Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth presented a report regarding the approval for £153,009.00 additional capital funding for extra works to fully deliver the first phase of the Prestwich Village Regeneration project. Councillor Morris advised that the requirement for additional funding was identified as a late requirement through the statutory planning consultation. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that this included ICT equipment costs which needed to wait until the end of the construction contract in order to be in-line with the car park operator. It was noted there were no risks of other costs rising anticipated.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the additional capital funding requirement of £153,009.00 to ensure the full and successful delivery of Phase 1A (Travel Hub);

2.    Approved the use of the Council’s Capital Programme and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to fund the above additional costs using part of the approved funding for Phase 1A that was in place prior to the CRSTS grant being offered;

3.    Subject to legal approval of the terms under which it is provided, formally accepted the £14m CRSTS grant funding from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA);

4.    Acknowledged that, subject to the funding requirement outlined in the recommendation at Section 2.1, the allocation of £14m from the Council's Capital Programme to the Prestwich Travel Hub is no longer required, following the acquisition of £14m from the CRSTS programme to cover this expenditure; and

5.    Delegated to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, authority to take all steps necessary to implement this decision, including finalisation of any arrangements, and provision of any Council JV LLP member consents.

Reasons for the decision:

To successfully complete the delivery of Phase 1A (Travel Hub) within the agreed programme timeline and to meet the planning pre-commencement conditions and delivery of additional works identified since the approval for the £14m cost envelope in July 2024 that cannot currently be met by contingency. A formal acceptance of the £14m CRSTS funding is required by Bury Council to enable the grant funding to be claimed.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

·       Not carry out the works associated with the planning pre-commencement condition, including Building Control requirements - this would prevent the Council from opening the Travel Hub.

·       Not carry out the works associated with the parking control equipment - this would prevent the Council from opening the Travel Hub.