Decision details

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.

Decision:

1.      Agreed the working group’s recommendation for the design and high-level specification for the refurbished bus interchange.

2.      Agreed the working group’s recommendation for the design and high-level specification for the proposed pedestrianisation of North Street.

3.      Greed to move £150,000 from the 2022-23 provisional capital programme to the approved capital programme to fund the ongoing work on the North Street Project.

Reason:

To maintain progress with the North Street development project.

Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.