Decision details

17.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report updating Cabinet on progress with the development framework for the Sheaf Valley and Midland Station area and seeks Cabinet endorsement for the emerging vision and next stages of this work. It also seeks approval for the heads of terms for a partnership approach with London and Continental Railways to help drive delivery.

17.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a) notes the progress of the Sheaf Valley and Midland Station Development Framework so far and endorse the direction of travel of the framework’s aims set out in section 2 of the report now submitted;

(b) endorses the programme management approach to the delivery set out in section 3;

(c) notes that more detail on a resource plan for the costs of progressing such work will be the subject of further work;

(d) approves the detail of the heads of terms for partnership approach with London & Continental Railways to support delivery, as set out in section 4;

(e) delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Chief Property Officer and Director of Legal and Governance to finalise and enter into all necessary legal documentation with London & Continental Railways; and

(f) notes that more detail on setting a proposed budget to fund strategic

acquisitions will be the subject of a future report.

17.3

Reasons for Decision

This report sets out the opportunity for the Council to establish a coherent joined up programme of work to deliver a development framework for the Sheaf Valley and Midland Station area. In doing so, it seeks to maximise the economic benefits of proximity to the station, particularly with the introduction of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail; take advantage of opportunities to address climate change issues in the area and generally improve the quality of the environment and to resolve a range of transport issues within and well beyond the area.

The proposed agreement with London and Continental Railways will bring additional national expertise and resources to maximise the pace, scale and quality of new development which the development framework aims to unlock.

17.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

Do nothing: Given the changes required at Sheffield Station are expected to be far less intrusive than at other stations with High Speed Rail 2 services the Council does have the option of not undertaking significant masterplanning or considering wider infrastructure changes. However, this would put Sheffield at a disadvantage for several reasons. Firstly, it would miss opportunities to grow Sheffield’s economy by creating new commercial floor space and attract new demand for housing. This would be in contrast to other cities gaining HS2 services in their city centres who are all planning significant regeneration activity. Secondly, opportunities to improve the area around the station will be missed: this includes issues regarding air quality, severance with surrounding neighbourhoods, the capacity of the ring road, poor connectivity of the tram and options for active travel.

Take forward development framework but without a formal relationship with London and Continental Railways. London and Continental Railways has considerable expertise in developing areas around rail stations and have a skill set not available in the Council. Without their involvement development around the area would still be likely to take place over time but on a much more piecemeal way and the pace, scale and quality is likely to be much lower.

17.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

17.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

17.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director Place

17.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing Committee.