Agenda item

Fargate and High Street, Future High Streets Fund - Front Door Scheme Update

Report of the Executive Director, City Futures

Decision:

13.1

To update on delivery of the Future High Streets Fund ‘Front Door Scheme’ and seek approval to award capital grants to:

 

(1) The Montgomery Theatre towards the costs of disabled lift access work and reconfiguration of vacant upper floors for new workspace; and

 

(2) Orchard Square Limited towards the costs of open space improvements and conversion of vacant upper floors for housing.

 

These grants will result in job creation, new homes and increased opportunities for outdoor events and visitors to the City Centre. Outcomes will contribute to delivering the objectives of the Future High Streets Fund vision for Fargate and High Street

 

 

13.2

RESOLVED: That Finance Sub-Committee approves the proposed grant funding to Orchard Square Limited and to The Montgomery theatre through an agreement that includes key terms set out in this report.

 

 

13.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

13.3.1

Approval of the grant funding to the landowners will secure additional private and public sector investment in the buildings and open space. It will deliver a fully accessible Theatre, new homes and enhanced open space to deliver a year-round programme of outdoor events.

 

 

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

13.4.1

Do Nothing - Without grant assistance the buildings are likely to remain vacant and/or underused and the open space underutilised. The refurbishment of the open space at Orchard Square was an integral element of the vision for Fargate and High Street approved by Government. The vision highlights the importance of this pedestrian route but also the opportunities to run complimentary outdoor events in the space. Originally the works were intended to be funded from the FHSF public realm budget and included in the wider civils contract with SISK. However, given the land is not in public ownership and the owners wish to lead on delivery of the works a funding agreement is required.

 

Minutes:

13.1

The Executive Director, City Futures submitted a report providing an update on delivery of the Future High Streets Fund ‘Front Door Scheme’ and seek approval to award capital grants to:

 

(1) The Montgomery Theatre towards the costs of disabled lift access work and reconfiguration of vacant upper floors for new workspace; and

 

(2) Orchard Square Limited towards the costs of open space improvements and conversion of vacant upper floors for housing.

 

These grants will result in job creation, new homes and increased opportunities for outdoor events and visitors to the City Centre. Outcomes will contribute to delivering the objectives of the Future High Streets Fund vision for Fargate and High Street

 

 

13.2

RESOLVED: That Finance Sub-Committee approves the proposed grant funding to Orchard Square Limited and to The Montgomery theatre through an agreement that includes key terms set out in this report.

 

 

13.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

13.3.1

Approval of the grant funding to the landowners will secure additional private and public sector investment in the buildings and open space. It will deliver a fully accessible Theatre, new homes and enhanced open space to deliver a year-round programme of outdoor events.

 

 

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

13.4.1

Do Nothing - Without grant assistance the buildings are likely to remain vacant and/or underused and the open space underutilised. The refurbishment of the open space at Orchard Square was an integral element of the vision for Fargate and High Street approved by Government. The vision highlights the importance of this pedestrian route but also the opportunities to run complimentary outdoor events in the space. Originally the works were intended to be funded from the FHSF public realm budget and included in the wider civils contract with SISK. However, given the land is not in public ownership and the owners wish to lead on delivery of the works a funding agreement is required.

 

(NOTE: (a) The result of the vote on the resolution was FOR - 7 Members; AGAINST - 0 Members; ABSTENTIONS – 2 Members; and

(b) During the discussion of the above item the Committee agreed, in accordance with Council Procedure rules, the meeting should be extended by a further period of 30 minutes).

 

Supporting documents: