Reasons for the rejection of HLF bid

Here is the official reasons for the rejection of the city council's HLF bid for £3.4 million.

It was not successful because:

--'the level of new build within the application was disproportionate'
--'application did not provide sufficient evidence that the project would increase the range of audiences, conserve and improve the heritage value and improve management and maintenance'
--community opposition to the new build aspects of the bid

This shows the lottery people were basically on the same wave length as the JGA and those who protested against the plans - no grandiose schemes.

HERE IS THE STATEMENT - obtained using FOI powers

7 Cambridge, Jesus Green: PF-08-00662/1 PfPHLF 2009 (1) 7RECOMMENDATION: REJECT Cambridge City Council sought a stage one pass for £3,280,000 together with development funding of £106,000 (both 75% of eligible costs) to carry out work at Jesus Green, a 11.3ha public open space.

The Green had a long history and contained Grade II listed buildings and structures and well recognised features. The open air swimming pool was a popular and significant feature. The project would provide new park buildings, including two new cafes and toilet facilities, a community meeting room, a new entrance to the outdoor pool, and an adventure play area. Access improvements would include the development of a piazza, cycle route and a boulevard along the River Cam.

Letters of opposition had been received during assessment, with evidence of community opposition to the new build aspects of the bid. The Big Lottery Fund Head of Region had noted that the open space was already well used and considered that whilst refreshment facilities would be of value, the level of new build within the application was disproportionate.

The HLF Committee had agreed with officers' assessment that the application did not provide sufficient evidence that the project would increase the range of audiences, conserve and improve the heritage value and improve management and maintenance.

The Parks for People Committee for East of England had recommended that the application be rejected. Taking into account the contents of the paper and the feedback and recommendations from the Big Lottery Fund Head of Region and the regional committee, Big Lottery Fund Parks for People Committee and HLF Board recommended that the application for Jesus Green be rejected. - ends -

Jesus Green working party

The initial meeting of the Jesus Green working party took place on April 20.

Richard Price, Anthony Bowen and Martin Thompson attended for the JGA. Other 'stakeholders' included Anne Page, from Don't Make it Jesus Less Green, rowers and Save Our Green Spaces. Friends of Jesus Green Pool had been invited but didn't attend.

While we have concerns about the rather haphazard way things were handled, this could be a useful way to lobby for improvements on the green. As we are the dominant group (150 members, an elected board and constitution, plus wide remit of concerns), I'd hope we have the strongest voice on this working group.

Council officers are now working out how much money is available to improve the green over the next few years. There was apparently £1.1 million of council cash available when there was lottery money on the table, but it is unlikely (given the council's recent financial setbacks) this amount will materialise, and certainly not for maintenance.

For example, officers have been asked to work out the cost of replacing the playground equipment in situ as well as costing a complete move to nearer the lock (as per HLF bid proposal - although minus the cafe)


The JGA has been asked to come up with its own priorities

The obvious one are:

Drainage
Playground renewal
Paths
Toilet upgrade
Tennis courts upgrade
Skate park repairs (and additions?)
Better litter facilities
New proposal for 'hammerhead' tarmac area for lorry unloading by Victoria Avenue.

Please feel free to leave your comments on what the JGA should lobby for.

Tree revamp for Jesus Green

Some more significant changes for Jesus Green are planned - this time it's the trees.

These plans will be discussed at a West /Central Area committee at the Grad Pad on Thursday, April 30 at 7.30pm following a comprehensive review of what should be done.

The main points are:

- planting of a new avenue of 20 cherry trees parallel to the horse chestnut avenue
- the removal of six trees on the avenue running from Jesus Lock to Portugal Street to be replaced by 25 Tai Haku cherry trees
- the removal of 12 'scattered' trees in the 'nature area' area towards Midsummer Common to make way for the cherry trees.
-removal of scattered trees near Jesus College ditch (those not in avenue)
- a strengthening of the east to west beech avenue --- this will eventually become the dominant visual feature on the green once the London plane tree avenue fails and is replanted
- removal of leylandii from near the tennis courts
-infill of four London plane trees on plane avenue

These seem to be influenced by the somewhat controversial plans put forward by landscape architect Robert Myers in the unsuccessful bid for lottery money, which was turned down earlier this month. Basically, the emphasis will be on having trees in straight lines.

