Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to approve proposals associated with the installation of artificial grass pitches at Barking Abbey and Robert Clack Comprehensive Schools, including the acceptance of approximately £850,000 grant funding from the Football Foundation towards the projects.

(The Chair agreed that the report could be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency under the provisions of Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972).

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services presented a report on the availability of grant funding via the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity, towards the installation of artificial grass pitches and supporting infrastructure at Barking Abbey and Robert Clack Comprehensive Schools.

The Cabinet Member advised that the grant funding via the Football Foundation would represent approximately three-quarters of the total cost of the projects, with the two Schools committing to fund the balance.  The Council, as landowner, was required to be party to the agreements to secure the funding and would also share the cost of any project overspends with the Schools.

Arising from the discussions, the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services undertook to send Cabinet Members the Council’s Football Development Strategy.

Cabinet resolved:

(i)  To approve the acceptance of two Football Foundation grant awards and their terms and conditions in partnership with each school, as detailed in the report;

(ii)  Authorise the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to establish the detailed terms of agreements and any other necessary legal documentation;

(iii)  To agree that the Council shall meet any additional costs, over and above the contingency allowed for, on a 50/50 shared basis with the schools, to be funded via the School Modernisation Fund 2013/14;

(iv)  To enter into a 21-year commitment to retain the Artificial Grass Pitches in use for the purposes conditional to the funding award; and

(v)  To approve the appointment of a Project Manager to deliver the two Artificial Grass Pitch projects.