The Executive Board considered the attached report.

                RECOMMENDED: That

(1)       Progress made with Playbuilder Project 2008/2009 be noted; and

(2)       approve the proposals for 2009/2010 Playbuilder projects.

            The Executive Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Children and Young People which provided an update on progress with Play Builder Year 1 2008-2009 and sought agreement for proposals for Years 2 2009-2010 and outlined proposals for Year 3 2010-2011.

The report submitted to Executive Board on the 21^st May 2008 informed Members of the success of the Authority in achieving Play Builder Status and confirmed the funding that had been awarded. It was reported that guidance received indicated that Halton must deliver a minimum of six new transformed playgrounds in 2008/09, with a further 16 in 2009/10 and 2010/11 which would make a total of 22 over the three years.

            The Council was advised that the Executive Board received a further report on 25^th September 2008 whereupon the Play Builder Project development process was approved along with the six Year 1 sites which was outlined in the report for Members’ consideration.

            Reference was made to the results of the Green Flag Awards, and it was noted that in the North West had performed well.  Twelve green flags had been awarded which was an increase of two from last year being Clincton Woods and Hale Park. It was also noted that there were only 13 authorities in England and Wales who actually obtained 10 Green Flags.

Reasons for Decision

To agree 8 projects to be progressed in Playbuilder Project Year 2.

Alternative Options considered and Rejected

A full consultation programme had taken place where all options were considered.

IMPLEMENTATIION DATE

Three – Year 3 Capital Programme with annual capital allowance. Implementation of year 2 projects to be completed by 31^st March 2010.

RESOLVED: That

            (1) Progress made with Playbuilder Project 2008/2009 be noted; and

            (2) the proposals for 2009/2010 Playbuilder Projects be approved.

            The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Young People which updated Members on progress with Playbuilder Year 1 2008-2009 and to agree proposals for Years 2 2009-2010 and outlined proposals for Year 3 2010-2011.

            Members were advised that the Executive Board had received a report on the 21^st May 2008 informing them of the success of the Authority in achieving Playbuilder status and confirmation of the funding awarded.

            Members noted that the guidance received indicated that Halton must deliver a minimum of 6 new, transformed playgrounds in 2008/09, with a further 16 in 2009/10 and 2010/11, making a total of 22 over the 3 years.

Members were advised that a further report had been submitted on the 25^th September 2008 whereupon the Playbuilder Project development process was approved, along with the six Year 1 sites and progress to date was outlined within the report.

It was noted that the Spike Island Project had to be deferred to 2009/10, as it proved impossible to complete within the required timeframe.

            It was further noted that Playbuilder investment in Playgrounds in Halton in 2008/2009 was £299,092. The total investment from all sources generated or pump primed by the Playbuilder input was however, nearer to £1m.

            Members were advised that the allocation 2009/10 was £388,469. The proposal was to allocate this money equally across the eight new target areas, resulting in funding of approximately £48,559 per area.

            Members were further advised that the proposals for Year 2 had been considered by both Halton Play Partnership and the Playbuilder Sub-Committee. The proposals for Year 2 included Spike Island, Victoria Park, Milton Avenue, Halton Lodge, Caesars Close, Hallwood Park (Rowhampton Row) and Town Park. Further details of each of the schemes was outlined in detail in the report.

            Members noted the possible sites for 2010/11 as being Upton, The Glen, Palacefields and in the areas of Beechwood, Farnworth, Halton Village and Windmill Hill. Further details on each of these areas was outlined in the report.

REASON (S) FOR DECISION

To agree (8) projects to be progressed in Playbuilder Project Year 2.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

A full consultation programme has taken place where all options were considered.

 IMPLEMENTATION DATE

3-year capital programme with annual capital allowance.  Implementation of Year 2 projects to be completed by 31^st March 2010.

            RESOLVED: That

(1)       progress made with the Playbuilder Project 2008/9 be noted; and

(2)       full Council be recommended to approve the proposals for 2009/2010 Playbuilder projects.