The
Head of Regeneration and Economic Development introduced the report
which summarised the benefits of relocating the Mela to Mote Park,
which were:
·
Improved Accessibility;
·
The potential to increase attendance, sponsorship
fees and the number of stalls at the event;
·
The longevity of the Mela event within Maidstone as
an established part of the cultural calendar; and
·
Relocating the Mela would help the Council to
achieve the objectives set out within the Thriving Place priority
of the Corporate Strategy.
The
Committee noted that the funding requested by the Mela organisers
was seed funding which would increase the likelihood of attracting
further funding from third parties.
The
Committee commented as follows:
·
That this was a long-standing event that provided
opportunities for the communities of Maidstone to celebrate;
and
·
That Mote Park was the right venue as it was more
accessible for all.
RESOLVED: That
1.
The Mela relocates to Mote Park; and
2.
A grant of £5,000 per year for three years,
starting in 2020, is given to Kent Equality Cohesion Council to run
the Mela in Mote Park.