Issue - meetings

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth is attached.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented the Part B report containing the full financial information.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Endorsed the Northern Gateway Transport Framework Document and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to the document as the Northern Gateway project progresses;

2.    Endorsed the Northern Gateway Social Value Strategy and Delivery Plan and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to the documents as the Northern Gateway project progresses;

3.    Noted the implementation of the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan in advance of MDC implementation to enable the work of the Northern Gateway Strategic Board to move forward at pace and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to it as the project progresses;

4.    Noted the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan will be brought back to Cabinet for final approval once the MDC Board has been established and has formally approved the documents; and

5.    Noted the Rochdale Borough Council’s intention to take a similar report to their Executive.

Reasons for the decision:

As set out for the Part A report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

As set out for the Part A report.

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth is attached.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented a report regarding the development of a Northern Gateway Transport Framework Document, Social Value Strategy and accompanying Delivery Plan, and an updated 5-year Business Plan and accompanying Delivery Plan. This was the next step to move forward with delivery of a site that can deliver a generation of job creation, and as such there was a need to ensure it is well connected by public transport and is delivered in a way that benefits local people and maximises social value as much as possible.

In response to Members’ questions it was noted that the investment needed was being quantified, but major work was underway to develop a funding mechanism that works for public and private sectors. This report ensured that expectations were more than a wish list; that they were formally set out and the means of who would provide funding, for what, and when, could be established. Members discussed the commitment to Real Living Wage and GM Good Employment Charter employers, and noted this set out the intention of good quality jobs and good quality employers for the project, and would hopefully attract similar employers for the site.

With regards to transport, it was noted that the 60% estimated car use to the site was an achievable target, and still marked an improvement on current commuting. Members recognised the importance of securing public transport to the site, and it was noted as additional investment and transport comes forward and the public transport system improves, we can improve this ratio and secure opportunities for all residents across the borough. In response to a Members question regarding the benefits to small, local businesses, it was noted that existing GM experience and the Social Value Strategy allowed for this; to influence those responsible for the procurement to look for local opportunities through supply chains, starting with Bury before moving further out, and showcasing the benefits of using local businesses and labour.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Endorsed the Northern Gateway Transport Framework Document and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to the document as the Northern Gateway project progresses;

2.    Endorsed the Northern Gateway Social Value Strategy and Delivery Plan and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to the documents as the Northern Gateway project progresses;

3.    Noted the implementation of the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan in advance of MDC implementation to enable the work of the Northern Gateway Strategic Board to move forward at pace and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to it as the project progresses;

4.    Noted the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan will be brought back to Cabinet for final approval once the MDC Board has been established and has formally approved the documents; and

5.    Noted the Rochdale Borough Council’s intention to take a similar report to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70