning Permission to develop 216 apartments on land which immediately adjoins Council owned land at Annadale Embankment. Although the land is currently used as open space the Council’s title at Annadale Embankment would permit future realisation of any development value on the site. An exercise is currently being carried out in relation to the potential value of the Council’s lands as part of the Council’s Asset Strategy and potential future asset realisation. For illustration purposes the attached map (Appendix 1) shows the location of the developer’s apartment blocks (outlined blue) and Council owned land (outlined red).
There are a number of issues for the Council to consider:
i) The Council may wish to protect its interest with regard to any encroachments on to Council lands by the apartment development and/or extract value from the developer in respect of these; ii) The Council may wish to protect its future interest in relation to the creation of rights over the Council’s lands and/or extract value from the developer in respect of these (for example rights of way, wayleaves and rights to light). iii) Subject to satisfactory outcomes regarding points i) and ii) the Council may wish to enter into arrangements with the Carvill Group to allow them temporary use of part of the Council’s land in connection with the construction of the proposed apartment development. It is essential that consideration of this matter follows rather than precedes i) and ii).
Page 54
Any costs and benefits which may arise from the above may have to be balanced against other desired outcomes and a view taken as to whether or not the Council’s prima facia statutory obligation to extract the best value in any land dealings should be set aside in this case (subject to approval from the Department of the Environment, Local Government Policy Division). The outcome of this debate may influence other dealings the Council may have in other similar situations affecting other Council sites.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note that: - There is a Private Developer constructing 5 storey apartment blocks immediately beside Council owned lands at Annadale Embankment; The development proposal raises a number of ‘lands issues’ which require further investigation and potential discussion/negotiation with developer.
Resource Implications
Financial Not known at this stage.
Human Resources No additional human resources required at this time.
Asset and Other Implications The proposed development by the Carvill Group has important implications for the ability of the Council to self-determine the most appropriate future use for the Council owned land at this location. The outcome may influence the approach other similar situations affecting other Council owned lands.
Recommendations
The Committee is recommended to authorise officers to enter into discussions with the Carvill Group with a view to protecting the Council’s current and future interests in the short and long term with further reports to be submitted to Committee on the outcome of those discussions.
Key to Abbreviations
None.
Documents Attached Appendix 1: Map showing approximate position of developer’s 5 storey apartment blocks (outlined blue) and Council owned land (outlined red).
ANN
34 2 2
AD 36 Page 55 11 AL 2-4
E
19 34 Appendix '1' 30 TERR ANNADALE GARDENS
3 28 1 24
38 Posts ACE
1 16 3
P 8 21 38 40 A N N A 48 10
40 ESS
46 29 6 17
42 4
44
2 13
ANNADALE GREEN11 9
46 6 P D A Posts
4 5 48 2 7
50 L E
3 1
49
50
51 ANNADALE DRIVE C R
E S
3.7 56 C E N T
A N N A D A L E 54
62
72
E M B A N K M E N T
80
82a82
ESS 4 2 88
94a 94
54a
56a 62a
ANNADALE CRESCENT
The Methodist College Rowing Club
4.3 49
Lagan Scullers Club
Boat Yard 37 Bollards
37 Landing Stage 4.3 Scale 1:1250 24 ss Page 56
BLANK PAGE Page 57 Agenda Item 15
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Request from Crusaders FC and Newington FC to present concept plans for New Stadium and Sports Complex on Grove Playing Fields
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Relevant Background Information
The Committee is asked to note that Officers have received a request from Crusaders FC seeking the agreement of the Parks and Leisure Committee to receive a presentation outlining proposed concept plans for the development of a new stadium/sports complex on the existing Grove Site. The proposal comes from a partnership between Crusaders FC and Newington FC. A copy of the request together with an outline proposal is attached as Appendix 1 for your information.
The Clubs wish to make their proposals known to the Committee and have asked for the opportunity to present their proposal to the June meeting.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note that:
1. There have been several exploratory meetings with representatives from both clubs at officer level; 2. The existing land/facility at Grove is not considered by officers to be surplus to operational requirements; 3. The facility at Grove is well used by local clubs and leagues on a cross community basis.
