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:

·       2025 – 26 Event Programme

·       Arts & Makers Market

·       Westover Gardens Kiosk site retendering

·       General Grounds Maintenance

The report provides information to note whilst also seeking support and approval from the board. The report furthermore asks the board to give consideration as to topic items for future reports.

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

The report provided service update information to the Lower Gardens Trust Board to demonstrate the Council's commitment to maintaining 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 13 May 2011.

Items included:

·       2025 – 26 Event Programme

·       Arts & Makers Market

·       Westover Gardens Kiosk site retendering

·       General Grounds Maintenance.

The report provided information to note, whilst also seeking support and approval from the board. The report furthermore asked the board to consider topic items for future reports.

The Board considered the update and made the following comments:

·       In response to a query raised regarding the Arts & Makers Market and the day it would be held, the Board was advised that it would take place once a month on a Saturday.

·       The Board noted feedback received from a resident who expressed great satisfaction with the bulb planting and commended the team for their efforts.

·       In response to a query raised about bicycle signage in the gardens, the Board was advised that feedback had been received, and a review of the signage would be undertaken, subject to the available budget.

It was RESOLVED that:

·       The Board authorise Officers to carry out a tendering exercise to seek best value for the Westover Gardens Kiosk operation for between 5- 7 years and, following evaluation of the tenders, to award a lease to operate to the successful applicant.

Subject to the Board’s agreement following their visit to the affected area during the Lower Central Gardens walkaround, it was RESOLVED that:

·       To authorise the minor changes in the current arrangements, to include use of half to the ‘art store’ for storage and subject to any planning permissions to install an additional wooden decking area. To also include within the new lease, subject to approvals, the use of the wider area near the aviary for specific events.

It was RESOLVED that:

c) The Trustees wish to appoint Cllr Jamie Martin as part of the evaluation panel.