Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Rob Broom, Jackie Hollywell, Phil Bibby CC (observer) and Robin Parker CC (observer).

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider and approve the Towns Fund Business Case for the Garden Square and Diversification of Retail Space project.

The Executive considered a report seeking approval of the Towns Fund Business Case in respect of the Garden Square and Diversification of Retail Space Project.

The following comments were made by Members and officers:

·        the project would follow a two stage process, with Phase 1 comprising some good quality interim works once the new Bus Interchange was opened, with a more permanent solution (Phase 2) once the wider SG1 redevelopment scheme progressed.  The site would be used for community and cultural events;

·        consideration should be given to the retention and possible use of the existing bus shelters for pop-up arts and crafts displays;

·        it was important that a strong message was given to the public about the phased nature of the project, emphasising the timescales involved;

·        it was noted that the works to deliver the Phase 2 (permanent) element of the project were programmed for 2025, although efforts would be made to bring forward this date if possible; and

·        Residents would be consulted and asked to provide their ideas on the future use of the space in the Summer of 2022.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the endorsement of the project from the Stevenage Development Board be noted.

2.          That the business case for the Garden Square and Diversification of Retail project be approved, and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to submit the project summary to the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing Towns Fund team on behalf of the Council (acting as Accountable Body).

3.          That further community engagement relating to the existing bus station space and Garden Square, which are within the remit of this programme, be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider and approve the Towns Fund Business Case for the Science, Innovation and Technology Centre (SITEC) project.

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Executive considered a report seeking approval of the Towns Fund Business Case in respect of the Science, Innovation and Technology Centre (SITEC) Project.

The following comments were made by Members:

·        the scheme was welcomed, and it was important that businesses were able to steer the type of training courses that would be provided by the SITEC, in order that it was the most appropriate skills development for their needs; and

·        it was pleasing to note that the Stakeholder Group for the project included North Herts College, the University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Hertfordshire County Council, Stevenage Borough Council, and business representatives.  Crucially, the SITEC would provide an interface between Stevenage residents and the international businesses located in the town, which was considered to be vital for a diverse and integrated community.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the endorsement of the project from the Stevenage Development Board be noted.

2.          That the business case for the Science, Innovation and Technology Centre (SITEC) project be approved, and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to submit the project summary to the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing Towns Fund team on behalf of the Council (acting as Accountable Body).

3.          That it be noted that the project is at an earlier stage compared to others in the programme and will require an updated business plan and full business case to be approved prior to drawdown of funding.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider and approve the Towns Fund Business Case for the Cycling & Pedestrian Connectivity (including Arts & Heritage Trail) project.

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Executive considered a report seeking approval of the Towns Fund Business Case in respect of the Cycling & Pedestrian Connectivity (including Arts & Heritage Trail) Project.

The Executive acknowledged that, as well as cycling, pedestrians and runners also used the Borough’s cycleways, in order to improve their health and wellbeing.  It was further acknowledged that the proposed Arts & Heritage Trail would also help mental wellbeing, especially important following on from the Covid-19 pandemic.   

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the endorsement of the project from the Stevenage Development Board be noted.

2.          That the business case for the Cycling & Pedestrian Connectivity (including Arts & Heritage Trail) project be approved, and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to submit the project summary to the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing Towns Fund team on behalf of the Council (acting as Accountable Body).

3.          That the engagement to date with cycling user groups, and the approach for further consultation and engagement for the next stage of the project development, be noted.

4.          That it be noted that this business case is in outline, and that a further update with detailed cost plans and finalised project scope will be reported to Executive within the next 18 months.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider any Part I business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

None.

To consider the following motions –

1.          That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.          That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Not required.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

None.