Page 58
Resource Implications
Financial There are no financial implications at this time.
Human Resources There are no human resource implications at this time.
Asset and Other Implications There are no asset implications at this time.
Recommendations
The Committee is asked to accede to the request to receive a presentation from representatives of Crusaders FC and Newington FC at a future meeting of the Committee.
Documents Attached
Appendix 1 – correspondence from Crusaders FC and Newington FC re development proposals for Grove Playing Fields.
Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78
BLANK PAGE Page 79 Agenda Item 16
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Wandsworth Road Open Space
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Contact Officer: Ken Anderson, Estates Surveyor, Core Improvement Team
Relevant Background Information
In mid-March 2008 the Council became aware that a contractor working for Northern Ireland Electricity plc had occupied an area of Wandsworth Road Open Space without Council consent. The works involved the installation of foundations and the installation of a temporary transformer, plus associated working areas, on Council owned land.
Following discussions with NIE, Council Officers agreed not to delay the works and to request retrospective Committee approval of agreed terms at the earliest opportunity. The terms of the agreement with NIE are provided below.
i) The area occupied by NIE is approximately 40 square metres and is outlined with a heavy black line on the attached map (Appendix 1). ii) NIE agree that they will provide insurance cover and satisfactory reinstatement, including replacement trees, if required. iii) NIE will pay the Council a Licence Fee of £100 per month for the duration of the occupation (estimated to be approximately 12 weeks). iv) The agreed terms to be set out in a Licence Agreement to be drawn up by the Director of Legal Services. v) NIE to make a contribution to Belfast in Bloom.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note the following key points: - The unauthorised occupation and use of Council land by NIE contractor; - Council officers have met with NIE and emphasised the need for NIE to agree to specific terms prior to permitting works to continue; - Council Officers have now agreed key terms of the agreement with NIE as set out above. Page 80
Resource Implications
Financial Income of £100 per month fro period of approximately 3 months.
Human Resources No additional human resources required.
Asset and Other Implications It is possible that the work will cause longer term damage to mature trees in the location; however this will be offset through replacement trees by NIE as required.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee approve the terms agreed with Northern Ireland Electricity plc, as set out above, and to the incorporation of these in a Licence Agreement to be drawn up by the Director of Legal Services.
Key to Abbreviations
NIE – Northern Ireland Electricity plc.
Documents Attached
Appendix 1: Map showing (outlined with a heavy black line) the portion of Wandsworth Road Open Space temporarily occupied by NIE plc. Extent of Council owned land shown shaded grey.
Page 81 Appendix '1'
2
10
22 2 KNOCKLOFTY PARK
26.5
1a
1 rp
1 1a
ESS
39 26.2 24
27.1 51 rp
78 WANDSWORTH PLACE Scale 1:500 ss rp Page 82
BLANK PAGE Page 83 Agenda Item 17
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Provision of Play Area and Associated Facilities within McCrory Park Playing Fields
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Relevant Background Information
The Committee is reminded that the provision of a multi user games and play facility within McCrory Park has been ongoing for the past years. It is nearing completion and the community wish to officially open the facility on 31 May 2008. The project has been initiated and driven by the local residents association with funding from Belfast Regeneration Office and technical support from Officers from Belfast City Council. Council has also agreed to maintain and manage the facility which will be sub-leased from the Residents Association for a 25 year period in line with the funding conditions.
The Committee will recall that at its meeting on 14 February 2008 Members acceded to the request to accept the transfer of an additional piece of land within McCrory Park to facilitate landscaping and run off area as part of the development of the multi user games and play area.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note that there are two issues for consideration.
Variation in Contract Cost The report in February 2008 made reference to the need for additional funding to undertake the additional works and did state that this would be met by Belfast Regeneration Office. The report did not however quantify the amount.
The additional works will be incorporated into the existing contract as a variation, consequently the contract sum will increase from £293,000 to £380,029.60, an additional £87,029.60 which is fully funded by BRO.
