Councillor Cresswell (Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships) introduced the Central Park Ponds project update report and discussed:

a)     Councillor Briars-Delve had sent apologies due to a pre-arranged commitment;

b)    Fish within the central park ponds, although not part of the original plans, had proven popular with families and provided a learning opportunity for children and young people;

c)     Delays to the project had occurred due to extremely wet weather in March 2024 and the need to change contractor earlier in 2025;

d)    Councillors were understanding of the frustrations caused by delays to the project and of the valuable community asset that the park offered;

e)     A new contractor was now on site, with soil movement and playing pitch completion expected before the end of summer, followed by landscape works including field seeding and tree planting at the appropriate time of year;

f)      Following the Panel’s previous recommendations, monthly communication updates were now provided on the Council’s website, with QR codes placed in the park to direct users to the latest information, which had been tested and found accessible;

g)     Additional updates had been shared with local community stakeholders and councillors;

h)    A comprehensive communications plan was now possible due to the availability of a detailed construction programme, which was summarised in the report;

i)      New signage had been installed in the park and project milestones would be shared in line with the construction programme;

j)      The project had faced challenges, but key issues such as weather and contractor changes were outside of the Council’s control;

k)     The project was now back on track for completion by the end of summer and updates would continue to be provided.

Kat Deeney (Head of Environmental Planning), Phil Bellamy (Head of Plymouth Highways) and Andy Sharp (Interim Service Director for Street Services) added:

l)      A 12-week construction programme was in place and the contractor had already been on site for several weeks. The project remained on track for an end-of-summer finish, with only tree planting scheduled beyond that period;

m)   Field seeding would follow the completion of works, and tree planting would take place in autumn to ensure success;

n)    The drainage issue at the bottom of Ford Park Road was part of a separate programme, likely caused by utility works, and options were being reviewed. A report had been received outlining options for managing water in that area, and further updates could be provided at a later date;

o)    A specific construction phase plan was in place, compliant with CDM regulations, and included welfare facilities, diversion routes and notification extensions;

p)    A formalised programme of work was being delivered and officers were happy to share the construction phase plan with the Panel.

In response to questions, the Panel discussed:

q)    Concerns were raised regarding contract management and the lack of a clear schedule, with calls for greater transparency, accountability and inclusion of risk planning;

r)     The public perception of the Council’s handling of the project was poor, with reputational damage noted;

s)     The need for a clear schedule of works with key milestones was emphasised, including earthworks and final tree planting;

t)     Challenges keeping to schedule had been caused by uncontrollable variables including adverse weather and the loss of a contractor;

u)    The park had already seen positive public engagement with the ponds and wildlife;

v)     The scheme had received cross-party support;

w)   The need to ensure lessons were learnt and the importance of contract clauses in future projects;

x)    The potential to include tree information and planting schedules in the park’s educational signage and existing QR code resources;

Action: Officers to provide a schedule of works with key milestones, including landscaping and tree planting timelines, and respond to public questions raised during the meeting.

The Panel agreed:

1.     To note the report and the update on the Central Park Ponds project;

2.     To request that a schedule with key milestones be provided to members.