The straggling trees near Jesus College ditch will go, as will the 12 trees in the sort of nature area near Midsummer Common, as will the leylandii. This will bring a uniformity of sorts. Previous nature themed areas will go, instead there will be striking lines of trees.

Is this the approach we want for Jesus Green? Some people regard the informality of the green as its primary virtue, but the lines of trees do provide a certain definition to the grassed areas.

There will be concerns over the replacement of the Porugal Street avenue. This is a great collection of trees despite their mixed nature and works well. Should these trees be cut down for aesthetic reasons, especially if they are replaced by smaller trees (as happened on Parkers' Piece, to not particularly great success) ?

Not too controversial are the removal of the leylandii - they are not attractive and shield views of the green from people entering the green from the boardwalk. The other scattered trees near Jesus ditch could go too without too much fuss (many of these trees will be transplanted, not felled, as they are in good shape)

There needs to be a plan, but we need to think about if this is the right one.

Does the Portugal Street avenue need to go if it could survive for another 20-30 years easily? And can't it be informally replanted when dying trees fail?

Please read the entire document (about 15 pages) and let us know what you think

http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/public/councillors/agenda/2009/0430areaw/07.pdf


The JGA intend to address the area committee and anyone else who wants to needs to register a few days in advance

Minutes of meeting with Streetscene and council officers, 23.04.09

BOWLS PAVILIONS TO BE KNOCKED DOWN AT THE END OF THE SUMMER

This was the one of FIVE meetings attended by the JGA in just a few days, so many thanks to Richard Price, Anthony Bowen and Martin Thompson for giving up their time to make sure we are represented.

MINUTES

Jesus Green Association

Matters for discussion on Thursday 23 April 2009

Present: Sarah Tovell, Ian Ross, Mac MacDonald, Anthony French, (Active Communities), Gary Quilter (Streetscene), Richard Price, Anthony Bowen (Jesus Green Association)

1. Damage by Circus and Beer Festival in 2008
(a) what is planned by way of reinstatement?
(b) why has this been so delayed? We note that it will not now be done until after this year’s Beer Festival.
N.B. JGA is aware that the Beer Festival is a very well organised event and that, unlike those involved in some other events, the organisers always own up to any damage done and offer to pay for it.

Answers: Major improvements for the Victoria Avenue entrance are planned including a tarmac ‘hammerhead’ with space for two articulated lorries to enter and reverse to a point where they can be unloaded onto small trailers, fork lift trucks etc. The idea is to make it unnecessary for large vehicles to go onto the grass. They will try to use the topsoil from this area to fill the ruts and dips caused by circus which will also be re-seeded. Timescale: could be done in next few weeks and at most by end of summer.
Costs and plans are being sort. Once these have been received they will be added to the list of priorities for Jesus Green (as discussed at the meeting on 20th April)

2. Trees. There is great public concern about the trees on Jesus Green and their care.
(a) when can we expect to see the promised tree assessment?
(b) what post HLF bid tree work is now planned - felling/replacement/new planting etc?

Answers: Diana Oviatt-Ham (Tree Officer) is preparing a paper on trees for next West/Central Area Committee meeting on Thursday 30 April for funding approval. This will include a modified planting schedule based on the Robert Myers report. ST promised to get a copy emailed to Martin Thompson.
Contacted Diana Oviatt-Ham to reminder her to email a copy to JGA
Robert & Diana’s report will be available shortly, some minor amendments currently being made.

There is a new protocol relating to tree work throughout the city. ST has been asked for a copy.
This is still in draft, again once complete it will be sent out.

3. Main path along Plane tree avenue. Urgent need for repairs.
(a) what news is there of discussions with County Council?
(b) are Streetscene committed to using small vehicles which stick to the path instead of swerving off it to
avoid pedestrians/cyclists?

