Decision details

11.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report in relation to a proposed World War 1 ‘Centenary Field’ dedication at Weston Park.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet acting in its capacity as trustee of the Weston Park Trust give approval and authority to:-

(a)

formally submit an application to designate Weston Park, Sheffield, S10 2TP as a Centenary Field in conjunction with the Fields in Trust Charity, to provide further protection to ensure that it will continue to be managed as a public park and recreation ground in perpetuity;

(b)

the Director of Capital and Major Projects in consultation with the Director of Culture and Environment, to negotiate the terms of the documentation needed to dedicate the land; and

(c)

the Director of Capital and Major Projects to instruct the Director of Legal and Governance to take all necessary action and complete the documentation needed to dedicate the land.

(d)

subject to recommendations a-c being concluded, the site will be formally dedicated as a Centenary Field in a ceremony to be arranged during next year.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

Weston Park is felt to be the most significant and accessible high profile City park that Sheffield has to offer which best matches the national Centenary Field designation criteria. The historic local links and memory of the Sheffield City Batallion/ the Sheffield Pals and Yorks and Lancaster Regiment are significant. Nominating this site does not further increase the Council’s current revenue commitment for maintenance or require any new capital investment. The designation further compliments the charitable status and is consistent with the objects of the Charity. Fittingly, Weston Park is recommended as the City’s flagship nominated site for WW1 Centenary Field designation.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

Sheffield City Council has been directly approached by the Fields in Trust/The Royal British Legion to nominate a suitable site within the City’s boundary to be part of this national initiative. The City Council does not have to nominate a site but the report provides the City the opportunity and option to now do so.

11.4.2

The Fields in Trust/Royal British Legion Centenary Fields initiative is specifically about the centenary of World War 1 (1914-18). Any site nominated needs to have an appropriate historic link and value. Following desktop research, the Sheffield General Cemetery, Chapeltown Park and the rural Redmires Practice trenches have also been considered as having significant local historical merit because of their WW1 associations and connections. At this stage, however, it is envisaged that each would require further site investment to increase their profile to become more suitable  as a promoted visitor attraction/ feature as part of this national initiative and as the City’s flagship.

11.4.3

Some locally significant WW2 associated park sites were also identified in the desktop research undertaken, including Endcliffe Park. In further consultation with the Fields in Trust, the Council had subsequently been advised and confirmed that the primary focus  of the ‘Centenary Field’ programme and associated designation is for WW1 associated sites and memorials.

11.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

11.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

11.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

11.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing