Decision details

9.1

This report sought to provide an update on the development of leisure use at Parkwood following the termination of the Agreement for Lease with Extreme

The Council has undertaken a project review and options appraisal for future development of the site to decide how best to proceed and this report seeks delegated authority to

1. progress the preferred option as set out in the report, and

2. identify and secure funding for upfront site assessment/investigation works and for the clearance of the site of debris and invasive vegetation, subject to compliance with the Council’s budget processes, financial regulations and Capital Approval processes

9.2

RESOLVED: That Co-operative Executive:-

1)    Notes the progress made to date on delivery of development of the Parkwood site; 

2)    Endorses the strategy outlined in this report for the delivery of development at Parkwood;

3)    Allocates £200,000 from established investment resources to develop the proposal and underwrite the cost of site clearance works and a detailed transport, and ecological assessment;

4)    Recommends that a suitable communications and engagement strategy is developed to manage the ongoing development of the Parkwood site

           as proposals progress; and

5)    Recommends that discussions are held with Mayoral Combined Authority to explore the potential for external funding to undertake the site assessment/investigation/access surveys, undertake the site clearance works and the longer term implementation of access and development works to bring the site forward.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

As outlined in the report, there is a still a very clear strategic and economic case to justify leisure development of the Parkwood site.  The Executive Director Place believes that a leisure development at Parkwood is vitally important, not only for the regeneration of the City but also by creating jobs and business rates. It also fits with the City’s aspirations to be an Outdoor City and promotes health and well-being for visitors and for local communities.

9.3.2

The reasons for the recommendations are to provide a way forward for the delivery of the Parkwood development

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

Do Nothing

In this option the site of the former ski village would remain derelict and overgrown with the Council continuing to pick up all the associated holding/management costs including fly tipping, arson and anti- social uses.

9.4.2

Re-market the site

This option would remarket the site to find a new developer and operator. It would enable the Council to achieve the ambition as set out in the masterplan and bring the former ski village back into use as a major outdoor leisure destination venue, capitalising on national trends towards outdoor recreation and reinforcing Sheffield’s position as the UK’s Outdoor City.

9.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

Councillor Douglas Johnson declared a personal interest as a member of the Friends of Parkwood Springs.

9.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

9.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Executive Director, Place

9.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee