Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Leader of the Council

The Leader presented the report.

He reminded Cabinet that the Marlborough Square project formed an important step for Coalville’s regeneration work and it implemented work from the Prince’s Foundation for Coalville going back to 2009.

The report sought approval to accept a grant from our Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Partnership (LLEP) and it provided an update on the progress being made to deliver the project, which the Leader believed to be even more important, given the current situation with COVID 19 and the need for our Council to support recovery.

The Leader stated that he had personally wanted to ensure that the highest quality project possible could be delivered for Coalville and the report set out how this had been achieved with the detailed design work; ensuring the aims could be balanced with the functioning of the highway network. A skilled team was being used to support this detailed design with quantity surveyors advising on the budget.

Once Highway approval, which was expected imminently, had been realised, officers would seek the necessary planning approvals and tender the works to obtain a fixed price.  The report, the Leader stated, set out how reserves had been allocated for the forecast cost but it was noted that a further report to Cabinet would seek final approval for the scheme and budget; at which time he would be in a position to confirm the start date.

The Leader invited questions and comments from Members. 

Councillor Gillard expressed his support for the recommendations as it demonstrated how the Council was working towards providing local jobs for local people. Councillor Ashman welcomed the report as being a step in the right direction for smartening up this part of Coalville and welcomed the support of private businesses. Councillor Woodman also welcomed the scheme, which saw a direct link to the improvements introduced by the Newmarket scheme.

The recommendations as set out on page 31 of the report were moved by Councillor Blunt, seconded by Councillor Gillard and subsequently

RESOLVED THAT:

(1)       authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to enter into the Grant Agreement to receive £360,000 from the Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Partnership for public realm work at Marlborough Square;

(2)       progress on the redesign and implementation of the project be noted;

(3)       the earmarked reserve for the acquisition and redevelopment of property in Coalville be retained in full, as set out in the report for the Marlborough Square project.

Reason for decision: Approval is required to reallocate an earmarked reserve and to accept the grant of £360,000 as there is a requirement to enter into a contract with the Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Partnership.