Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report of the Cobtree Officer setting out details of work undertaken across the Cobtree Estate during the period November 2013 to June 2014.  It was noted that:

• Visitor figures to date showed that the popularity of the Manor Park continued to improve, with visitor numbers up 55% on the previous year.

• Work on the tender package for the operation and management of the Golf Course was progressing, but it was likely that an extension to the existing lease would be required to enable the exercise to be completed.

• Tenders had been invited for the construction of the new Visitor Centre/Cafe, and it was anticipated that a recommendation would be made to the September meeting of the Committee regarding the appointment of a contractor.

• Quotes for the replacement of the two refurbished huts at the rear of the Kent Life site, which were burnt down in a suspected arson attack in June 2014, would be reported to a future meeting of the Committee.  In the meantime, action had been taken to improve security at the site.

Members reiterated the need to ensure that the new Visitor Centre/Cafe was delivered on time and within budget.

RESOLVED:  That the progress report on the works undertaken across the Cobtree Estate during the period November 2013 to June 2014, attached as Appendix A to the report of the Cobtree Officer, be noted.