Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves the implementation of the Levelling Up project at Rother Valley Country Park as shown at Appendix 1, 2 and 3.

2.    Approves the implementation of the Levelling Up project at Thrybergh Country Park as shown at Appendix 1,2 and 4.

3.    Approves the proposals to mitigate the funding gap as set out in Appendix 1.

4.    Requests that a further report on the regeneration plans for both sites be presented within 12 months.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the implementation of the Levelling Up fund projects at Rother Valley Country Park and Thrybergh Country Park. It represented the continued commitment to green spaces in Rotherham whilst ensuring the public had access to spaces to be active and to relax.

Both Thrybergh and Rother Valley Country Parks were well used by local people and were well visited by people outside of the borough along with providing space for people who organise activities within those parks.

The investment at Thrybergh Country Park would see a new café with a greater seating capacity both indoors and outdoors. The investment at Rother Valley Country Park would see a new waterside café, enabling visitors to enjoy the views. This would also be enhanced by a new children’s play area adjoining the new café. It would also include an events space. Improvements would be made to the car parking space including the provision of new spaces to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Consultation was undertaken with ward councillors, staff in the country parks, key stakeholders, local businesses and those who use the parks.

Councillor Beck welcomed the commitment to green spaces within the borough, in particular the investment to Rother Valley Country Park.

Councillor Lelliott expressed appreciation for the government funding received but noted it was not enough, however thanks to the hard work of officers putting funding bids together for the scheme, it was testament to their hard work and commitment to the authority along with their partnership working across directorates to ensure it was a good scheme to benefit the people of Rotherham.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1.    Approved the implementation of the Levelling Up project at Rother Valley Country Park as shown at Appendix 1, 2 and 3.

2.    Approved the implementation of the Levelling Up project at Thrybergh Country Park as shown at Appendix 1,2 and 4.

3.    Approved the proposals to mitigate the funding gap as set out in Appendix 1.

4.    Requested that a further report on the regeneration plans for both sites be presented within 12 months.