Issue details
Stepney City Farm Water Efficiency and Visitor Experience Improvement Works
PDF 83 KBApprove the grant funding to Stepney City Farm to improve the water efficiency and visitor experience around the farm and ensure the community facility is accessible to all.
Project funding was secured through s106 contribution associated with the Ocean Estate Redevelopment, with the project identified in accordance with the terms of the s106 agreement.
The s106 Agreement required the Developers to provide written approval of the projects identified by the Council, prior to release of the money. Approval was granted in September 2014 and the s106 contribution received by the Council October 2014. The contribution was been secured specifically for improvements works at Stepney City Farm.
The Farm have previously been granted finances to improve the surfaces at the farm for accessibility and the water irrigation works proposed need to be installed in advance of the new pathways being installed in early 2017.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: Stepney Green;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 09/12/2016
Open/Exempt: Open;
Decision due: 11 Jan 17 by Grants Scrutiny Sub-Committee
Decision due: 17 Jan 17 by Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning
Lead director: Corporate Director, Development & Renewal
Contact: Matthew Pullen, (Infrastructure Planning Manager) 0207 364 6363 Email: matthew.pullen@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Stepney City Farm is a working farm and community meeting place and provides opportunities for children and adults a chance to meet farm animals, learn how to grow food and try out arts and crafts. The farm also hosts school groups four days a week during term time as well as activities during the holiday.
The proposal for Stepney City Farm to provide improvements to the irrigation system at the farm and other water efficiency. The proposed system would be based on a rainwater harvesting facility to reduce the environmental impact of the farm practices as well as reducing operational costs for the farm. The improvements will also alleviate the current issues of water logged areas. This will open up areas of the farm for improved usage and allow mobility for wheelchairs and pushchairs around the whole site after heavy rainfall. This will enable the Farm to provide an improved service to the local community, primarily school children and volunteers, but also the elderly and disabled who utilise the farm services.
The proposed improvements consist of seating and tables to be utilised within the Café area and benches for ‘rest’ stops around the Farm. The signage will be used to improve the visitors knowledge of the animals and also help keep animals and visitors safe. In line with the Farms mission of improving access of the farm and making it welcoming to all, the proposals are to install wheelchair accessible tables
The Infrastructure Delivery Sub Group approved the funding of the Water Efficiency Project in October 2016 and Visitor Experience Improvements in November 2016.
Has an Equality Analysis been carried out and if so the result of this Assessment?: N/A
What supporting documents or other information will be available?: N/A
Agenda items
- 17/01/2017 - Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee Stepney City Farm Water Efficiency and Café Upgrade Proposals 17/01/2017
- 17/01/2017 - Commissioners' Decision Making Meeting Stepney City Farm Water Efficiency and Café Upgrade Proposals 17/01/2017