Page 84
Members will be aware that financial regulations require that any variation of this scale in the approved capital budget to be referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for consideration. Accordingly a report will be presented to the May meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for notation.
Naming of the facility The Committee is reminded that the facility has been constructed on land previously owned by O’Donnell’s GAC. The club has agreed to transfer the ownership to the Residents Association. The Association will retain ownership and will be liable for recoupment in respect of the capital funding in the event of default.
The Association wishes to give the facility a local identity distinct from the GAC. The Association in consultation with the wider residents wish to advise the Council that the Park will be named in memory of the local founder of the Residents Association, Mr. Pat O’Hare, who died around 2 years ago and who had worked on behalf of the community to develop the project. The residents also wish the name to be in Irish but will consider dual language i.e. English.
Members are asked to note that this is new facility and one on which Council has limited liability and does not have full ownership.
Resource Implications
Financial implications This project has been externally funded.
Human Resource Implications There are no additional human resource implications.
Asset and other implications This report itself has no further implications.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee note:
1. The variation in the contract sum; and 2. The proposed naming of the facility.
Documents Attached
Appendix 1 1. Extract from minutes of Parks and Leisure Committee 14 February 2008. 2. Extract from minutes of Community and Recreation (Parks and Cemeteries Services) Sub-Committee 6 February 2007.
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Appendix 1
Extract from minutes of Parks and Leisure Committee, Thursday, 14th February, 2008
McCrory Park
The Committee considered the undernoted report:
“Relevant Background Information
The Committee may recall that the development of a playground facility at McCrory Park has been ongoing from April 2000 when the former Parks and Amenities Sub Committee agreed to acquire the land from the O’Donnell’s GAC at no cost to the Council. The funding for the project has come from three sources, Belfast Regeneration Office; Creating Common Ground consortium and Lloyds TSB. This has been a protracted project with delays in acquiring title and funding.
The Council has agreed to manage and maintain the facility once completed.
The project is nearing completion, March 2008. However, a request has now been received from the Community in relation to the landscaping of a piece of land adjacent to the facility and indicated on the drawing at Appendix A. The piece of land was not included in the original lease from the O’Donnell’s GAC; however discussions with the Club and local residents have indicated that both were under the impression that the land had been included.
The work was not included in the original tender; however discussions with the contractor have indicated that the work can be undertaken. The Belfast Regeneration Office has also advised the Council that it would be willing to meet the additional cost of the work providing the council is willing to revise its lease with O’Donnell’s.
Key Issues
Key Issues for consideration
The Committee is asked to note the following points
1. The Committee is being asked to agree to extend the current lease from O’Donnell’s GAC to incorporate the additional area of land;
2. The BRO is willing to fund the additional work providing it is undertaken prior to end of March 2008;
3. Formal confirmation has been sought from O’Donnell’s GAC in relation to the transfer of the land;
4. It is anticipated that the lease will be in line with the existing agreement and will be at nil cost to the Council;
5. The work will enhance the environmental and aesthetic appearance of the area
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Resource Implications
Financial
The acquisition of the land will have revenue implications in terms of ongoing maintenance.
Human Resources
There are no significant human resource implications.
Asset and Other Implications
The additional work will enhance the appearance and attractiveness of the area.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee agree in principle to accept the acquisition of the additional land at nil cost to the Council subject to the entering into an appropriate legal agreement between the Council and O’Donnell’s GAC. It is further recommended that the Committee agree to accept the management and maintenance of the area and carry appropriate public liability insurance in respect of the facility.”
The Committee adopted the recommendation, subject to notification, in accordance with Standing Order 60, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.
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Extract from minutes of Community and Recreation (Parks and Cemeteries Services) Sub-Committee, Tuesday, 6th February, 2007
Development of Play Facilities at McCrory Park
The Sub-Committee was reminded that the former Client Services Committee, at its meeting on 19th April, 2005, had approved a tender for the construction of play facilities at McCrory Park.
