The
Business Growth Manager provided a verbal update to Members on
current progress against the Business Growth Strategy.
Key
points of discussion included:
·
Crematorium Development – planning permission
had been granted with specific conditions attached. The detailed designs were being developed to go
out to pricing. The aim was to complete
the build via Dragonfly following the changes to the company as
this would give the Council more control over the
development. It was hoped to achieve
BREEAM status for the building which would be crucial for long-term
sustainability of the building. If the
next stages went to plan, it was hoped to be on site by June/July
2023.
A
Member queried whether the use of Dragonfly as contractor was under
full scrutiny and if an open book process was being
used. The Business Growth Manager
explained that using this approach would give the Council far more
control over costs and quality than if a wider procurement process
was used. All procurement standards
would be met and the scheme would comply with the Construction
Playbook.
-
Garage Sites – the review of garage sites was
complete and all sites identified for disposal had been
sold. Sites identified as no longer
suitable for use due to condition or not viable as a site, had been
demolished to make way for redevelopment as green/open
space. A small number of viable sites
remained in use. The programme had
brought in approximately £2m capital to the HRA.
-
Pleasley Vale – a dedicated officer was now in
post on a temporary contract for three years. Options for development work were being drawn up
and there would be consultation with existing tenants in the New
Year.
-
Portland Drive – a flood risk assessment was
due to be completed as a result of the culvert on the
site. The current proposal was to erect
14 units with parking based on the size of the site and planning
permission was due to be considered before Christmas.
-
Business support/engagement – a programme
would hopefully be delivered as a result of UKSPF monies which had
just been approved by the government.
The programme would involve business grants, tourism support, a net
zero support programme and development of Oxcroft House. The
UKSPF monies had been used as match-funding to support the
Levelling Up bid to redevelop Oxcroft
House in to a cultural/creative hub.
The delivery plans for the UKSPF monies had finally been approved
on 5th December 2022.
-
Oxcroft
House – the Council had been approached with a
potential letting option for the site.
While this was unexpected, work was progressing with the
prospective tenant to secure a lease.
This would not impact the ability to create a cultural/creative hub
through the Levelling Up monies as alternative sites had been
identified. If the lease option did not
progress, then the hub would be based at Oxcroft House as planned.
-
Horizon 29 – a non-disclosure agreement was
currently in place for one of the proposed tenants. One confirmed tenant was Wollesley Group, which would generate at least 20
new jobs related to warehouse distribution.
-
Business Engagement Strategy – officers were
currently working on a strategy to help businesses move forward
within the District. Support had been
received from the LGA (£14k) and Grant Thornton were also
providing support as part of its development. The aim was to bring the Strategy to a future
meeting of the Committee.
A
Member queried if there was a known timetable in relation to the
Levelling Up Fund and when an outcome
would be received. The Business Growth
Manager advised that the current guidance was ‘before
Christmas’. Officers were also
considering proposals that could go forward for round 3 of funding
once this was confirmed.
Moved by Councillor Derek Adams and seconded by Councillor
Tracey Cannon.
RESOLVED that the verbal report be
noted.
(Assistant Director of Development & Planning/
Business Growth Manager)