The Mayor recounted he had made a detailed tour of the park and its facilities a couple of weekends before this meeting. He found the park to be unwelcoming with the dominant central position of the golf course leaving the impression that Beckenham Place was simply a golf course. In order to encourage greater foot fall, he called for improvements to signage and the preparation of a communications and marketing plan to take place as soon as possible                                                                                                                               Minute No. Action

 

The Mayor observed the Council did not have uncommitted capital resources to invest on the park and questions needed to be addressed as to how external investment could be generated. He asked for proposals concerning possible investment to be brought back to him at a future meeting. In terms of the Mansion, the Mayor believed an opportunity existed for English Heritage to act more proactively.

He outlined the numerous potential uses for the Mansion which  had failed to come to fruition over the course of many years.  He also said he would like to resolve the future of the golf course but was aware a number of elected members had strongly held views on what to do. He said he would reserve judgement until other elected members had had a chance to express their views.

In conclusion, the Mayor said he expected to see a succession of reports over the next year on the Park but that officers should press ahead with the signage, communication and marketing mandates as soon as possible.

 

RESOLVED that

(i) the results of the consultation undertaken

over the past 5 months be noted;

 

(ii) officers be instructed to prioritise work to improve signage, and prepare a

communications and marketing plan to encourage greater resident use of the park;                                                                                                                                                                                                                      E D Regen

 

(iii) officers be instructed to further investigate potential funding for the park, golf course and Homestead buildings and present him with further proposals; and                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ED Regen

 

(iv) officers be instructed to examine the potential future usage and funding options for the Mansion and to continue to assess all options for the golf course.

 

THE MEETING CONTINUED WITH OTHER AGENDA ITEMS