Christchurch Town Council's investment plan for Barrack Road rec and skate parks at Two Riversmeet and Waterman’s after BCP Council transfers control

CHRISTCHURCH Town Council has is preparing a "major investment plan" after taking on ownership of two skate parks and a recreation ground.

The transfer of assets, following the disbanding of the old borough council, was unanimously approved at a recent meeting of BCP Council's ruling cabinet.

They include Barrack Road recreation ground, Two Riversmeet skate park and Waterman’s skate park.

As reported in the A&T, there have been complaints by Christchurch Town Council (CTC) abut the length of time it was taking for ownership to be changed.

Christchurch town clerk James Sheehy told the A&T: "The council is delighted that a continued programme of asset devolution has been endorsed by BCP Council culminating in the return of these key assets back to local control.

"The council has already explored outline business cases for investment across all three sites, with a major investment plan now in the early stages of development for the Barrack Road recreation ground.

"Christchurch Town Council wishes to keep the conversation around localism open and active and will continue to identify assets for repatriation to the town council where a valid business case for local control can be demonstrated."

A report to the cabinet said: "Because of planned refurbishment works to play facilities, any potential transfer of these sites was delayed until the works were completed and terms agreed between BCP Council and CTC."

It said the facilities would remain the same but would be managed locally, giving the facilities more attention and focus than in the larger BCP Council’s portfolio of assets.

At the meeting, BCP Council leader Cllr Philip Broadhead said: "It is great to see the policy in action and move to a reality as well."

Deputy leader Cllr Nicola Greene added: "Were really pleased to be supporting the aspiration of Christchurch Town Council and to transfer these play areas as we move forward."

The cabinet report explained: "Prior to the creation of BCP Council, legacy Christchurch Borough Council (CBC) proposed that the then new Christchurch Town Council (CTC) assume responsibility for several of its open space assets and play facilities, subject to agreement and formal approval by both the incoming BCP Council and CTC.

"CTC has already become responsible for some former CBC assets on the creation of the town council from 1st April 2019.