Wednesday, 19 August 2009
The 3Ps Group is obviously very disappointed not to be allocated funds to proceed to the second phase of project planning. With only £20 million available each year the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is only allowing schemes to proceed to the next phase if they are certain there is no risk of them failing to go ahead.
Following the sad news, Jayne Kendall of SLDC and Ron Shapland were invited to meet officers of the HLF in Manchester to discuss improvements which would be needed to the application in order to improve the chances of success.
It was emphasised that any project needed to be of a high standard as funding applications were six times the funds available. In particular the money to be provided by SLDC, which is linked to the progress of the Berners Vision Development, needed to be fully secured and available for use as match funding. The lack of the Clare Lane Bridge was also seen as a disadvantage in that the Park Road Gardens were not easily accessible to the Promenade.
The HLF are now requiring additional documentation previously needed at the second phase with the first phase application, namely a Green Space Strategy for all SLDC parks, gardens and open spaces; a complete Audience Development Plan and a 10 year Management Plan. There were also a number of other suggestions, all of which will be discussed at the next 3Ps Full Group meeting on the 10th September at 2pm in the Victoria Hall.
The Project Committee has discussed the possible date for a re-submission and because of ensuring the reinstatement of the Clare Lane Bridge and confirmation of the match funding from Berners Vision it is likely to be August 2010 at the earliest.
There is no intention of giving up following this initial setback due to the importance of the Promenade and Gardens to the well being of Grange.
There are two matters on which the Committee would welcome suggestions, firstly to select an appropriate name to cover all three parts of the ‘Park’ (the Promenade, Ornamental and Park Road Gardens) as this is specifically requested by the HLF. Secondly a sum of money £13,000 has been provided by Network Rail for artwork on the wall of the new underpass ramp and ideas suitable to the location and heritage of Grange would be welcome. Please let me have your suggestions via the Town Council Office in the Victoria Hall.
Ron Shapland, Project Officer.