Decision details

To provide an update on progress made with YouthZone development and seek endorsement of investment proposals.

RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed:-

1.            To a total capital contribution up to a maximum of £4.508m to support the construction and fit out of the Youth Zone;

2.            With the exception of the ‘at risk’ funding referenced in recommendation 3, that no further capital funding be released until OnSide have secured the necessary (51% agreed) share of the total funding required to deliver the construction and fit out of the Youth Zone via their fundraising activities;

3.            That the Council commit up to £0.300 m of the total capital contribution (referred to in Sections 7.19 to 7.29 of the report) ‘at risk’ to support the activities necessary for OnSide to develop the prepare the scheme up to construction stage – the key activities supported by planning, design, fundraising and engagement;

4.            In addition to the ‘at risk’ funds referenced in recommendation 2, to cover off any abortive costs incurred by OnSide, up to a value of £0.400m in the event of the Council taking a future political decision not to progress the Youth Zone – these funds to be provided for within the total capital allocations described at recommendation 1;

5.            To commit up £0.300m per annum in revenue funding over a 5-year period to support the running of the Youth Zone;

6.            The proposed governance arrangements with YouthZone as laid out in section 4.9 of this report, and to nominate, at the appropriate time, a suitably skilled and experienced Cabinet member and senior officer(s) to sit on the board of Barnsley YouthZone, to safeguard the Council’s investment in the project and to ensure maximum benefit for residents and the borough. The Elected Member is appointed as Trustee to the Barnsley Youth Zone charity board. The BMBC Officer is appointed in the capacity of observer to the Barnsley Youth Zone charity board;

7.            To delegate the required approvals to progress this to the Executive Director Place, Service Director Regeneration and Culture and Service Director Finance, with the understanding that further Key decisions and updates would be brought back to Cabinet regularly.