ASSESSMENT REPORT
Name of Group: Holt Playing Field Association
Status: Registered charity
Established Date: January 1932
Contact: Glynis Williamson
Panel:
£ Requested: £40,000.00
NORTH NORFOLK BIG SOCIETY FUND
February 2013 Large grant
Assessed By: Jenny Bevan
Number of beneficiaries:
915
Primary issues:
Sport and Recreation
Organisation Size:
F/T Staff: 0
P/T Staff: 2
Volunteers: 68
Total Project Cost: £261,265.00
District: North Norfolk
Sub district: Holt
Primary beneficiaries:
Children and Young People
Primary age groups:
Young People (13 - 18)
Organisation purpose:
The Holt Playing Field Association is responsible for the day to day management and development of Holt Sport
Centre and Social Club. The 5.24 hectare site in Kelling Road, Holt, is a community facility situated in the centre
of the town. The site currently hosts 702 people from five main organisations; Holt United Football Club, Holt
United Youth Football Club, Holt Cricket Club, Holt Bowls Club and Holt Sports and Social Club.
Aim: To provide quality inclusive community sports and social facilities that engages the residents of Holt in
positive, learning and healthy activities.
Application summary:
To extend the existing pavilion to provide suitable toilets and changing rooms, and to extend the kitchen.
Financial information:
Income in the year ending December 2011 totalled £17,484, primarily from rent of the facilities plus income from
the Sports and Social Club. Expenditure totalled £17,572. Current free reserves stand at c. £5,000.
Referee comment:
Karl Read, Sports & Leisure Services Manager - NNDC. "Holt Sports Association operates and manages a
great facility, and could offer much more to the local community. However it is not fully accessible, and so is in
drastic need of improvements to address this issue. There is also scope at the facility to further develop its
pavilion, to allow for growth and so increase participation/ income to provide financial security in the longer
term."
Monitoring objectives:
- The increase and improve recreational facilities serving the Holt area
- To increase opportunities for new community activities and volunteering
Project targets:
- 915 people will use the new facilities on a regular basis
- 8 new sports teams will be developed to increase participation in sport
- 100 people will take part in taster sessions to increase participation in the new sports teams
- 16 new volunteers will be recruited to support the 8 new teams developed
- 420 people will be engaged in the local community through affordable social activities
Recommendation:
The Association manages the recreational facilities which comprise a main floodlit football pitch plus 5 smaller
pitches which are also used for cricket over the summer months. There is also a bowling green, and a
clubhouse, which houses a bar and social area, plus male and female WCs and 4 small changing rooms
comprising 3 showers and a toilet. There are currently no disabled WCs, and the changing rooms are
insufficient to accommodate the number of football teams that play at weekends and train throughout the week.
As a temporary solution, the Association has purchased a small second hand changing unit, which is not in
good condition and is an unattractive addition to the site.
The site is owned by National Playing Field Association, and there is a formal agreement in place appointing the
Association as the management body. The NPFA are however required to approve any works to the site, and
this is reportedly in place - evidence has been requested.
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ASSESSMENT REPORT
The facilities are generally well used (700 regular users are reported), with a wide range of sports and other
groups based at the site. To respond to increasing demand, the Association is keen to develop and expand the
facilities by adding a substantial single storey extension to improve changing rooms and WCs, as well as
enlarge the kitchen space and increase the space available for community events and activities. The works are
expected to cost £261,265 in total, and £40,000 is requested towards the building costs of £241,000. The cost
(£20,265) of surveys and fees is not included in this request. Plans have been developed to meet the
requirements of the sporting national governing bodies and local football league.
It is noted that these costings have been provided by a quantity surveyor, and are exclusive of VAT and various
exploratory works covering for example asbestos and drainage, and kitchen equipment. The project will go to
tender once funds are in place to proceed. It is hoped that it will be possible to get the project zero rated for
VAT, and this is currently being explored. At present only £2,000 has been raised towards the total cost. A
range of potential funders have been identified including Sport England's Inspired Facilities, Football Foundation
sources and local trusts. Norse Landfill will be approached for £25,000, and is said to have encouraged the bid.
It is also noted that full planning permission was granted in 2009, requiring the project to begin within 3 years.
However in order to avoid renewing the approval the group has undertaken the minimum requirement to show
progress with the works, comprising a 1m trench. Confirmation of this has been provided from NNDC planning.
Thornton Funding Consultancy has undertaken research into the need and demand for further local sports and
community facilities, and it is generally concluded that opportunities for new activities are limited. It is reported
that there have been expressions of interest in establishing new clubs and groups including Bowls Youth
Section (12 players), Cricket Youth Team (16 players), Ladies Football Team (15 players), U10/U11 Girls
Football Team (12 players), U7/U8 Football Team (10 players), Veterans Men's Football Team (18 players),
Table Tennis Club (30 players) and a Pool Team (10 players). The development of the existing facilities would
enable these and more new groups to form, and increase the range of affordable sports activities on offer
locally.
A marketing plan has been considered, with the new facilities promoted via a website, printed flyers and free
taster sessions. Financial projects show a small surplus in the first year. The development is expected to
increase income over time, with the improved facilities and increased space offering greater capacity and
flexibility for hirers. The facility will be better able to accommodate for general activity groups, as well as sports
clubs, who have found other local community venues at capacity. The building will be fully accessible once
these works are complete.
A business plan has been provided which sets out findings from research and consultation, including financial
forecasts for the first 5 years of operations and timetable for works indicating that the project will be complete by
December 2013.