Answers: A meeting with County Council has not yet happened but is booked. Streetscene were thanked for using smaller electric vehicles and promised to keep to the paths in future.


4. Swimming pool.
(a) when can we expect to see repairs to the fences completed?
(b) what else is planned to improve the appearance of the pool and its surroundings?

Answers: Fence repairs have been booked and are imminent. Interior of pool has been repainted and looks good. New gates have been ordered and will be fitted shortly. Pool due to open early in May. See Oviatt-Ham tree paper for more info about trees.


5. Skip by swimming pool hedge. It is an eyesore and has been there for far too long.
(a) When will it be removed?

Answer: Last year, Beer Festival people mistakenly put some of their rubbish in it contaminating contents but will be clearing it out after this year’s Festival. The skip will then be removed.


6. Children’s play area.
(a) when will damaged section of fence be replaced?
(b) Have repairs to the soft surface been ordered?
(c) Fill in dips where puddles form after rain?

Answer: Discussed at length. Damaged fence will be replaced. Some equipment is costing more to maintain than to replace. Much nearing end of useful life. Plans to renew the whole thing but where to put it? Parents like present position because of shade. This will be subject of consultation after the elections.


7. Skateboard park
(a) when will the promised repairs be done?

Answer: Useful discussion with users. Some repairs successful, others not so. Sensible suggestions made by skateboarders, listened to sympathetically by Ian Ross. This is now firmly on people’s radar. ST took name of James Walker (JamesWalker@gmail.com) who seems willing to come to meetings.

8. Signage on the Green. Consists of an awful mix of styles, many very scruffy.
(a) what plans are there to improve the signage?
(b) when can we expect this to be done?

Answer: There is no specific money for new signs but there is a city-wide look at signage on/for all open spaces by Active Communities.
There is no specific money for new signage on Jesus Green, but aware this needs looking at not just here but other sites within the city as well.

9. Area around lock-keepers cottage. Looks as is some welcome tidying up has been done. Thank you!
(a) future plans for this area?

Answer: response to this Q will be in the minutes of last Monday’s inaugural meeting of the Jesus Green Working Group.
Lock Keepers cottage owned by Conservators of the River Cam.
The area around the bridge is one element of the overall view of Jesus Green that will be prioritised with all other features.

10. Rouse Pavilion. Badly in need of repairs to prevent further deterioration which will be even more costly
to repair.
(a) when can we expect this to be done?
Answer: Repairs to roof, gutters etc will be ordered. More info in minutes of Monday’s meeting (se 9 above)?
Quotes for repairs being sort.

11. Rubbish bins. Hopelessly inadequate. No wonder people leave their litter all over the Green. More and
much larger required.
(a) Why have we got to wait for the results of trials? Summer is almost upon us and once again we are still
without adequate bins!

Answers: Temporary bins have been ordered and their deployment is ‘imminent’. How long is ‘imminent’. Answer - next couple of weeks! But they are needed now.






12. Bowls Pavilion. Attempted break-in. Dangerous state of glass door.
(a) repairs?
(b) please confirm date of demolition?

Answers: Door will be boarded up with plywood. Demolition due at end of summer.


13. Tennis Courts
(a) when will the promised pressure washing be done?
(b) what plans are there for the grass courts?
(c) Jack’s queries

Answers: Pressure washing - query re access for equipment but I think it has been ordered (Street Scene). Hole in fence by gate to grass courts pointed out & repair requested. A roller has been ordered for Parkside Cricket pitch and they will try to find a way to get it over to the grass courts. There are Health & Safety issues if volunteers try to maintain courts. There once were signs on the courts but they have been removed. replacements requested.


AOB

The City Council’s Enforcement Team has been out and about e.g. pointing out to people that instant BBQs kill grass if not supported above it

There is a meeting on Friday 24 April at 10.30 in Hobson Room, St Andrew’s Street. Richard Price will attend.