The Director reported that, due to a problem associated with securing a sub-lease for the land in which the playground was to be constructed, it had not been possible to secure possession of the site for the successful contractor, Whitemountain (Civils) Limited, and the contract could not be signed. He pointed out that the sub-lease was near completion and it had been necessary for the project to be re-tendered with the tender documentation due to be received on 9th February, 2007.
The Director pointed out that this delay had meant that, if the necessary Council approvals were to be pursued for the project, there was a likelihood that the timeframe associated with the Belfast Regeneration Office’s release of grant monies could expire.
He recommended therefore that the Sub-Committee agree to delegate authority to the Chief Executive and the Director of Community and Recreation, in consultation with the Chairman of the Community and Recreation Committee, to accept tenders within the approved overall budget of £389,500.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
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BLANK PAGE Page 89 Agenda Item 18
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Springhill Park
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Relevant Background Information
The purpose of this report is:
1. to inform the Committee of ongoing discussions and emerging proposals regarding Springhill Park; and 2. to seek Committee authority to progress the discussions and actions where appropriate.
Springhill Park is located in West Belfast, adjacent to Upper Springfield Road and forms part of the Upper Springfield Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The land was previously owned by the NIHE and was transferred to the Council in 1996. A location map is attached as Appendix. The park is, like many other of our open spaces, located in an area with high levels of socio-economic deprivation and which experiences high and persistent levels of anti social behaviour.
The Committee may be aware of the formation of the Upper Springfield Safer Neighbourhood Forum in 2007 as a consequence of the Ballymurphy Feud, following intervention by the then Minister for Social Development. As a result of the establishment of the Forum Officers from Parks and Cemeteries have met with representatives of the local community living adjacent to Springhill Park.
There is a strong desire within the Community to establish a high quality facility which is safe to use and which will encourage greater use by all of the community. To this end there are three elements of the park being progressed:
1. The top end of the Park, known as The Funnel is adjacent to Upper Springfield Road end of the park. There are ongoing attacks on police and the emergency services, during the past 2 years there have been 140 recorded incidents on police and fire crews and over 40 recorded Page 90
incidents of attacks on Owenvale Resident Homes adjacent to the site. Through the Arterial Routes programme and Re-imaging Communities it is intended, with the support and cooperation of the local community, to erect security fencing to prevent attacks and it is proposed to re- landscape the small green area at the top of the park and incorporate some pieces of art work; 2. The main element of the park is the middle section which has an existing kickabout area and playground. The community is working with Groundwork NI to prepare a scheme designs to refurbish the park through the provision of replacement recreational and play facilities; discussions are ongoing, Parks staff have engaged in discussions and future proposals will be subject to Committee consideration and approval as appropriate, and will be subject to the Gateway Process, in respect of capital works; The bottom of the park is narrow strip of open space and provides access to and from Divismore Park; our understanding is that it does not constitute a public right of way. Local residents from Springhill Avenue have identified this area as an anti social behaviour hot spot. Local youth gather nightly and engage in a variety of anti social activities. Owing to the many exit and entrance points it is difficult for PSNI and agencies to tackle the problem. Local residents have asked that the area be closed off and Council has received a petition from residents in this regard. Residents have further requested that, should the Council accede to the request to close the access at the bottom of the park, the land be transferred to residents to ensure that it is not used for gathering and as a deterrent to simply creating unauthorised access.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note that:
1. Work in respect of the Funnel end will continue through the arterial routes programme and re-imaging communities; Parks Officers will be engaged in these discussions; 2. Discussions will continue in relation to the refurbishment of the recreational and play elements in the park; 3. Officers are aware of the antisocial behaviour problem in the park and of the particular problems at the bottom of the park; 4. Officers are of the view that securing the bottom of the park would not resolve the problem as those engaged in such activities would create alternative entrances; 5. in an area where open space is limited Officers would not wish to see the park reduced, however, the land in question at the bottom of the Park provides little more than a pathway and would have little functional potential outside of the pathway; 6. The extent of the potential transfer remains subject to further discussion, Officers would wish to minimise the disposal; it will also be influenced by proposals for the middle park; 7. NIHE Officials have indicated that the Housing Executive would be open to accepting the transfer of land from the Council to facilitate a transfer to residents;
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Resource Implications
Financial There are no financial considerations at this time.
