Contact: Hannah Walton, ext 6824 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the attached Project Appraisal for a third phase of environmental improvements at Glebe Gardens, Basingstoke, at an estimated cost of £118,600 including some external funding, be approved, subject to the scheme being included as an amendment to the 2005/06 Environment Capital Programme.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aims 1 and 4 (Maximising Life Opportunities and Building Strong and Safe Communities) by increasing use and enjoyment of this important public space in the heart of Basingstoke, and promoting local pride in the town within the community;

(ii) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by enhancing the distinctiveness and environmental quality of Basingstoke and ensuring it remains a place where people want to live, work and visit; and

(iii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by improving the setting for economic activity, raising confidence in the business community and local educational establishments and encouraging inward investment.

2.2 The County Council's Regeneration of Older Urban Areas (ROUA) programme is managed to implement landmark projects to raise the quality of life for all who live, work and visit in urban areas. All projects are designed to demonstrate the benefits of making the best use of land and property, high quality design, long life solutions and materials, and appropriateness to the local sense of place.

2.3 The proposed work follows a first and second phase of improvements to Glebe Gardens carried out in partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

2.4 Budget savings have been sought by means of securing £3,600 contribution funding from the Borough Council.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Other areas of work within the park were considered but were not thought to be as effective in meeting the objectives of the ROUA programme. Options for enhancement were selected which concentrate on those elements which achieve the programme objectives: the aspirations of the local community and have the greatest benefit for users. Alternative design approaches have been considered, but similarly these were considered to be less effective in meeting the strategic objectives and the principles of the ROUA programme.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor J K Glen

686Decn/HW