Decision details

1.    Update and agree the approach and prioritisation of the Principal Towns Programme.

2.    Due to an early investment opportunity in the market, approve the necessary delegated powers, allowing BMBC officers to draw down against funding notionally set aside to deliver key activities.

3.    Subsequent reports will follow to provide updates on further actions and seek approval for decisions where required.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

1.    Recognises that further funding of the Principal Towns programme based on detailed plans for each area will be considered within the principle of “equitable investment for all.” This will be aligned to the planning process, timing of funds and stages of development of proposals; and

2.    Notes the delivery and achievements of Phase 1 and 2 to date whilst acknowledging amendments made to programme delivery and agree that any associated underspend be carried forward; and

3.    Agrees to sign off the action plan for the next stage of the Principal Towns and Local Centres programme; and

4.    Approves the release of up to £6.87m from the existing programme budget to support the delivery of the Local Centres projects and strategic acquisitions, thus enabling progress to be made in delivery of the action plan. These funds will be released subject to Principal Towns Programme Board, S151 Officer endorsement and application of established capital programme governance processes to ensure robust, positive, and affordable outcomes in respect of business case and feasibility study work; and

In approving the release of the funding:

5.    Authorises the Service Director Regeneration & Culture to formally agree terms for the acquiring of the assets detailed in Appendix C by negotiation or use of CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) powers, subject to further reporting; and

6.    Authorises the Service Director Regeneration & Culture to procure relevant feasibility studies and relevant consultancy to support the action plan. This is to ensure that the Council will achieve Value for Money from the Principal Towns programme and early investments. This will ensure that the Principal Towns work aligns with our Asset Management work and that all assets have future operator and are not dependant on Council operating costs or future subsidy; and

7.    Authorises, post-acquisition, the Service Director Regeneration & Culture to procure associated surveys, contractors, and demolition costs (where required) for the sites, subject to value for money considerations; and

8.    Authorises the Executive Director Core Services to complete the above transactions subject to all necessary planning permissions being obtained.