Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
To approve the regeneration site of Cross Street, Eye.
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That the high-level business case and options appraisal attached as Appendix A of the report be fully considered.
1.2 That the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration be authorised to progress with the development of an optimal scheme and carry out a tender process to secure an appropriate operator for the completed building.
1.3 That £195,000 be authorised from the Growth and Efficiency fund for the necessary redevelopment as outlined in 1.2 above.
Reason for Decision:
1. The Council has through negotiation with Suffolk County Council and Eye Town Council secured a unit in Eye town centre which can be used for creation of new workspace which in turn will support the local community of Eye and surrounding area.
2. The Councils workspace demand study in October 2019 identified a need for more workspace including incubators and hot desk spaces across the district.
3. Refurbishing the building will create a new space for Eye Town Council in the heart of the Town Centre.
4. The planned development has already secured funding for low carbon improvements and match funding from the Suffolk Growth and Investment Fund.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
(a) DO NOTHING – the site is transferred to the Council without it having any clear plan and retains an underutilised site with an employment allocation. Not considered a viable proposition given high level appraisal undertaken already.
(b) PROGRESS THE DEVELOPMENT, CARRY OUT A TENDER PROCESS FOR THE WORKS NEEDED AND AN OPERATOR– This option is being progressed as per this report. This will directly support the Council’s ‘Invest in Eye’ programme and provide jobs and employment opportunities at a growing key location in the district if a suitable scheme can be delivered. It will also support the Town Council and general town centre activity and productivity.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: Councillor Peter Gould declared a local non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Eye Town Council.
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Publication date: 08/06/2021
Date of decision: 07/06/2021
Decided at meeting: 07/06/2021 - Mid Suffolk Cabinet
Effective from: 16/06/2021
Accompanying Documents: