Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
The Executive is asked to endorse the process
set out below by;
a) Setting up a Guildford Economic Regeneration Programme
Masterplan Board to be chaired by Councillor John Rigg.
b) The appointment of a specialist advisor to brief and scope the
appointment of an external professional team to contribute to the
delivery of a pro-active strategy for the comprehensive
regeneration of Guildford town centre.
c) Endorse the Guildford Economic Regeneration Strategy and draft
structure organisational plan.
Decision:
(1) To endorse the Stage 1 report and approve proceeding to Stage 2.
(2) To transfer a capital sum of £1.1 million from provisional to the approved capital programme to enable the Council to fund fees and surveys and deliver stage 2 of the programme.
Reasons:
· This programme has major benefits for Guildford’s community and businesses by delivering a pro-active strategy to address the economic and physical constraints facing the town, including the retail downturn and the impact of the COVID19 situation.
· To support resolution C029 of the Council made 23 July 2019 (Notice of Motion: Town Centre Masterplanning).
Other options considered and rejected by the Leader:
To not endorse the programme and cease work thereby delaying the delivery of a strategy for the Economic Regeneration of Guildford town centre.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader and any dispensation granted:
None
Report author: Michael Lee-Dickson
Publication date: 26/05/2021
Date of decision: 25/05/2021
Decided at meeting: 25/05/2021 - Executive
Accompanying Documents: