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Cobtree Estate Update

Meeting: 08/07/2021 - Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee (Item 15)

15 Cobtree Estate Update pdf icon PDF 134 KB

Minutes:

The Leisure Manager presented his report providing an update on activities at the Cobtree Manor Estate since the last meeting of the Committee in March 2021.  It was noted that:

 

Cobtree Manor Park

 

The Manor Park continued to be very busy.  Car park income for 2020/21 was over £137,000, which was a positive variance of £63,000.  Car park income for 2021/22 was currently £13,000 ahead of budgeted targets.

 

The new staffing structure for the Manor Park was implemented on 1 April 2021 bringing savings to the Cobtree Manor Estate and efficiencies for the Parks team.

 

Cobtree Golf Course

 

The Golf Course had re-opened on 29 March 2021.  Golf trade during April, May and June had been strong with limited food and beverage sales also achieved.  A further increase in trade was projected during the second half of 2021 with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

 

Kent Life

 

Kent Life had re-opened on 12 April 2021 with activities adapted/altered to make them COVID-compliant.  In May 2021 the indoor play areas and refreshment outlets re-opened for takeaway sales.  Visits by school groups had resumed on site, but children’s birthday parties were still suspended until the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted fully.  Events and activities were being planned for the second half of 2021 and could be adapted in response to any changes in restrictions that might occur.

 

Cobtree Café

 

The Cobtree Café had continued to operate on a take-away basis and was very busy due to the increased number of visitors to the Manor Park.

 

Elephant House/Cobtree Shed Group

 

The structural works at the Elephant House had not progressed since the last meeting, but the Cobtree Shed Group had been unable to meet due to the COVID-19 restrictions and vulnerabilities within the Group.  The Leisure Manager was working with colleagues to bring forward proposals for the project.

 

Contracts

 

The Committee’s decisions regarding the Cobtree Estate contracts had been implemented and the contracts were operating on a stable footing.

 

Cobtree Charity Trust Limited

 

The Cobtree Charity Trust Limited, holders of the freehold interest in the Cobtree Manor Estate, would be holding a meeting on 19 July 2021 and had invited the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Committee to attend together with the Leisure Manager.

 

In response to questions, the Leisure Manager explained that:

 

·  He would be meeting with representatives of the Cobtree Shed Group the following week to talk about resuming their activities.

 

·  Mytime Active, the operator of the Golf Course, had reviewed its decision regarding tee markers and tee measuring and all tee marker options had been measured.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.  That the update on activities at the Cobtree Manor Estate since the last meeting of the Committee in March 2021 be noted.

 

2.  That a briefing and tour of the Estate be organised for Members and Substitute Members of the Committee.