Human Resources There is the ongoing involvement of Council Officers in meeting with local representatives.
Asset and Other Implications The transfer of land to NIHE will reduce the overall land holding of the Council however the transfer and subsequent closer of the area in question will, support more effective management of the site and will alleviate safety concerns of residents.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee:
1. Note the ongoing discussions in relation to the Springhill Park; and 2. Agree in principle to the transfer of land and grant authority to Officers to further explore the removal of access at the bottom of the park and explore the potential transfer of land at the bottom of Springhill Park to NIHE subject to final Committee approval at a later date
Key to Abbreviations
NIHE Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Documents Attached
Appendix 1 Location map
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BLANK PAGE APPENDIX 1 Page 93 Page 94
BLANK PAGE APPENDIX 2
Springhill Park socio-economic and demographic data
Upper Whiterock S'field Upper S'field Springhill Belfast Whiterock Ward Ward NRA Catchment 2001 Census Data Population 5424 5895 11802 3254 277391 Aged under 16 yr old (%) 31.7 32.1 32 – 21.7 Aged over 60 yr old (%) 13.4 13 12.4 9.5 19.7 Population Density (persons/acre) 172.1 58.2 – – 59.7 Page 95 Unemployed (%) 10.4 10 10 11.4 5.4 Long term unemployed (%) 41.6 41.5 41.8 – 42.6 Persons with limiting long-term illness (%) 32.3 27.9 29.5 30.8 24.2 2005 Multiple Deprivation Measure Rank - out of 582 NI wards 3 8 – – – Crime (2005/06) 693 524 – – 33416 Life expectancy (2002/04) Males <70 70<75.8 – – 75.8 Females <75 75<80.6 – – 80.6 BMAP Open Space Assessment against NPFA standards Outdoor sport deficit (acres) 2.9 17.4 – – – Casual play areas & equipped playgrounds (acres) 6.5 10 – – – Total deficit (acres) 9.4 27.4 – – –
Page 96 Agenda Item 19
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Watch This Space Project (Ulster Wildlife Trust)
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure
Contact Officer: Robert Scott, Conservation and Promotion Manager Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Relevant Background Information
The Committee is reminded that the former Parks and Cemeteries Sub- Committee agreed in December 2006 to fund a pilot partnership project with the Ulster Wildlife Trust for one year. The purpose of the partnership to encourage greater use of and involvement in local parks by children and to develop their understanding of parks and the importance of the natural and environment to their lives.
The project commenced in May 2007 and will complete in June of 2008. It was targeted at Woodvale Park and Falls Park. Both of these Parks are located in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas and experience high level of deprivation. The parks are not traditionally associated with targeted educational programmes around creating awareness and appreciation of the natural environment and its impact on quality of life.
The purpose of this report is to review progress and to seek approval from Committee to continue it and consider options to extend.
Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note the following points. • Appendix 1 sets out the detail of the pilot and provides an analysis of the work to date. • Through the pilot we have sought to target two parks which may not traditionally associated with sustained environmental educational programmes in parks. Both Parks are in areas of high deprivation and suffer high levels of antisocial behaviour and there are issues around health and well being. • Through the pilot we aim to target young children of primary school age Page 97
and develop a sense of ownership of the park with will increase their understanding, appreciation and ownership of these important public assets. We hope that through the pilot we can make a positive contribution to encouraging a healthier lifestyle as the children grow and develop and that in the years ahead the parks will be more respected and antisocial behaviour reduce.
