Agenda item

          The report outlined the background to the development of the facility which was originally proposed by LCC 18 months ago. The Council had been in negotiation with LCC regarding the development of their Union Street premises and also separately in discussion with the Arts Partnership regarding the potential development of their Railway Street premises.

          Discussions with LCC had also included using the library premises as a Public Services Hub and these negotiations were ongoing. An indicative plan for the development of a Youth Zone has been drawn up for the Railway Street site and this included the Council’s purchase of the Leigh Arms.

The operation of the Chorley Youth Zone would be undertaken by a new charitable organisation, Chorley Youth Zone Charitable Trust.  The Trust would involve Chorley Council, Lancashire County Council, Onside Youth Zones and The Arts Partnership.  The Youth Zone will be leased to the Trust, by Chorley Council, on a long term basis for a peppercorn rent.  Should LCC not wish to be involved, the project still remained viable.

The costs of the project were detailed in the report showing capital costs to the Council of £1.2m and revenue costs of £50,000. If LCC decided not to be part of the scheme, the Council would contribute a further £450,000 in capital and £50,000 in revenue costs. The timeline for the scheme showed the facility was likely to open around April 2016.

Councillor Mark Perks indicated that whilst he was pleased that the development of a Youth Zone was under consideration, he had concerns that the facility would not be co-located with Children and Young People’s Services as was the pattern in other areas of Lancashire where Youth Zones had been developed with a more joined up approach to service provision.

Councillor Perks raised further concerns about the cost to the Council in terms of borrowing to fund the project. The Executive Leader stated that this may not be necessary and may be possible from ongoing revenue funding. Councillor Perks indicated that if there was an assurance that borrowing would not be required, he was more mindful to support the scheme. Councillor Bradley said he was unwilling to restrict the Council by such a commitment.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley moved and the Executive Member for Community Services, Councillor Bev Murray seconded, and it was RESOLVED – that the Council approves the following:

1.    The delivery of a Chorley Youth Zone.

2.    Notes that an Executive Member Decision will be taken to assemble the land for the Youth Zone.

3.    The plan to work in partnership with Onside Youth Zones, the Arts Partnership and Lancashire County Council to deliver a Chorley Youth Zone, be agreed.

4.    A commitment be made to use best endeavours to develop a Public Service Hub at Lancashire County Council’s premises on Union Street.