Issue - meetings

The Board was advised that over 150 signs had been installed as part of the Arts and Heritage trail, which represented over 40% of the total trail. A review of the trail’s digital offer was underway, alongside the development of an activity worksheet to encourage young people and families to explore the trail.

The first of four new commissioned sculptures, ‘The Sleeping Legionary’ by artist Louis Smith, had also been unveiled at Fairlands Valley Park, celebrating Stevenage’s Roman heritage and providing a new feature along the trail.

Discussions took place, and board members were pleased to see how the development of the trails were going.

It was RESOLVED that the updates be noted.

The Board received an update from the Regeneration Manager on the Local Regeneration Fund reporting submission to MHCLG, covering the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

It was reported the transition from the previous funding arrangements to the Local Regeneration Fund had simplified reporting requirements and enabled a greater focus on programme-level delivery.

The Board noted updates on project progress, funding, challenges and outputs.

The Board were advised that the programme was progressing well, with several major regeneration projects moving from planning into delivery. Key achievements included:

·         Successful relocation and reopening of the Indoor Market

·         Signing of the Station Gateway development agreement

·         Progress on the SG1 and Claxton House developments

·         Advancement of the Construction Campus project,

·         Securing of planning permission for the Sports and Leisure Centre

·         Continued progress on public realm and cultural projects.

Members discussed an array of ongoing and active workstreams including initial design work and planning for stakeholder and community engagement for the Station Gateway project.

It was RESOLVED that the updates be noted.