Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resilience
Minutes:
88.1 The Chair invited Councillor Winch, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property to introduce the report.
88.2 Councillor Mellen proposed the recommendations as set out in the report. Councillor Davis seconded this motion.
88.3 Councillor Lawrence questioned how an operator would be decided. Councillor Winch responded that an operator would be sought as soon as possible and would have references checked ahead of being decided.
88.4 Councillor Hicks queried what research had been done on similar centres to gage what demand would be. Councillor Winch outlined that officers had visited other innovation centres in the area and had found that office space had been utilised more than training facilities. The Director – Economic Growth and Climate Change added that officers had a dialogue with operators of innovation centres in the East and had a Head of Innovation as a critical friend. Additionally, there would be a small void within the centre in order to allow for movement and flexibility for operators.
88.5 Councillor Linder referred to the green roof and questioned how durable this would be. Councillor Winch outlined that whilst the green roof had not been decided on, research on maintenance would be undertaken before this went ahead.
88.6 During the debate Councillor Matthissen outlined that the centre would help generate a pool of people within the district with desirable skills.
88.7 Councillor Caston stated that he supported the scheme but raised concerns about the use of reserves to fund the project.
88.8 Councillor Carter outlined the need for the skills centre to be accessible.
88.9 Councillor Eburne highlighted that this was an investment in Mid Suffolk and would benefit young people and adults retraining in areas where there are gaps in skills.
88.10 Councillor Patchett was in support of the centre and suggested that ESG principles be used in the design of the building.
88.11 The Chairman advised Members that in accordance with the Council Constitution, Rule 9, the meeting was approaching the Guillotine rule deadline. Councillor Mellen proposed that the meeting be extended until the business of the meeting had been completed. Councillor Caston seconded this motion.
By a majority vote for.
It was RESOLVED: -
That the meeting continue beyond the guillotine deadline, until all business was concluded.
88.12 Councillor Pratt outlined that the building would meet green standards of excellence and would both create a bridge in the skills gap and would create jobs and could attract other businesses to Gateway 14.
88.13 Councillor Whitehead raised concern on paragraph 6.9 of the report stating that the scheme was not financially viable.
88.14 Councillor Winch highlighted that that whilst the centre would be funded by reserves, this would be paid back once companies joined the Gateway 14 site.
88.15 Councillor Hicks stated that he had confidence in the Freeport East board and the technical skills they had to scrutinise potential skills providers.
88.16 Councillor Mellen outlined that he had visited other sites in rural locations that were successful, and the opportunity for the skills and innovation centre was good with a lot of work and due diligence being undertaken.
By 29 votes for and 1 abstention.
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 That Council approve the addition of this project to the Capital Programme as outlined in the recommended funding strategy including the virement of the Gateway 14 Capital budget of £10.75m and the use of earmarked reserves or Pot B retained business rates to finance this.
1.2 To note that Cabinet endorsed the Full Business Case (FBC) attached as Appendix A (confidential).
1.3 To note that Cabinet approved the full delivery of the project as outlined in the FBC for an approximate 35,690 sq ft. Skills and Innovation Centre on Gateway 14 at Stowmarket up to a maximum total cost envelope of £18.75m.
1.4 To note that Cabinet approved the recommended funding strategy detailed in Appendix D (confidential) as the Cabinet’s preferred method of delivering the project, SUBJECT TO the satisfactory completion of all related legal, financial, cost and valuation advice and contractual agreements, full access to Freeport seed fund capital payment and full access to the required level of Pot B retained business rates generated on the Gateway 14 site as part of Freeport agreements (as forecast in the recommended funding strategy attached as Appendix D - confidential).
1.5 To note that Cabinet agreed delegated authority for completion of all necessary matters and agreements pursuant to the approval of recommendation 3.3 to the Council’s Director for Economic Growth and Climate Change and Section 151 Officer/Director for Corporate Resources in consultation with the Leader of the Council. This requires that all ‘subject to’ elements within 3.3 are met.
1.6 To note that Cabinet authorised the forward funding of next stage technical design, planning and related preparatory works, up to a total value of £150k, from the Gateway 14 capital budget.
Supporting documents: