It is thanks to the hard work on the part of residents over the years, especially in developing the Heritage Lottery Funding bid last year, that funding was approved yesterday for two projects on Jesus Green: the development of the Rouse Ball Pavilion and the drainage of Jesus Green. Anthony Bowen spoke before the committee on behalf of the Jesus Green Association, along with Sarah Cloughly and Julie Manniche, who voiced support for a cafe in the new Rouse Ball pavilion. Cllr Andrea Reiner also addressed the committee, noting that residents had developed the projects over many years, and that the completed projects would benefit people across the city.

The committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the Executive Councillor prioritise the following project of £95,000 or, if possible, up to £119,000 for drainage of Jesus Green, from city-wide developer contributions, subject to project appraisal and appropriate funding to met any related revenue and maintenance costs.

It was also recommended that the Executive Councillor allocate £100,000 of city-wide funding from outdoor sports/formal open space funding, and £85,000 (or, if possible, up to £109,000) of community facilities funding, for the longer term development of the Rouse Ball Pavilion on Jesus Green, subject to project appraisal and appropriate funding to met any related revenue and maintenance costs.

The committee noted the Jesus Green Play area had already had £100,000-149,000 allocated to it as an on-going project from developer contributions.

This is a big step towards attaining a shared vision for the renewal of Jesus Green.