| Topic: | Re:No live music events in Gunnersbury this summer | |
| Posted by: | Francis Rowe | |
| Date/Time: | 30/05/26 08:59:00 |
| I've read the report submitted by the residents' association on funding for Gunnersbury Park. A lot of work has gone into it and some good points are made and people who take the time and effort to produce something that they believe will contribute to the betterment of their area deserve credit. There are, however a couple of fundamental flaws in the analysis. Firstly, while I don't know how effective the management of the park at winning bids for grant funding, this source has already brought in millions and largely pays for the park. It seems highly unlikely that tens of millions of funding has been left on the table, particularly in this financially challenging time. Secondly, current thinking in grant giving bodies appears to be that the recipient must first demonstrate their own ability to fund themselves sustainably. Money is not given out to bail organisations out that may be in trouble but to those which demonstrate the acumen to prove that they will not be dependent on further hand outs to support basic operations. The loss of commercial revenue is a double whammy because it will also reduce future grant revenue. The report seems to me an exercise in wishful thinking and perhaps a recognition that damage has been done by the cancellation of this summer's events. |