Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
Decision approved by Executive on 26 October 2021:
(1) To agree the heads of terms, which include:
�. Refurbished new bus facility
�. Pedestrianisation of North Street.
�. Leapale Road widening.
�. New North Street / Leapale Road junction.
�. Landscaping and associated grant of long lease.
�. Grant of long lease to create a new area of public realm.
(2) To undertake further work to establish a clear understanding of the scope, extent and estimated costs of any public works and services included in the proposed development and, subject to obtaining this information, to consider options for procuring the delivery of any public works and services to ensure compliance with the Find a Tender rules and the Council's procurement policies.
(3) To authorise the Strategic Services Director to agree any minor variations to the heads of terms to address any specific points arising during the course of contractual negotiations with the Purchaser.
(4) To authorise the Strategic Services Director to negotiate and enter into all associated property/contractual documentation required in order to facilitate the sale of the North Street Development Site, subject to receiving final valuation advice from the Council's external advisors confirming that the transaction amounts to the best consideration reasonably obtainable.
(5) To establish a working group consisting of stakeholders, Councillors and officers to make recommendations to the Executive in respect of the design of the refurbished bus station (including the associated access and public realm improvements) and the proposed pedestrianisation of North Street.
(6) To develop and take forward a plan for engagement with market traders impacted by the development.
(7) To note the Council’s public sector equality duties under section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Decision required by Executive on 22 February 2022:
1. Approval of the working group’s recommendation for the design of the refurbished bus interchange.
2. Approval of the working Groups recommendation for the design of the pedestrianisation of North Street.
The Executive considered a report that updated on the progress of the Council's interests in the site, explained the proposed changes to the developer’s proposals for the redevelopment of the site and discussed how those various proposals were set out, including engagement with relevant stakeholders and interested groups. The Lead Councillor for Regeneration introduced the report.
The Executive was content with progress and consequently,
RESOLVED:
(1) To agree the Heads of Terms, which included:
· The sale of the majority of the Council's interest in the Site.
· The grant of a long leasehold of the area to the south of the refurbished bus station for the creation of new public realm.
· Provision of a refurbished bus facility.
· Pedestrianisation of North Street.
· Leapale Road widening.
· New North Street / Leapale Road junction.
(2) To undertake further work to establish a clear understanding of the scope, extent and estimated costs of any public works and services included in the proposed development and, subject to obtaining this information, to consider options for procuring the delivery of any public works and services to ensure compliance with the Find a Tender rules and the Council's procurement policies.
(3) To authorise the Strategic Services Director, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Regeneration, to agree any minor variations to the heads of terms to address any specific points arising during the course of contractual negotiations with the Purchaser.
(4) To authorise the Strategic Services Director, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Regeneration and the Director of Resources, to negotiate and enter into all associated property/contractual documentation required in order to facilitate the sale of the Council's interests in the Site, subject to receiving final valuation advice from the Council's external advisors confirming that the transaction amounts to the best consideration reasonably obtainable.
(5) To authorise the Strategic Services Director, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Regeneration, to establish a working group consisting of stakeholders, councillors and officers to make recommendations to the Executive in respect of the design of the refurbished bus interchange (including the associated access and public realm improvements) and the proposed pedestrianisation of North Street.
(6) To authorise the Strategic Services Director, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Regeneration to develop and take forward a plan for engagement with market traders, taxi operators and any other parties that are impacted by the development.
(7) To note the Council’s public sector equality duties under section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Reason:
To progress the proposals for redeveloping the site.
Report author: Andrew Tyldesley
Publication date: 27/10/2021
Date of decision: 26/10/2021
Decided at meeting: 26/10/2021 - Executive
Accompanying Documents: