Issue - meetings

To consider an update report regarding the Towns Fund Programme delivery.

The Executive considered a report which provided an update on projects within the Government’s Towns Fund programme being delivered by the Council and the Stevenage Development Board.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the endorsement of the Stevenage Development Board on resolutions 2. to 5. below be noted.

2.          That the progress of the ‘Transforming the Town Centre’ regeneration programme, specifically the DLUHC grant funded Towns Fund projects, be noted.

3.          That the progress made and early-stage consultation regarding the New Towns Heritage Centre and Museum be noted.

4.          That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to the procurement of design services via a procurement framework for the Station Gateway and Central Core West Major Opportunities Areas (MOA), and that the work undertaken thus far be noted.

5.          That the amendments to the 2023/24 spend profile, in line with official DLUHC guidelines, and as set out in Paragraphs 3.30 – 4.3 of the report, be noted.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

The Executive considered a report which provided an update on projects within the Government’s Towns Fund programme being delivered by the Council and the Stevenage Development Board.

In the absence of the Leader of the Council, the Chair (Deputy Leader of the Council) advised that the report provided an update on the projects within the Towns Fund programme which is being delivered by Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Development Board.  As the Council acts as the Accountable Body for the delivery of Towns Fund, it was required to provide formal updates to the Executive on project progress.

The Chair stated that the report covered the progress of the New Towns Heritage Centre, Station Gateway and Skills, Enterprise and Life Sciences projects.  The report also sought to utilise the power delegated from central government to the accountable body to move some funding from 2023/24 to 2024/25, and requested the Executive to delegate authority for the procurement of design services, via a procurement framework, for the Station Gateway and Central Core West Major Opportunities Areas (MOA), noting the work undertaken thus far.

The Regeneration Manager commented that the recommendations contained in the report had received the endorsement of the Stevenage Development Board.

The Portfolio Holder for Economy and Transport felt that it was important that the Council gave due consideration to the findings of the Clare Adler Community Stakeholder consultation report for Stevenage Museum, in the light of the possibility of a number of other museums/archive facilities expressing an interest in being located in Stevenage due to its favourable location and excellent transport links.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the endorsement of the Stevenage Development Board on resolutions 2. to 5. below be noted.

2.          That the progress of the ‘Transforming the Town Centre’ regeneration programme, specifically the DLUHC grant funded Towns Fund projects, be noted.

3.          That the progress made and early-stage consultation regarding the New Towns Heritage Centre and Museum be noted.

4.          That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to the procurement of design services via a procurement framework for the Station Gateway and Central Core West Major Opportunities Areas (MOA), and that the work undertaken thus far be noted.

5.          That the amendments to the 2023/24 spend profile, in line with official DLUHC guidelines, and as set out in Paragraphs 3.30 – 4.3 of the report, be noted.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.