Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport regarding the regeneration of the Play Area on Southampton Common, by modernising and upgrading the area of the existing paddling pool with a contemporary wet and dry play facility which will provide an all-inclusive play destination for residents and visitors to Southampton.

(i)  To undertake a  consultation for the design of the proposed Play Area at Southampton Common;

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Director, Place following consultation with the Head of Legal & Democratic Services to do anything necessary to progress the delivery of the Play Area at Southampton Common, including but not limited to entering into contracts for goods and services, obtaining consents and permissions and any other ancillary or related matters; and

(iii)  To approve the addition of up to £500,000 to the Environment & Transport (City Services) Capital Programme for the Southampton Common Play Area scheme, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, subject to the allocation of funding in the Capital Strategy to be approved by Council in February 2016.

1.  This is a key decision and before we can enter into a contract with a play area design and consultation expert a Cabinet decision is required to progress the project.

2.  Once the design phase is over, an application under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 and a planning application will be required before the play area can be delivered. If permission is granted then authorisation to progress the project is being requested.

3.  Until the final designs have been priced it is not possible to provide an accurate figure for the total cost of the play area, the working budget is £500,000, but this may need to be adjusted once the designs are complete. If variation of the project budget is required this will be progressed under Finance Procedure Rules in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Option 1 - Use existing Section 106 developer contributions (circa £100,000) to provide a new play area adjacent to the Paddling pool. 

This would give a reasonable sized play area with moderate play value. It would be an improvement on the existing, but would fall short of providing a City wide facility of which it is an aspiration to provide for the Common. The play area would incorporate the two trees in this area for shade. The play area cost would include fencing.

Option 2 - Spend circa £300,000 on the project and move the play facility next to the paddling pool area. 

This option would leave the paddling pool where it is, still under the management of Places for People (PfP) / Active Nation. The play area would move to the grass area to the east of the paddling pool. The play facility would be designed to accommodate the two trees and could include a moderate tree house in the design.