Content

8.1

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the
Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, which requested
approval to extend the existing coffee cart licence at the Charles
Ashmore Road entrance of Graves Park which was due to expire on
20th September 2025, until 31st March 2026, which would align that
contract with the existing coffee cart licence at Graves Park
Animal Farm, thereby aligning the contract timelines to enable both
opportunities to be marketed concurrently.

 

 

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the
Charity Trustees Sub-Committee: -
(a) 
Approves the extension of the current mobile coffee cart licence at
Graves Park (Charles Ashmore Road entrance) from 20th September
2025 to 31st March 2026, to align with the expiry of the Animal
Farm coffee cart licence;
(b) 
Approves the commencement of a procurement process for a new coffee
cart operator at:

Graves Park – Charles Ashmore
entrance, effective from 1st April 2026, subject to approval of
Recommendation
Graves Park – Animal Farm, as
the current licence also ends on 31st March 2026; and

Notes that a further report will be brought to
this Committee following the procurement process, seeking approval
to enter into new licence agreements with the recommended
operator(s) for both sites, effective from 1st April 2026.

 

 

8.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

8.3.1

The provision of refreshment facilities in the
park contributes to the objects of the charity, providing amenities
within recreation/pleasure grounds for use by the public. It has
also become an expected part of visitors’ park experience

 

 

8.3.2

Generating an income
allows the council as sole trustee to support the management and
maintenance of the park and in turn contribute to the charity
objects.
 

8.4

Alternatives
Considered and Rejected

 

 

8.4.1

Allowing the existing licence with
Sophie’s Cakes and Coffee to expire on 20th September and
seeking approval for a new operator from 21st September has been
dismissed as not being in the best interests of the charity. This
approach would require the charity to undertake two separate
procurement processes, placing additional demands on staff time and
resources. Furthermore, it would likely result in higher overall
costs and prevent the charity from achieving economies of scale
that could be realised through a single, consolidated procurement.
As such, this option is not considered a cost-effective or
efficient use of charitable resources

 

 

8.4.2

Choosing not to re-tender the coffee carts
would result in the absence of this type of refreshment provision
within the farm park. This would negatively impact the overall
visitor experience, particularly at the Charles Ashmore/Meadowhead
side of the park, where such facilities contribute to visitor
satisfaction and dwell time. Additionally, the removal of this
offer would lead to a reduction in rental income, thereby
diminishing a valuable revenue stream for the charity. For these
reasons, this option is not considered to be in the best interests
of the charity.