Further to minute 283 (27 November 2008), the Director of Children’s Services presented a scheme and estimate report, which proposed to accommodate a Youth Club within the Wallasey Fire Station and re-locate Fire & Rescue facilities from the ground floor into under-used accommodation on the first floor. He commented that the fire station was in a good location for young people, close to public transport links and as a working fire station, fire and rescue officers would be on site 24 hrs which provided an added sense of security. He reported that the proposed Youth Project accommodation would cater for up to 80 service users per session, and he commented upon the activities that would be provided.

The overall anticipated set up costs of the project were £452,000, inclusive of furniture and equipment (£22,600) and professional fees (£56,010) and would be funded by a Youth Capital Plus grant from the Department of Children, Schools and Families. The revenue costs for heating, lighting and external maintenance would be met by the Fire Authority.

Resolved –

(1) That the scheme and estimate be approved.

(2) That Technical Services be authorised to obtain all necessary statutory approvals for the proposed works.

(3) That the Director of Technical Services be authorised to seek tenders for the proposed works, in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules.

(4) That the Director of Children’s Services use his delegated powers to accept the lowest bona fide tender, and report back to members in due course.

(5) That the thanks of the Cabinet be accorded to the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service for the provision of building accommodation.