Agenda item

9.1

The Cabinet received a report of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee outlining the outcome of the Committee’s consideration, at its meeting held on 4^th June 2020, of the decision taken by the Leader of the Council on 16 April 2020 in relation to the Heart of the City Phase II – Block A (Palatine Chambers) which was one of the schemes approved within the Month 11 Capital Approvals 2019/20.

9.2

Councillor Mick Rooney (Chair of the Scrutiny Committee) reported that the basis for the decision centred mainly on the Covid-19 pandemic, in terms of whether or not progress should be made on this particular element of the Heart of the City II scheme, given the uncertainty and economic effects of the pandemic.  He stated that the meeting comprised a very lengthy question and answer session and he expressed his thanks to Councillor Mazher Iqbal (Cabinet Member for Business and Investment) and Nalin Seneviratne (Director of City Centre Development) for attending the meeting and reporting on the current position, and responding to the questions raised.  Councillor Rooney stated that due diligence checks were being taken at every stage of the development process, which included a series of checks and balances to test out the market on a regular basis.  He stressed that the scheme was not due to commence for a further two years, and that hopefully, there may have been some uplift in the economy at that time.  Radisson Blu (the hotel chain) were still very much committed to the development.  He reported that independent advice had also been sought, which had indicated that it would be a prudent move.  Councillor Rooney concluded by reporting that the decision of the Scrutiny Committee was to take no further action in respect of the decision, and that regular updates be provided to the Committee as and when appropriate, with regard to progress of the scheme.

9.3

RESOLVED: That Cabinet notes the recommendation made by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee as now reported.