Agenda item - Major Projects Update

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

77.1      Councillor Miller asked for clarification on the timescales relating to Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) applications for Madeira Terraces as the report suggested work would not begin until April 2020.

77.2      The Assistant Director, City Development & Regeneration explained that following the unsuccessful bid for HLF Funding, another application would be made to a revised bidding process and other option for renovation and in the meantime, work would begin on the crowdfunded arches.

77.3      Councillor Miller stated that the structural integrity of the arches was deteriorating quite rapidly and asked if other options were being considered such as the council reviewing its own asset portfolio to raise capital.

77.4      The Assistant Director, City Development & Regeneration replied that HLF existed to fill a gap in heritage funding so was the best option to restore the arches with work undertaking in parallel to consider other options available.

77.5      Councillor Druitt noted that he had requested that a project risk rating be included in the document but that appeared to be absent. In relation to Preston Barracks, Councillor Druitt asked if entrepreneurial inventors would be charged for use of the spaces available as this may be beyond them. In relation to Madeira Terrace, Councillor Druitt asked if any scoping exercise had been undertaken on the option to renovate the arches without units below in order to better understand the costs involved.

77.6      The Assistant Director, City Development & Regeneration confirmed that officers had been looking at renovation of the western arches although the final location was open to discussion with those leading on the crowdfunding and stakeholders. In relation to the development at the Preston Barracks site, the Assistant Director explained that the final format of operation was a decision for the operators of the site, but it was known that high-tech machinery, not available for small businesses to use would be available and whilst this would come at a cost, it would mean users would not have to pay for the capital costs of such machinery. The Assistant Director confirmed that the document would be updated with identification of general risks.