URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4544

Decision Maker: Charity Trustee Sub-Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 8.1 The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, which requested approval to extend the existing coffee cart licence at the Charles Ashmore Road entrance of Graves Park which was due to expire on 20th September 2025, until 31st March 2026, which would align that contract with the existing coffee cart licence at Graves Park Animal Farm, thereby aligning the contract timelines to enable both opportunities to be marketed concurrently.     8.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustees Sub-Committee: - (a)  Approves the extension of the current mobile coffee cart licence at Graves Park (Charles Ashmore Road entrance) from 20th September 2025 to 31st March 2026, to align with the expiry of the Animal Farm coffee cart licence; (b)  Approves the commencement of a procurement process for a new coffee cart operator at: Graves Park – Charles Ashmore entrance, effective from 1st April 2026, subject to approval of Recommendation Graves Park – Animal Farm, as the current licence also ends on 31st March 2026; and Notes that a further report will be brought to this Committee following the procurement process, seeking approval to enter into new licence agreements with the recommended operator(s) for both sites, effective from 1st April 2026.     8.3 Reasons for Decision     8.3.1 The provision of refreshment facilities in the park contributes to the objects of the charity, providing amenities within recreation/pleasure grounds for use by the public. It has also become an expected part of visitors’ park experience     8.3.2 Generating an income allows the council as sole trustee to support the management and maintenance of the park and in turn contribute to the charity objects.   8.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     8.4.1 Allowing the existing licence with Sophie’s Cakes and Coffee to expire on 20th September and seeking approval for a new operator from 21st September has been dismissed as not being in the best interests of the charity. This approach would require the charity to undertake two separate procurement processes, placing additional demands on staff time and resources. Furthermore, it would likely result in higher overall costs and prevent the charity from achieving economies of scale that could be realised through a single, consolidated procurement. As such, this option is not considered a cost-effective or efficient use of charitable resources     8.4.2 Choosing not to re-tender the coffee carts would result in the absence of this type of refreshment provision within the farm park. This would negatively impact the overall visitor experience, particularly at the Charles Ashmore/Meadowhead side of the park, where such facilities contribute to visitor satisfaction and dwell time. Additionally, the removal of this offer would lead to a reduction in rental income, thereby diminishing a valuable revenue stream for the charity. For these reasons, this option is not considered to be in the best interests of the charity.      

Date of Decision: June 23, 2025