to discuss the funding applications for the following projects:

1. Business-Led Town Centre Improvements

2. Children’s Society Wellbeing Hub

3. South Devon Creative and Cultural Incubation Space (formerly Hidden High Street Creative Space)

4. Torbay Creative Exchange

5. Transforming play spaces

Business-Led Town Centre Improvements

Interest declared: Alison Hernandez, as a previous funding contributor to this project's development.

The Board considered the application for Business-Led Town Centre Improvements, noting the proposed community engagement arrangements, and were advised that three different Town Centre Partnership Groups would be involved in project development and decision-making. It was noted that the approach sought to encourage community ownership whilst ensuring projects reflected local needs.

Discussion took place regarding the geographical focus of the project. The applicant advised that while priority areas had yet to be determined, the Board would have the opportunity to influence future priorities.

Members highlighted the importance of securing dedicated capacity to coordinate activity within the town centre, and explained that a significant proportion of this funding would be used to employ a Town Centre Manager. The Board heard that the proposed role would support businesses, improve coordination between organisations and help identify and secure external funding opportunities. Members discussed the potential overlap between this and a similar role being recruited at Torbay Council. The applicant explained that the proposed position would focus on strategic town centre development, whereas existing arrangements operated across a wider Torbay remit.

Members reflected on previous investments in the town centre and the need for longer-term, sustainable improvements. It was noted that improving collaboration between businesses was a key objective and that a coordinated approach was required to address systemic issues affecting the town centre.

The Board noted that the project had ranked highly within the assessment process and aligned strongly with the priority of delivering visible improvements within Torquay Town Centre. The Board recognised that a long-term commitment was required to provide the certainty necessary to recruit and retain the proposed post.

Resolved: that £187,000 be approved to support a programme of short to medium-term improvements to Torquay Town Centre, allocated across two years (£93,500 Capital and £83,611 Revenue funding in each year), comprising £46,750 Capital and £41,805.50 Revenue funding in Year 1 and £46,750 Capital and £41,805.50 Revenue funding in Year 2.

Children's Society Wellbeing Hub

Interest declared: Callum Elliot (Sound Communities), as part of the group applying for funding.

The Board considered the revised proposal for the Children's Society Wellbeing Hub. Members noted that the proposal had been amended following identification of a town centre property and that the overall funding request had reduced.

Discussion focused on the project's future sustainability, particularly the revenue funding requirements within the business plan. The Board was advised that further external funding opportunities were being explored and that the request would effectively provide an underwriting mechanism during the establishment period.

The applicant explained that the projected reduction in funding requirements towards the end of the programme reflected an expectation that alternative income sources and rental income would support long-term sustainability. The Board also noted the wider work being undertaken by Sound Communities to support young people in developing sustainable business ventures.

Resolved: that, subject to receipt and approval of the Business Case through the Quality Assurance Framework, the Board indicate its support in principle for funding of £45,833 Capital and £44,694.50 Revenue to facilitate the relocation and redevelopment of the existing hub, noting that any funding commitment proposal must be brought before the full Board in September for ratification.

South Devon Creative and Cultural Incubation Space

Interest declared: Laurence Frewin, as an informal educational partner of the Artizan Gallery.

The Board considered the revised proposal and funding options presented.

Members noted that the lower funding option would enable technical assessments and feasibility work to proceed. Members discussed fire safety and building compliance matters. Officers advised that the Quality Assurance Framework process would ensure these matters were thoroughly examined before significant expenditure was committed.

The Board discussed the wider regeneration benefits of the project, including opportunities for schools, young people and communities within more deprived areas of Torquay. Members who had visited the site commented positively on its potential to contribute to both cultural development and town centre regeneration.

It was acknowledged that the proposal had initially attracted varied scoring but that subsequent discussions and site visits had increased confidence in the project's potential impact.

Resolved: that £22,000 Revenue funding be approved to facilitate advanced feasibility studies.

Torbay Creative Exchange

Interests: None present.

The proposal sought funding for a feasibility study to explore opportunities for a network of creative hubs across Torbay, and the Board discussed the merits of this approach.

Members discussed whether links could be developed with the South Devon Creative and Cultural Incubation Space project.

Funding for the scheme was not approved

Transforming Play Spaces

Interests: None present.

The Board considered the revised application for Transforming Play Spaces.

Members were advised that the application had been amended following clarification of Government funding arrangements. Government funding of £240,000 capital and £30,000 revenue had been secured for three sites within Torquay, with community engagement forming a key element of the programme.

The Board heard that the current funding request related to additional sites identified through consultation which would not be covered by the Government funding allocation. The sites discussed included Ellacombe, Broad Park and Kitson Park.

Members noted that Ellacombe would primarily receive surfacing improvements, and that Broad Park required wider investment due to the condition of play equipment and the overall site. Members discussed specifically the proposals at Kitson Park, which focused on facilities for older children and young people, including outdoor fitness provision.

Discussion took place regarding whether the proposed locations aligned sufficiently with the Board's agreed priorities and the geographical spread of investment across Torquay.

Resolved: that further information be requested from the applicant on the overall distribution of funding and project priorities before a final funding decision is made, and that Members discuss the proposal further between meetings, given the timeframe for submission to Government, whilst noting that any funding commitment proposal must be brought before the full Board in September for ratification.