We believe that: • the achievements to date can be consolidated; • we can facilitate the continuation of the scheme within the context of an exit strategy for two sites, through encouraging and supporting teachers through training and worksheets to incorporate the role; • this would enable staff from the Trust to target other locations in North and West Belfast including Suffolk, Half Moon lake, Forth River Park, Ligoniel and Glenbank; • through the pilot we can develop a comprehensive and park-related teachers’ pack of information sheets and worksheets for use by all schools and groups in parks throughout Belfast; • Emerging research indicates that children who visit local parks when young continue to do so into adulthood; • Parks do provide recreational opportunities for people; the access to such opportunities has an important contribution to make to improving health and well being; • a number of After-School Clubs could be initiated to enable children to be involved with their local park outside of the school visit environment. This could also involve parents and family members, similar to the work already done in the Saturday clubs; • we could, in the medium term, work with an older age group through links with local youth clubs, and other groups for teenagers, with appropriate activities planned and carried out in parks; • further events could be organised within a range of parks in North and West Belfast; • a two year extension of the project would mean that a considerable number of children, young people and adults would be engaged in positive activities within parks during that time; • training for parks staff could be included as development to support educational work in the future • by extending the educational project into the East of the City additional work can be done within parks using lessons learned from the first year pilot, resulting in greater numbers of children and adults engaged in environmental activities within parks and learning to appreciate better the value of open space.
Resource Implications
Financial The cost of continuing the project will be met from existing revenue budgets. The Council’s potential financial contribution is set out below:
Option 1: To continue for a further period along similar lines as the pilot, either Page 98
with the existing two part-time staff or with one full time staff member. The cost for this would be £43,454 per year.
Option 2: To extend the project into other areas of the City. To do this with the same number of staff could have a detrimental effect on the project in the North and West. To cover a further two parks in the East would cost around £84,676 per year.
Option 3: Extend the project into one area in the East of the City using 1 full time member of staff and one part time member of staff. This would cost around £61,563 per year. This would allow further work in the existing areas to be combined with similar work in a new area in the East.
Human Resources The pilot would be managed internally by the Conservation and Promotion Manager.
Asset and Other Implications The programme will significantly enhance the profile of the parks and will enhance the local value of the assets. It will support the physical elements of parks management in both sites.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee:
1. Note the report; 2. Agree to continue the pilot; 3. Agree to extend the scheme for a two year period; subject to further annual review (June 2009) 4. Agree to include a third site in East according to option 3 outlined above.
Key to Abbreviations
UWT – Ulster Wildlife Trust
Documents Attached
Appendix 1 Overview of pilot and progress to date.
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Appendix 1
Watch This Space Pilot
There are three main elements of the Watch This Space pilot scheme.
1. Schools Engagement programme 2. Saturday clubs for children and parents 3. Summer schemes and events in Woodvale and Falls Parks
The principle behind this is that the various activities support one another, and participating children will get to know the parks better and develop a relationship with them and the staff involved. For example, by the end of this pilot year, all P5 children in schools adjacent to Woodvale and Falls Park will have visited several times, taken part in environmental education trails, carried out tree and bulb planting, will have learned to identify some of the plants and be more aware of the value of their local park. Many will have had opportunity to return with family members to one of the Saturday club meetings, thus spreading the ‘good news’ about parks.
Summary of each element
Schools engagement Up to the end of March 25 school visits have been organised (a total of 495 children and 72 adults) involving four schools from each park area. Evaluation has been carried out to assess knowledge levels before and after visits and comments from pupils and teachers alike reveal the value of the project:
• “Gives children a sense of nature on their doorstep. Very important for children from an urban area” Edenbrook Primary • “The children learnt to respect the environment and use the facilities in a positive way” St Adian’s Primary • “Many of the children use the park to play but because of their involvement in planting etc I feel that they have gained a stronger sense of ownership” Glenn wood Primary • “It is a super opportunity to get the pupils out into their local environment and learn in a “hands on” way. Forth River Primary
Saturday Clubs Up to the end of March 24 Saturday club sessions have been held, involving 137 children and 62 adults. They have been held on alternate Saturdays using Falls and Woodvale Park bowling pavilions, and have involved local children and parents in environmental activities in the parks. Numbers at some sessions were low, although this allowed staff from the Ulster Wildlife Trust to relate closer to the children. Some parents commented that the activities ‘brought their children out of themselves’. If the project were to continue for another year it would be worth considering After-School Clubs as an alternative to Saturday clubs, which might encourage greater attendances. Page 101
Summer Schemes and Events Organisers of summer schemes in the areas around Falls and Woodvale were approached with the offer of guided trails and Watch This Space activities to children enrolled in the summer schemes. However, this came too late for most of the summer scheme organisers, as they plan their programmes quite early in the year.
