Agenda item

To consider an update on the regeneration projects taking place in Stevenage Town Centre, including in principle agreement for the funding and design of a new bus interchange; approval to develop a business case and timetable for the development of enhance leisure facilities; and approval to undertake an options appraisal for the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

The Executive considered a report which provided an update on the regeneration projects taking place in Stevenage Town Centre, and which sought an in principle agreement for the funding and design of a new bus interchange; approval to develop a business case and timetable for the development of enhanced leisure facilities; and approval to undertake an options appraisal for the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

An additional recommendation was agreed, requesting the Leader and Chief Executive to raise the matter of the continued delay in Growth Deal 3 funding with representatives of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of their scheduled meeting in London on 19 December 2018.

A further additional recommendation was agreed to ensure that the most appropriate procurement method was used for the new Bus Station project.

The Strategic Director (TP) was requested to establish a Member Advisory Group regarding the composition and design of the proposed Public Sector Hub in the Town Centre.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the progress on regeneration activity across the town be noted.

2.         That the delay in accessing Growth Deal 3 funding that has been allocated to Hertfordshire Local Enterprise (LEP) to support the regeneration of Stevenage Town Centre, and the potential implications of this delay continuing, be noted.

3.         That the proposed approach to development and consultation for a new bus interchange be agreed.

4.         That it be agreed to proceed with the next stages of the bus interchange project, with an estimated cost in the region of £6.1M, and that Officers be requested to bring forward funding options in the draft Capital Strategy in January 2019 should Growth Deal 3 funding continue to be delayed.  This assessment should set out the implications of prioritising this infrastructure and the mitigation available.

5.         That authority for the necessary purchase or lease of land, together with resolution of any current lease and restrictive covenant and other legal issues to enable the site to be assembled, be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP), having consulted with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration.

6.         That delegated authority be sought from Hertfordshire County Council for Stevenage Borough Council to make Traffic Regulation Orders in order to facilitate the delivery of a new bus interchange facility.

7.         That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP), having consulted with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, to authorise the sealing of the Traffic Regulation Orders following the consultation period and consideration/resolution of any objections received.

8.         That the development of a business case and associated timetable for the development of a new and enhanced leisure facility to be located on St. George’s Way be approved.

9.         That the undertaking of an options appraisal for the Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, with a view to developing the theatre and cultural offer within the town centre, be approved.

10.      That the Leader and Chief Executive be requested to raise the matter of the continued delay in Growth Deal 3 funding with representatives of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of their scheduled meeting in London on 19 December 2018.

11.      That the most appropriate procurement method be used for the new Bus Station project.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report; 10. To press the MHCLG for the release of the Growth Deal 3 funding; and 11. To ensure a swift delivery of the Bus Station project.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.