NORTH NORFOLK BIG SOCIETY FUND February 2013 Large grant
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ASSESSMENT REPORT
Name of Group: Mundesley Youth and Community
Status: Unincorporated club or association
Established Date: October 2009
Contact: Jackie Thornton
Panel:
£ Requested: £45,000.00
NORTH NORFOLK BIG SOCIETY FUND
February 2013 Large grant
Assessed By: Jenny Bevan
Organisation Size:
F/T Staff: 0
P/T Staff: 0
Volunteers: 25
Number of beneficiaries:
820
Primary issues:
Sport and Recreation
Total Project Cost: £206,550.00
District: North Norfolk
Sub district: Mundesley
Primary beneficiaries:
People in Rural Areas
Primary age groups:
Adults (26 - 65)
Organisation purpose:
Established in Oct 2009, based on the needs of the community, Mundesley Youth and Community (MYC) was
formed by young people, parents, police, councillors and residents. MYC have been working with the
community to fundraise, apply for grants and gain support from local businesses and the wider community to
develop new facilities and services based on the needs of the community.
Vision: To give our community the very best chances in life, to encourage a better, healthier, more social way of
life.
Application summary:
To create a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
Financial information:
Accounts for the year ending June 2012 are currently being audited - draft figures show income of £22,754 and
expenditure of £13,749. All income is from grants, donations and fundraising, through activities such as
collections, raffles, sales and bingo. Reserves currently stand at £10,213, which represents fundraising efforts.
Referee comment:
Cllr Barry Smith. "(The project will) provide valuable facilities for the whole community , improving community
spirit, health and well being for people of all ages."
Monitoring objectives:
- 300 people will participate in recreational sport and leisure through a new open access facility available for
both residents and visitors to the area
- 100 people will participate in newly established sports teams including tennis, netball and football teams
- 100 older people will participate in physical activity, improving their mobility, independence and self esteem
- 300 people will improve their health by taking part in regular exercise through an existing sports club hiring the
facility or through annual membership bookings
- 20 new volunteers recruited to develop and run community fundraising events
- 4 new sports clubs established engaging disadvantaged and excluded people in community activities
Recommendation:
Mundesley Youth & Community (MYC) has been working with the Parish Council, NNDC and local residents to
create a community hub on an area of disused land. Plans are well underway, with projects to create a
children's play area, skate park and outdoor gym already complete. The site is owned by Mundesley Parish
Council - there is no lease in place, but there is an understanding that the land can be developed for this
purpose, as has been the case with other aspects of this project. A letter of support has been provided from the
Parish Council stating that they are fully supportive of this work, and as landowners offer support by providing
the land, rates and insurance for the site as well as cleaning and maintenance.
In 2009 MYC compiled an outline vision for the project with the Parish and District Councils, followed by
extensive community consultation comprising presentations, newsletters, questionnaires and interviews. This
has formed the basis of a business plan for the phased development of the site into a community recreational
facility. In 2012 MYC secured funding from Communitybuilders to undertake a feasibility study to build a MUGA
at the site, which will form the fourth and final phase of this project. This study involved key stakeholders
including local and county councillors, head teachers, businesses and residents. Two community events were
held in 2012 in August and December, supported by an online questionnaire, showing strong support. Detailed
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ASSESSMENT REPORT
findings from the report, covering analysis of local sports provision and needs, are included with the application.
The MUGA will cost £170,500 excluding VAT, comprising the MUGA surface, fencing, fixed goals and hoops,
equipment store, footpaths, banked seating, bins and cycle racks. 10% has also been allowed as a
contingency. To date £7,000 has been secured towards this total. Small sums for a launch event and initial
coaching sessions will be raised by MYC. A range of funders, including Sport England's Inspired Facilities,
Tesco and local donors have been identified to contribute, although applications have not yet been submitted.
The group is hoping that the project can be zero rated for VAT, and this is currently being investigated.
It is noted that a planning application has been submitted for these works, but approval has not yet been
granted - a decision is expected in c. 8 weeks. It is further noted that these costings are estimates, provided by
an architect following inquiries via MUGA construction companies and Sport England's Inspired Facilities. The
project will be put out to tender once planning permission has been granted.
The 37x21m facility will have a polymeric (rubberised) surface with floodlighting and line markings for tennis,
netball, football and basketball. The village has no floodlit area, and indoor facilities are not adequate to meet
local needs. The consultation showed the need for new sports clubs, identifying gaps such as mum's netball
club, tennis for older people and football training.
It is intended that the MUGA is self sustaining though hire income - the business plan states that in the first year
income is expected to reach £8,146 against operating costs of £7,404. MYC has undertaken research to
identify existing local clubs and groups that may wish to hire the MUGA, and links have been made with Active
Norfolk to encourage greater participation. Hirers will be charged a booking fee, plus an annual membership,
although some free usage will be available particularly for older people and disabled groups. The number of
bookings will also be limited, to ensure free access slots are maintained. An indication of pricing has been
provided eg. annual family membership £50, and bookings starting at £10 per hour. The facility will be
promoted via the MYC website, Facebook, newsletters and signage. Paper, telephone and online booking will
be enabled.
It is noted that as the Parish Council owns the land and will insure the facility, as well as undertake the majority
of maintenance, a SLA will be put in place which gives MYC management responsibility for the site. This is an
agreement in principle at this stage.
The application is supported by a wealth of information, including a business plan prepared by an independent
consultant. Overall the project seems to be well planned and evidenced, although without planning permission,
confirmed costings and other funding it is some way from being realised.
NORTH NORFOLK BIG SOCIETY FUND February 2013 Large grant
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