Issue - meetings

The Head of Planning and Regeneration and the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration – North Worcestershire presented the One Public Estate (OPE) Exercise report.  During the presentation of this report the following matters were highlighted for Members’ consideration:

·                The Town Centre Regeneration Prospectus was a high-level, aspirational document designed to promote Redditch town centre as an ideal location for a mix of retail, residential and office developments.

·                The prospectus advertised the benefits associated with being located in Redditch as well as potential sites suitable for redevelopment.

·                The OPE exercise had focused on public sector assets and how these could be better used to promote the town.

·                A range of partners had been engaged in the OPE exercise including Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Police, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service various branches of the NHS and Redditch Borough Council.

·                A key finding in the OPE report was a proposal for different public sector organisations to co-locate in a hub in the centre of Redditch.

·                In the report it was suggested that this hub could be located on Church Road as this was a location where low footfall had been identified.

·                At this stage the suggestions featured in the OPE were aspirational and no decisions had been taken.

·                Additional work was required to investigate the feasibility of the OPE proposals, to determine whether any of the suggestions should be pursued further.

Following presentation of the report the recommendations as printed in the report were proposed by Councillor Hartnett.  In proposing these recommendations Councillor Hartnett commented that this formed part of the Council’s 10 point plan for economic development in the Borough.  The process had involved significant consultation with partner organisations, though had been largely officer-led to date.  Further consultation would need to be undertaken in respect of this matter over time and financial support would be required from both public and private sector organisations to bring any plans to fruition.  Redditch Borough Council should lead this initiative to the benefit of the local economy.

The recommendations detailed in the report were seconded by Councillor Greg Chance.  In seconding the proposals Councillor Chance explained that the report detailed ambitious options available for the regeneration of the town centre, though no decisions had yet been taken.  The Council’s bid to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) for £5 million had been accepted as an A graded bid.  This funding would help to support progression with the proposals detailed in the documentation.

Early in the debate on this item Councillor Juliet Brunner proposed an amendment to the recommendations.  This amendment was seconded by Councillor Brandon Clayton.

The amendment read as follows:

“Recommendation 1

The sum of £50,000 be allocated to further explore the concepts proposed and develop a range of fully costed proposals to also include those in the Regeneration Prospectus to enable members and the public to consider the proposed options for regeneration. 

Authority to be delegated to the Chief Executive to manage this budget in consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127