12 MCa/21/5 CROSS STREET EYE WORKSPACE DEVELOPMENT PDF 248 KB
Cabinet Members for Economic Growth
Additional documents:
Decision:
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
Minutes:
12.1 Councillor Gould declared a local non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Eye Town Council and advised that he would take part in the debate for the item but not the vote.
12.2 The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Councillor Brewster, introduced report MCa/21/5, Cross Street Eye Workspace Development.
12.3 Councillor Brewster outlined the proposed plans for the development project and moved the recommendations in the report.
12.4 Councillor Flatman seconded the recommendations and commented that the project provided a fantastic opportunity for small and start up businesses.
12.5 The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration responded to questions from Councillor Field regarding the proposed layout of the building, in particular the kitchen areas.
12.4 Following a question from Councillor Field, the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration provided an explanation of the various savings from decarbonisation activities identified by external sustainability consultants.
12.5 Members resolved to enter into closed session.
12.6 Members returned to open session in order to vote.
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:
1.1 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.
1.2. The Councils workspace demand study in October 2019 identified a need for more workspace including incubators and hot desk spaces across the district.
1.3. Refurbishing the building will create a new space for Eye Town Council in the heart of the Town Centre.
1.4. The planned development has already secured funding for low carbon improvements and match funding from the Suffolk Growth and Investment Fund.