Decision details

The purpose of the report is to

a)    to provide a brief update on the completion of the Grey to Green Phase 2 (G2G2) project in Castlegate, Exchange Place and Snig Hill; and

b)    to seek approval for the delivery of the G2G2 Project on Angel St with the additional allocation of funding from ERDF (through DHCLG); and

c)    to approve acceptance of the further allocation of grant funding identified in this report.

That Executive Director of Place

a)    approve the extension of the G2G2 project to Angel Street, as outlined in the report and its associated expenditure, commissioning and procurement; and

b)    in consultation with the Director of Resources / Head of Strategic Finance approve acceptance the additional ERDF funding to deliver the proposed works with a corresponding City Council budget increase to the project.

The evaluated approach to the scheme’s development and design using ERDF and SCC funding will transform Angel St, improving accessibility and safety as well as the local environment to encourage new investment, jobs and environmental benefits. It is therefore recommended that this approach is approved so that the scheme can be delivered in the necessary timescales. 

Option 1 Do nothing: The project team do not consider this to be a viable option. It would lead to further decline of the area, depressing property prices and sustainability of businesses which in turn would affect business rates and investment. 

Option 2 Private and voluntary sector to lead: Although this would reduce the initial cost to the Council, there is little evidence of willingness of the private sector being prepared to spontaneously and speculatively invest on a sufficient scale to effect permanent change on a highway and public realm scheme. The voluntary and charitable sector is not able to raise sufficient resources without the support of the public sector.

Option 3 (preferred) Extending the G2G scheme through to Angel St through predominately ERDF funding will give SCC control over the timescales of the major interventions and transformation proposed on Angel St. It will also improve accessibility and safety as well as the local environment in order to encourage new investment and jobs while providing the setting for future investment.