Issue - meetings

The report provides service update information to the Lower Gardens Trust Board to demonstrate the Council commitment to maintain the public gardens known as "The Lower Central Gardens" in Bournemouth for the recreation and enjoyment of the public in accordance with the terms of the Charity Scheme made by the Charity Commission on the 13 May 2011.

Items include:

-        Proposed Scheme of Officer Delegations

-        Christmas event proposals for 2024 and 2025 – 2032

-        Knife Crime Month of Action paper - Request for usage of Lower Central Gardens

The Director of Environment and the Director of Commercial Operations presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided a service update to the Lower Gardens Trust Board to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to maintain the public gardens known as "The Lower Central Gardens" in Bournemouth for the recreation and enjoyment of the public in accordance with the terms of the Charity Scheme made by the Charity Commission on the 13 May 2011.

Items included:

-       Christmas event proposals for 2024 and 2025 – 2032

-       Knife Crime Month of Action paper - Request for usage of Lower Central Gardens

-       Proposed Scheme of Officer Delegations

Christmas event proposals for 2024 and 2025 – 2032

The Lower Central Gardens Trust Board was asked to review and comment on the proposals for the Christmas Tree Wonderland event for 2024 which included the procurement of an ice rink for a one-year period.

The Lower Central Gardens Trust Board was asked to review and comment on the proposals to tender the opportunity for the Christmas Tree Wonderland Events for 2025 – 2032, following the end of the current and proposed contracts related to the 2024 event.

The Board considered the proposals and made the following comments:

·       In response to a query raised regarding the length of the contract the Board was advised that the specification had not been finalised for the longer-term contract. A duration of seven years was proposed which would allow an operator to look at what they could provide and what level of investment they would have been willing to make as a part of the contract.

·       In response to a query raised regarding the condition of the site where the Ice Rink was to be placed, the Board was advised that due to the extended period of wet weather, the area had not had a chance to recover.

·       The Board raised concerns regarding the future condition of the site where the Ice Rink was to be placed and discussed whether the Ice rink should continue due to the damage it had caused to the gardens. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the Ice Rink, Christmas Market and Christmas Tree Wonderland being grouped in one contract.

·       The Board was advised that the operator could find the contract less attractive if the ice rink, Christmas market, and Christmas lights offer were not offered together.

·       In response to a query raised regarding work that was done to maintain the site after use at Christmas, the Board was advised that the ground was reseeded and worked on but had been unable to recover due to weather.

·       The Board considered the positive feedback the Christmas events in the gardens had received from residents and visitors of BCP.

·       The Board was informed that the Christmas market and lighting had a contract for 2024, whereas the ice rink needed a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39