Hounslow Council must make Gunnersbury New Year resolution - Lib Dems

3.15.22pm GMT Mon 25th Jan 2010

Cllrs Jon Ball and Andrew Dakers with supporters calling for investment in Gunnersbury park, mansions and museum

Hounslow and Ealing Liberal Democrats are calling on Hounslow Council to follow Ealing Council's lead and identify the capital to fund their contribution to the regeneration of Gunnersbury Park of Gunnersbury Park, mansions and local history museum. This follows the Lib Dems' success, along with other local campaigners, in persuading Ealing Tories to commit to not building on the corner of the park. Hounslow Liberal Democrats are now tabling a motion at Borough Council on 2 March calling for a capital fund to be built up with a contribution of £1m per annum from Hounslow over the next 7-8 years backed by the local authority.

Cllr Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Brentford & Isleworth Constituency, said:

"We were delighted Ealing Council finally saw sense in December and committed £5m to the project. We still do not think this enough as project consultants Jura have to date advised that the two councils each need to raise about £8m capital.

"As well as calling for £1m per annum to be set aside over 7-8 years by Hounslow Council to build up a capital fund, our motion also calls on the councils to address the crisis in governance at the park. The current organisation structure is not yet fit for purpose and must be urgently improved if it is to successfully deliver such a significant regeneration programme.

"I urge local residents to sign our online petition for real investment and less talk at: http://tinyurl.com/gunnersburyparkpetition"

Cllr Jon Ball, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Ealing Central and Acton Constituency, added:

"We are delighted that our campaign has succeeded and that Ealing Tories have listened to the concerns of residents we have voiced in the Council chamber. Now Hounslow Council must do the same. We hope both Councils will also explain how the remainder of the funding required to get national funding bodies on board will be secured."

NOTES

Motion on Gunnersbury Park governance and regeneration funding

Proposer: Cllr Andrew Dakers

Seconder: Cllr John Howliston

This Council notes:

• the recent work of the both Ealing and Hounslow Council and the Development Manager to progress the urgent restoration of Gunnersbury Park, the local history museum and mansions.

• the passion and commitment of both the Friends of Gunnersbury Park & Museum and the Save Trees in Gunnersbury Park groups and the wider community for these locally and nationally significant amenities.

• the recent pledge of Ealing Council to contribute £5m to the regeneration of Gunnersbury Park and Museum and welcomes their support.

• the total estimate of costs for the consultants recommended option was £39 million, or £24 million project if the Sports Hub project is set aside as a separate phase to the programme. Consultants Jura assumed Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and London Development Agency funding of £7.5 million requiring £2.4 million from the two Councils in match funding. This would still leave a £14 million shortfall.

• if Hounslow match Ealing's £5m commitment it will still leave a £6.4 million funding gap.

• the Secretary of State and English Heritage have the power to put a Repairs Notice on both Councils directing them to immediately repair the stables and other buildings at risk in the park.

This Council calls on the Executive to:

• address the funding crisis with urgency so as not to delay progress in developing a business plan and submitting funding applications to national bodies.

• continue to improve governance arrangements at Gunnersbury with the introduction of a trust or similar body.

• commit to raise £1 million capital per annum over 7-8 years - starting with the 2010/11 budget. This annual capital provision might include: sponsorship, donations, legacy giving and small grants as part of a fundraising strategy, as well as both councils' own contributions. Partnership arrangements for the large mansion restaurant conferencing business that reduce pressure on the public purse should also be explored.

ENDS

Related Link:

Gunnersbury Park Petition