Agenda item

A report from the leader of the Council is attached, also in attendance will be Paul Lakin, Executive Director. 

The Leader attended the meeting to provide Members with an update with regards to the work being undertaken to regenerate the Borough in particular Radcliffe.  The Leader reported that the regeneration proposals will also support national policy objectives relating to the ‘Levelling Up’ agenda. As signalled by the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), the Government has a significant commitment for regional growth to support ‘levelling up’ across the country.  Bury is ranked as a priority 1 category area, while Radcliffe has pockets of severe deprivation.

The Leader outline the key deliverables currently being developed which included:

·            Delivery of a new secondary school

·            Creation of a new build civic hub that facilitates public services, education and wellness facilities all under one roof

·            Refurbishing and repurposing the historic market chambers and Radcliffe Market basement to create commercial retail and F&B space, alongside events space for community use and private functions

·            Creation of new employment space, business incubator enterprise centre and coworking space

·            A whole town approach to housing – facilitating the comprehensive approach to residential development

·            A programme of strategic investment projects to improve and enhance multi- modal transport provision – supporting sustainable future growth and active travel

Prior to the meeting the accompanying documentation was circulated to members the Benefits Realisation Plan for the Radcliffe Hub and the Radcliffe Transport Investment Strategy.

In considering the reports circulated, the Leader’s statement and the site visit that took place before the meeting, Member raised the following issues:

Responding to a question from Councillor Birchmore in relation to Radcliffe Library, the Leader reported that once the Council are informed of the outcome of the levelling up bid, there will be greater financial security, Once confirmed this will form the basis of the consultation in regards to the future of the library service as well as the swimming pool and the leisure centre.  The Leader reported that there was a short timeframe to submit the bid and acknowledged that more engagement and consultation will be required with residents going forward. 

The Leader reported that one such proposal being developed is a business skills and innovation hub, this is at the early stage of development, it is envisaged that by working with Barclays this could be a space for residents and small start up Companies.

In response to a question from Councillor Peel, the Leader reported that traffic infrastructure and the transport strategy will be integral to the plans for Radcliffe.  The Council will continue to engage with TfGM to access additional monies to support sustainable modes of public transport and also improve and change how people move as well as looking at under utilised assets including the river/canal.

With regards to affordable housing the Leader reported that the Council’s approach will be to intervene more directly in housing development, by driving development with housing providers, Homes England and Housing Associations.

Such interventions can ensure that new homes are of a high standards while still being affordable as well as offering properties that are affordable to rent, as well as rent to buy and shared ownership.

The Leader reported that the cooperative model is under-utilised in Bury and this could be developed and applied in Radcliffe.  There has been engagement with the MPs with regards to the levelling up bid, the Council will need to ensure that the proposed plans and if received, the money makes a real difference to the people of Radcliffe. 

In response to a question from the Chair, the Leader reported that work undertaken in re-developing Radcliffe can shape other redevelopment work across the Borough. 

Lessons learnt have included, expanding the capacity in the BGI Directorate through the recruitment of a Director of Place and that when undertaking this regeneration work that it can and should be led by the Council while at the same time embedding a partnership approach with other key stakeholders.

The Leader reported that he remained confident that despite changes in how people work the modelling still suggests that there will be capacity for the Radcliffe hub.  In relation to the Whittaker Street Building, the Leader reported that it was necessary to undertake essential maintenance work.  Going forward the Council are considering whether further work needs to be undertaken.  The Leader reported that it remains his ambition to retain these staff in Radcliffe, but the Council must ensure that its employees are safe and have good working conditions.

In response to a Member’s question the Leader reported if the levelling up bid is not successful that the Council may need to make difficult choices in relation to prioritisation of the proposals.  The plans were designed around the Radcliffe Strategic Framework and the Council should still be able to deliver the vast majority of this work, if unsuccessful delivery will be much harder and may in turn put more pressure on the Council’s borrowing capacity.

Members discussed the proposed new Radcliffe High School and the timeline for the development.  The Leader reported that it would be a challenge to open any earlier than September 2024 there may however be scope if the work progresses on schedule, to allow more than a year 7 cohort in 2024.  The Leader reported that there had been early discussions with the Star Academy in relation to look to widen the scope of what is on offer strengthening the skills and apprenticeship offer.

It was agreed:

The content of the report be noted and Councillor O’Brien be thanked for his attendance.