Agenda item

1.

Title of Item/Report

Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint Delivery

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint Delivery.

In July 2024 the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint, which sets out a vision and development framework for transformational change of this area over the next 25 years, was approved by Cabinet. The report provided an update on specific projects within the Stockton Central and North Thornaby Blueprint area which were referenced in the July 2024 report and sought approval of funding to enable delivery and further progression of work as required.

The report highlighted the following areas:-

-       Splash and Town Hall

-       Municipal Quarter

-       Democratic Space and Council Chamber

-       Stockton Waterfront and Community Diagnostic Centre

Several other development sites and opportunities were identified within the Blueprint.  To progress these sites and gain a greater level of detail and understanding, further work in the form of feasibility, development briefs and detailed design would be required, therefore it was recommended that an allocation of funding to support this additional work be made, with further detail on site specific work to be reported to future Cabinet meetings.

Following previous approvals in July 2023 and July 2024, it was recommended that remaining unallocated funding from previously approved sums is allocated as set out in table 1 within the report with authority delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth in consultation with Director of Finance, Transformation and Performance and Director of Corporate Services to agree all contracts, agreements and any variations between the allocation following further formal engagement with and procurement of contractors.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The budget allocation be approved as set out in table 1 of the report to support delivery of Town Hall redevelopment, Splash refurbishment, Council Chamber, Stockton Waterfront and Community Diagnostic Centre and further feasibility works linked to the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint.

2. Delegated authority be given to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth in consultation with Director of Finance, Transformation and Performance and Director of Corporate Services to agree all contracts, agreements and any variations between the allocation set out in table 1 of the report in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for or Regeneration and Housing and Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture following further formal engagement with, and procurement of contractors.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The recommendations in this report seek approval for funding allocations and delegations enable progress on the delivery of projects within the Stockton Central and North Thornaby Blueprint area.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

Councillor Steve Nelson declared a other registerable interest in respect of agenda item 7 – Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint Delivery as he was on the Board of Tees Active Leisure. Councillor Steve Nelson withdrew from the meeting and left the room during consideration of the item.

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight Friday 20 September 2024

Consideration was given to a report on the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint Delivery.

In July 2024 the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint, which sets out a vision and development framework for transformational change of this area over the next 25 years, was approved by Cabinet. The report provided an update on specific projects within the Stockton Central and North Thornaby Blueprint area which were referenced in the July 2024 report and sought approval of funding to enable delivery and further progression of work as required.

The report highlighted the following areas:-

-       Splash and Town Hall

-       Municipal Quarter

-       Democratic Space and Council Chamber

-       Stockton Waterfront and Community Diagnostic Centre

Several other development sites and opportunities were identified within the Blueprint.  To progress these sites and gain a greater level of detail and understanding, further work in the form of feasibility, development briefs and detailed design would be required, therefore it was recommended that an allocation of funding to support this additional work be made, with further detail on site specific work to be reported to future Cabinet meetings.

Following previous approvals in July 2023 and July 2024, it was recommended that remaining unallocated funding from previously approved sums is allocated as set out in table 1 within the report with authority delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth in consultation with Director of Finance, Transformation and Performance and Director of Corporate Services to agree all contracts, agreements and any variations between the allocation following further formal engagement with and procurement of contractors.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The budget allocation be approved as set out in table 1 of the report to support delivery of Town Hall redevelopment, Splash refurbishment, Council Chamber, Stockton Waterfront and Community Diagnostic Centre and further feasibility works linked to the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint.

2. Delegated authority be given to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth in consultation with Director of Finance, Transformation and Performance and Director of Corporate Services to agree all contracts, agreements and any variations between the allocation set out in table 1 of the report in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for or Regeneration and Housing and Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture following further formal engagement with, and procurement of contractors.