To consider the issuing of a licence to run a water sports centre on Mote Park Lake.

1.  That a five year licence be issued to Stuart Clarke, trading as Ocean Jack, to operate a water sports centre on Mote Park Lake;

2.  That the Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services be given delegated authority to negotiate the fee and other terms and conditions;

3.  That the Head of Legal Services be given delegated authority to draft and complete the licence.

In 2009 an advertisement was issued in the local press asking for expressions of interest from anyone interested in running concessions in Mote Park. In response to this advert Stuart Clarke, trading as Ocean Jack,approached officers to discuss the possibility of opening a water sports centre in Mote Park. This was followed by a meeting in which Mr. Clarke gave a presentation outlining his proposals and followed this up by producing a business plan.

A  Water sports centre on the lake would allow groups and individuals to not only take part in water sports activities on the lake, including sailing, rowing and canoeing, but also to be trained and qualified to a nationally recognised level.

Mr Clarke has considerable experience in running this type of activity on similar sites and holds all of the appropriate Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualifications. He would be responsible for funding the concession as well as providing the Council with proof of insurance, qualifications and that all of the appropriate safety standards are met.
 

The other lake users, Maidstone Victory Angling Club and The Cygnets Model Boat Club, as well as the Friends of Mote Park have all been consulted with and agree with this proposal.

Maidstone Sailing Club stopped operating on the Lake in 2008 and the water sports centre operation on the lake would again give park users the opportunity to sail and row on the lake.

Mr Clarke, as part of his business plan, hopes to enable a sailing club to reform in the park if members are interested in doing so.

It could be decided not to agree to the issue of a five year licence to operate a water sports centre in Mote Park. This is not thought appropriate as it is highly unlikely that the Council will be in a position to offer such a facility in Mote Park in the near future and without supporting others, Maidstone residents will not have the opportunity to take part in these activities.