Purpose

Following agreement at CLT in May 2023, it is
proposed to carry out adaptations to a number of buildings (three
libraries and the children’s centre) to create family and
community /hub facilities – all age multiple usage, at sites
where support will be provided to children, young people and
adults. The services provided will meet the s106 criteria in that
they will meet the needs of our community through improved access
to and enhanced facilities in a number of locations, including
family education and learning . The feasibility work required will
ascertain the most cost-effective way to make the necessary
adaptations and to identify any technical considerations, rather
than to determine if any sites cannot be included in the project.
Consultation with families has already identified a need for
additional facilities.

Decision

To support the project with an initial sum of £50,000 from
S106 contributions to undertake feasibility work in the physical
environments across all four sites to determine the suitability and
viability of the suggested projects.

To agree to fund technical project support from within the council
and in tandem with work already being undertaken in a similar way
through SEND capital funding. Colleagues in Property Services have
already indicated they have little capacity to be able to assist.
It is hoped to initiate feasibility work by August so that it is
complete by late October and to engage a private consultant would
build in delay and significant additional cost. It is recognised
that it may not be possible to capitalise feasibility costs
(including technical support) if work does not proceed past the
feasibility stage but in the unlikely event that s106 funded
projects do not follow the feasibility study, alternative revenue
funding will be investigated.

Following the feasibility work, the service will seek approval for
the full s106 contribution to ensure that the funding can be spent
on the capital work required by the adaptations described above and
to ensure work is completed within the prescribed timescales.
Technical project support will remain allocated to this project for
an 18 month period following feasibility. The transfer of funds for
this second stage will be subject to the receipt of a project plan
(to be completed immediately following feasibility) and a confirmed
start date for the works.