Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Morris.  

Members of the Radcliffe Cabinet Committee are asked whether they have any interests on any item on the agenda and if so to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

A period of 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions. Questions must be submitted in advance to democratic.services@bury.gov.uk no later than midday on Monday 20 September 2021.

There were no public questions.

Minutes from the meeting held on 27 May 2021 are attached.

It was agreed:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 May 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth to Cabinet on 1 September 2021 and extract of the minutes of that meeting are attached. A verbal update will be provided at the meeting.  

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the report regarding the procurement of the main contractors for the Radcliffe Civic Hub project, which was considered by Cabinet on 1 September 2021.

The Leader advised that while the results of the Levelling Up Funding (LUF) were awaited, work was underway to progress the project and maintain momentum. Although there was a risk the bid would not be successful, the early stages of the procurement phase were still being progresses as they would still be necessary for the wider SRF. A strong set of submissions had been received but the appointed contractor demonstrated strength in their supply chain and in working with local stakeholders, for which they had a dedicated team.

In response to questions it was noted that the LUF bid focussed on the public service hub, and the wider SRF would progress irrespective of whether finding was granted. Bid requirements were more about addressing areas of need and conceptual issues rather than the detail, and there was still flexibility to respond to feedback from local residents and businesses about what they wanted and where.

Members discussed the library and Whittaker Street civic offices, noting that the only decision taken on the latter was its inclusion on the list of sites for phase 3 of the land disposals programme. No decision would be made without engagement with staff and those affected to fully understand the implications of decanting from the site before the new hub was built.

The Leader emphasised that no decisions had been made as to how spaces would be used or by whom and the contractors would work up options and the detail. In response to concerns about the basement space in Market Hall, it was noted that no agreements were in place; all interested parties would be invited to discuss the options around the site but no formal or informal arrangements were in place.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the report regarding proposals to dispose of Council owned land at School Street and Green Street to allow the construction of 222 new homes (of which 125 will be of affordable tenures). It was noted this report would come to Cabinet at their meeting on 13 October 2021. Other non-housing benefits were also detailed, including business relocation.

Financial and technical details were contained in the Part B report later in the agenda but, in response to questions, it was noted that in addition to a cash payment, the council would be gifted several 2- and 3-bedroom homes. These would be in turnkey condition and would meet acute housing need at no cost to the Council. It was noted that the plans complied with the current government new homes bonus scheme.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

There was no other business.

To consider passing the appropriate resolution under Section 100 (A)(4), Schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the reason that the following business involves the disclosure of exempt information as detailed against the item.

It was agreed:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100 (A)(4), Schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, for the reason that the following business involves the disclosure of exempt information as detailed against the item.

Part B report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth to Cabinet on 1 September 2021.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the Part B report regarding the procurement of the main contractors for the Radcliffe Civic Hub project, which was considered by Cabinet on 1 September 2021. Members discussed the report, including details of the appointed contractor.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the Part B report regarding proposals to dispose of Council owned land at School Street and Green Street to allow the construction of 222 new homes (of which 125 will be of affordable tenures). Members discussed the report, including financial details, proposed terms and values, and levels of affordability.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.