+ EDI N BVRG H+ THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto: The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links The City of Edinburgh Council 20 August 2009 Purpose of Report 1 To refer to the Council a report by the Director of Services for Communities on the Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links. Main Report 2 On 4 August 2009, the Policy and Strategy Committee considered the attached report by the Director of Services for Communities setting out the finalised Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links. 3 The Manifesto established a set of requirements unique to the area and which was intended to provide a framework for achieving a balanced and sustainable events programme on the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, whilst ensuring the quality of the land was maintained to the highest standard possible. Councillor Rose was heard as a local ward member Deputation 4 The Committee heard a deputation from Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links who spoke on behalf of a range of users of the area. The deputation were of the view that the proposed Manifesto did not respond to the long term basic concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Meadows and urged the Committee: (a) in relation to the Manifesto’s eight key principles for determining the granting and management of events: e to amend Principle 1 to set the maximum limit for events at 2 weeks 0 to reconsider Principle 2 relating to rest periods between events 0 to set a limit on the number of permitted events per year; (b) to give further consideration to the representations made by consultees; and (c) to ensure that the Manifesto conformed to the principles and aims of the Council’s Parks and Gardens Strategy on sustainable green space stewardship. Decision 5 The Policy and Strategy Committee agreed to refer the report to the Council for consideration. Recommendation 6 That the Council considers the attached report by the Director of Services for Communities on the Parks Events Manifesto for The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links. Appendix Report no PS/22/09-1O/SfC by the Director of Services for Communities Contactltel Rhona Sinclair Si! 529 4238; €3 rhona.sinclair(@edinburgh.qov.uk Wards affected City wide; and 10 - MeadowdMorningside and 15 Southside/ Newington Background Minute of the Policy and Strategy Committee 4 August 2009 Papers Item no €D IN BVRGH Report no THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL Ps 122 109 - 10[ S$C Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto: The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links Policy and Strategy Committee 4 August 2009 Purpose of report This report details the finalised Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links; and which will form the basis of the city-wide Parks Events manifesto to be presented to the Committee by October 2009. Main report The report titled ’Revised Arrangements for Events Management’ that was agreed at the 12 May 2009 meeting of the Policy & Strategy Committee, sought ‘to re-confirm the Council’s aspirations for Edinburgh not only to sustain its position as a leading events and festivals city but also to enhance that status.’ Events put the city onto the national and international stage and present it as an attractive place to live, to visit, to study in and to invest in. The events and festivals market has suffered less than other sectors of the economy in the current recession and can be a powerful draw in attracting visitors to Edinburgh, especially given present currency exchange rates. Most events require to be sited on the city’s streets and/or its parks and greenspaces. The parks and greenspaces which are currently in the greatest demand for events are strategic sites such as Princes Street Gardens, the Meadows, Calton Hill and Holyrood Park. Council officers are actively marketing the varied range of event venues within Edinburgh. Negotiations with event organisers have resulted in three events originally scheduled to take place in the Meadows in 2009 being relocated to alternative venues. Agreement was reached to site the Moonwalk and the Taste of Edinburgh events in lnverleith Park and to move the start and finish of the Great Edinburah Run to Georae IV Bridae. 1 2.3 This report seeks to establish a set of requirements that provide a framework on which a balanced and sustainable events programme can be achieved on the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, whilst ensuring the quality of the land is maintained to the highest standard possible. 2.4 The finalised Meadows and Bruntsfield Links Manifesto is outlined in Appendix 1. The principles and measures detailed in the Manifesto have been determined following consultation with stakeholders - including community representative organisations, user groups and event organisers. Consultation comments are detailed in Appendix 2. The Manifesto also recognises the Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy adopted by The City of Edinburgh Council on 23 March 2006. This designated the Meadows as a “Premier Park and as such recognises the strategic position that the Meadows holds to host city events 2.5 The Manifesto uses eight key principles; the first five determine whether an event will be given permission for siting on the Meadows, and the following three are aimed at the successful management of an agreed event: Determining Principles: 0 Control the total number of days of occupation for an event on any site Schedule turf rest periods between events 0 Control the total number of ’Major Events’ per year 0 Define the capacity of each event site and suggest appropriate types of uses for each venue 0 Set an appropriate limit for private events. Managing Principles: Control vehicle use and access 0 Impose appropriate conditions on event activities and placement of infrastructure to be monitored and assessed Require contingency plans to be put in place and form part of event lease agreements. 2.6 Once established across all the city’s parks and greenspaces, these eight principles will help the Council decide the most suitable park locations for events and how they should be managed in order to minimise damage to the fabric of any park hosting an event. It will encourage event organisers to consider a far wider choice of parks and greenspaces than occurs at present; give scope for new venues to host high quality events; ensure that events are spread more equitably across the city’s network of parks and greenspaces; and seek to limit the potential conflicts with other park users (e.g. sporting or recreational). 3 Financial Implications 3.1 It is acknowledged that continued regular use of the Meadows for major events has an impact on the park surface, sub-structure and infrastructure. The proposals contained in this report carry no direct financial implications. 2 However, a further report will be presented regarding potential investment in improved surfacing and infrastructure. This is currently under investigation. 3.2 Some of this investment may be recouped by increasing the level of charges to event organisers to a level that better reflects the quality of facility available. A new corporate charging regime will be the subject of a future report. 4 Environmental Impact 4.1 The introduction of an Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto will have a positive effect on the city’s environment, by introducing a sustainable approach to planning events in Edinburgh’s parks and greenspaces. Specifically, the introduction of a Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links will help safeguard this special place for current users and future generations. 5 Recommendations 5.1 It is recommended that the Committee: a) Approves the finalised Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links; b) Notes that this will form part of the city-wide Parks Events Manifesto to be presented to the Committee by October 2009: c) Notes a future report will be presented on improving the surfacing and infrastructure of the Meadows. Mark Turley Director of Services for Communities Appendices 1.Finalised Parks Events Manifesto - The Meadows & Bruntsfield Links 2.Detail of consultation comments ContactltellEmail David Jamieson, Parks & Greenspace Manager, tel529 7055 [email protected] Wards affected City Wide Single Outcome Supports National Outcomes 1 “We live in a Scotland that is the most Agreement attractive place for doing business in Europe”; 10 “We live in well- designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need; and 12 “We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations”. Background Minute of the Policy & Strategy Committee meeting of 12 May 2009 Papers Report entitled Revised Arrangements for Events Management to the 12 May 2009 meeting of the Policy & Strategy Committee 3 Background The Meadows, with an area of 24.5 hectares, and Bruntsfield Links, 15.1 hectar one large green space with two contrasting parks, which for the purpos a is grass, with the other 10% wooded along Melville Drive, Whitehous The City of Edinburgh Council’s Services for Communities Department Parks and Gardens Strategy. The park provides an essential greenspace in the heart of the ci If to a great range of sports and leisure activities. The lay e lined paths for residents of the south side of the city. The de of activities, including sport, play, leisure activities, and other ev Predominantly amenity rye g of the Meadows, the site benefits from trees such as Elm, Sycamore, Lime, Hornbeam, Cherry, Ash, N and Willow; annual bedding on the perimeter of the site; areas of naturalised crocus and daffodils; a mix t pavilion, and a holly hedge in front of the University residen The principal recreational uses are walkin sports - cricket, short hole golf, croquet, bowls, tennis, children’s football; all, frisbee; children’s play; and organised events - communi The Meadows and Bruntsfield ory and heritage.