Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. The purpose of this paper is to propose a process for developing an asset enhancement programme for the River Hamble. The core programme will be funded by the Asset Enhancement Reserve which will be used to lever additional funds for the benefit of the River and its users in delivering the vision as set out in the Strategic Plan. A number of ideas have already been collected, but others are welcome and wide ownership of the programme is sought from all River users. To achieve this, a stakeholder workshop is proposed, followed by a thorough appraisal of the ideas, including likely costs, the business case and potential for partner support. Funding is requested to engage a consultant to facilitate the workshop and carry out a detailed appraisal process culminating in a comprehensive proposal for an Asset Enhancement programme.

2. Background

2.1. The Harbour Authority has a substantial sum (currently £310,000) in the Asset Enhancement Reserve. These funds have accrued from the sale of the mid-stream piles to the Crown Estate, and the recent transfer of £50,000 from the Revenue Reserve. The Harbour Board has already agreed that this reserve should be set aside to improve the facilities and assets of the harbour, for the benefit of users. The programme will be guided by the Strategic Plan and vision for the River Hamble. A number of ideas have already been collected, falling into six main categories: safety, facilities, environment, education, archaeology, and research projects. Other ideas are actively sought.

3. Proposed way forward

3.1. Consultation with river users is a vital part of this process. This fund is a unique opportunity for the River to proactively enhance the assets, features and facilities on the river. The fund should enable partnership working and may attract additional funding from partners for a variety of projects. In order to engage with potential partners and to bring all the potential improvements to the fore, a one-day stakeholder workshop is proposed, with representatives of up to 50 stakeholder groups and other interested parties invited to attend. The format of the workshop will ensure that stakeholders are able to raise their own ideas as well as comment on others. The workshop will aim to create a clear understanding of the different interests on the river and should enable a broad spectrum of possibilities to be developed. Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss all ideas, expanding on them as they see fit. It is proposed that the services of a professional facilitator with relevant maritime expertise should be engaged to run this workshop.

3.2. Following from the workshop, a comprehensive Asset Enhancement Programme will be developed, such that the ideas raised which had sufficient support are fully appraised, including an assessment of likely costs and benefits of taking each idea forward. Potential partners will also be identified and approached at this stage, in an effort to establish the extent of any partnership funding which may be available for appropriate projects. For continuity, the same consultant should be appointed to carry out this phase of the work, in addition to running the workshop.

4. Budget

4.1. It is anticipated that the one-day workshop, including room hire, lunch and facilitator would cost a maximum of £2000.

4.2. If the workshop is as fruitful as hoped, it is estimated that the development and appraisal of the options, together with a search for suitable partners, could cost up to £10,000.

4.3. It is proposed that, if approved, these costs should be funded from the Asset Enhancement Reserve and would represent about 3% of the total reserve. This investment in developing a comprehensive programme of work should result in securing significant partnership funding.

5. Future direction

5.1. It is proposed that a small project Steering Group is established consisting of the Marine Director, a member of the Management Committee and a member of Harbour Board to oversee the development of the programme and manage the consultant. The final proposed Asset Enhancement Programme will be circulated to the workshop attendees for comment and then presented to the Management Committee and Harbour Board for their final consideration.

6. Recommendation

6.1. It is recommended that the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee advises the Harbour Board to:

a. Accept the proposed way forward, as set out above;

b. Agree to the selection and appointment of a consultant to facilitate the proposed stakeholder workshop (to be held as soon as possible), and, if the workshop is successful, to carry out the subsequent appraisal work and partner search, and;

c. Agree to funding for the workshop of £2000 and, if appropriate, funding for the appraisal and partner search to a maximum of £12,000.

d. The above being funded from the Asset Enhancement Reserve.

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