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
RESOLVED:
1. To set up a Guildford Economic Regeneration Programme Masterplan Board to be chaired by the Lead Councillor for Regeneration.
2. To adopt the draft Guildford Economic Regeneration Strategy and draft structure organisational plan as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report submitted to the Executive.
3. To appoint an external specialist advisor and professional team with the responsibility to deliver a strategy specifically for the regeneration of Guildford town centre.
Reasons
1. 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.
2. To support resolution CO29 of the Council made 23 July 2019.
Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive
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 or lead councillors and any dispensation granted
None.