Issue - meetings

To receive a report seeking Cabinet approval to move forward to the next stages with a regeneration partnership with Capital and Centric (C&C) relating to sites within the Market Towns.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford.

The Cabinet has

(a)  supported officers identifying and working up proposals for regeneration opportunities in the Market Towns, which could be brought forward for development in conjunction with C&C as a private sector partner – noting the benefits of the C&C operating model as listed within the appendix to the report;

(b)  endorsed the principle of working with C&C as a partner to develop and potentially deliver identified proposals – noting the appointment via a Direct Award from the ‘Bloom’ Framework – and noting the advice of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources (S151) that there are sufficient funds available to facilitate the identified works;

(c)  endorsed officers proceeding to undertake engagement with stakeholders relating to any identified opportunities and potential developments as part of business case development; and

(d)  supported the principle of officers engaging in efforts to acquire land and buildings in connection with the principle of regeneration in the Market Towns, where this would align with the principles of delivering economic or housing led regeneration. 

A report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration and Housing Delivery was submitted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking the Cabinet’s approval to move forward to the next stages with a regeneration partnership with Capital and Centric (C&C) relating to sites within the Market Towns. This project sought to bring forward economic and housing led opportunities which would contribute positively and create new homes, jobs and other benefits.

After setting out the report, the Executive Councillor – Jobs, Economy & Housing, S Wakeford in response to comments from the Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth), stated that the recommendations had been clarified so that the approval sought included noting the advice of the S151 officer that there were sufficient funds available to facilitate identified works within existing reserves. For clarity, the Leader read out these revised recommendations as laid out in the supplementary document published prior to the meeting.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet

(a)  supported officers identifying and working up proposals for regeneration opportunities in the Market Towns, which could be brought forward for development in conjunction with C&C as a private sector partner – noting the benefits of the C&C operating model as listed within the appendix to the report;

(b)  endorsed the principle of working with C&C as a partner to develop and potentially deliver identified proposals – noting the appointment via a Direct Award from the ‘Bloom’ Framework – and noting the advice of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources (S151) that there are sufficient funds available to facilitate the identified works;

(c)  endorsed officers proceeding to undertake engagement with stakeholders relating to any identified opportunities and potential developments as part of business case development; and

(d)  supported the principle of officers engaging in efforts to acquire land and buildings in connection with the principle of regeneration in the Market Towns, where this would align with the principles of delivering economic or housing led regeneration

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the proposal and recommendations contained in the accompanying paper.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford

By means of a report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration & Housing Delivery (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Regeneration Opportunities Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Jennings praised the proposal’s substance and that this Company has a proven track record which he approves of but referred to Appendix A‘s missing information. The Panel heard this information was later in the report. He sought clarification as to what the Council are entering, is it providing the £1 million from the reserves immediately or are they recommending moving onto the next stages, then come back to the Panel when they are ready to commit the £1 million. The Panel heard confirmation that the recommendations being heard are to support the principle of working forward and developing proposals, but this would include upfront costs in stage 1 from the reserves. They do not anticipate this will reach £1 million but this has been flagged for stage 1.

Councillor Jennings asked if this issue would be going onto Full Council due to the level of expenditure out of reserves as it is outside of the budget cycle. A supplementary item has been added to the report for Full Council’s reference.

Councillor Taylor expressed her concerns over the report, highlighting that the company were met at the UKREiiF but the Council has not sought anyone else. She acknowledged their impressive track record but wonders why the funds from the reserves of £1 million is being given to a private company when this could be spent on the Council’s own assets, referencing St Neots as an example. The Panel heard that the purpose of the proposal is to stimulate change in our market towns and to unlock a substantial degree of value for residents for market towns and the economy as well as housing elements. It is a rare opportunity to spend in a way that unlocks measures of value. The Council would not be handing money over to a private company but developing proposals and engaging through a consultation process. The Council would seek feedback from residents which would inform what the Council does. The Panel heard that they seek to regenerate the market towns and do not wish to be reliant on grant pots to achieve this and they are confident in working with the selected company.

Councillor Gleadow acknowledged the track record of the proposed company but reflected that it very urban based and not market or conservation areas. She asked if they had experience in a similar region. The Panel heard that a lot of the company’s activity is around Manchester, but they have worked on smaller projects in other areas such as in Farnworth. It was confirmed that they protect heritage assets, choosing to work with the existing buildings around sites such as this rather than demolishing for development. Homes England have given them a substantial funding which shows their confidence in delivery.

Councillor Chapman asked what this project will do that other reports  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22