Instead, efforts were concentrated on providing additional events within the two parks. A total of 12 public events have been completed to date, which have attracted 543 children and 400 adults. Some of these events were organised by the Watch This Space programme as stand alone events, others were held in conjunction with existing events, for example those run by the friends groups or local communities. This working partnership, facilitated by the parks’ Outreach officers, has proved a successful way of attracting numbers to events.
Positives from the project have included: • The schools engagement programme has attracted good numbers and very favourable comments from participating schools - We have estimated that up to the end of March over 1700 people, both children and adults, have been engaged in various activities in either Falls or Woodvale Park through this project. This figure will rise to an estimated 2040 by the end of the pilot in June. • participating children are much more knowledgeable about Falls and Woodvale Parks • Links to other events organised in the Parks has provided opportunity for positive publicity for the programme; the programme has added value to the events; • Saturday clubs have worked well for those attending and nurtured improved relationships between staff and local families; • The project has contributed to an enhanced sense of ownership of both parks by local children and families. • Publicity about the scheme has been good at local media level.
Learning from the project
• We can create greater synergies by linking pilot events with other events organised by local groups and this has proved successful. • It is unclear whether the pilot is sufficiently well established to sustain a Saturday club. There is no doubting the benefits that have accrued to those attending however we are of the view that an after school clubs might be a more productive alternative; • The Trust had to appoint additional staff for the pilot. Members will be aware of the need for child protection checks to be carried out. This caused initial delays in getting the pilot up and running. The staff recruited will continue in post up towards the end of the summer and could be retained should the Council agree to continue with funding. Members will also be aware of the issues around retaining short term contracted staff and for that reason we would proposed a 24 month extension of the pilot. Page 102 Agenda Item 20
Belfast City Council
Report to: Parks and Leisure Committee
Subject: Belfast Zoo – recent awards
Date: 15 May 2008
Reporting Officer: Stephen Walker, Principal Parks and Cemeteries Development Manager
Contact Officer: Joy Bond, Business Development Officer, Zoo
Relevant Background Information
The Committee will be aware that 2007 was a highly successful year for the Zoo in terms of visitor numbers and income generation. The Committee will further recall that this success has received strong and sustained recognition in 2007 through independent and competitive award processes resulting in three prestigious tourism industry awards (Visitor Attraction of the Year, Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2007; Best NI Visitor Attraction 2007, NI Travel and Tourism Awards; Visitor Attraction of the Year, Go Belfast, Gong Awards 2007).
Members will be aware that sustaining this level of achievement is a challenge; however already in 2008 the Zoo continues to attract external recognition.
Awards received: • Commended in the Marketing in Excellence category for the Belfast Telegraph awards on 10 April 2008.
Shortlisted for: • The All Ireland Marketing awards from the Irish Marketing Institute for the best public relations campaign. This is for our Lily the Lion campaign and the associated business benefits resulting from this communication. • The Marketing Excellence category at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Awards. We were shortlisted for our new brand and for best practice marketing. The award ceremony will be held on 28 May 2008 in the Culloden. • Visitor Attraction of the year for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Awards 2008. As above
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Key Issues
The Committee is asked to note the continued recognition of the Zoo. This is obviously a great achievement by Council.
Resource Implications
Financial There is no financial implication.
Human Resources The recognition demonstrates the high levels of commitment from staff.
Asset and Other Implications These achievements highlight the contribution of the Zoo to the Council; and provides a positive image of the City and of the Council as the sole supporter of the Zoo.
Recommendations
The Committee is asked to note the report.
Key to Abbreviations
None.
Documents Attached
None.