Agenda item

1.

Title of Item/Report

Billingham Town Centre and Sports Hub Update

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report setting out positive updates on projects to improve Billingham as part of the Council’s continued commitment to invest in the town and bring about transformational change. The report provided an update on the Levelling Up Fund (Round Three) alongside progress on the development of a Sports Hub on the former Billingham Campus site to create a sustainable high quality grassroots sports facilities for local clubs and residents to use.

Following receipt of a funding agreement, the final elements of legal agreements with Evolve could now be progressed. The current agreement would see the Council acquire West Precinct, the former library site and part of the adjacent Queensway South block, at the point of vacant possession.   These acquisitions would facilitate demolition, site clearance and relocation of tenants to support future redevelopment. Planning permission for the demolition and reconfiguration of the affected areas had been secured, and work was underway to explore the provision of a residential community in the heart of the town centre alongside new retail space,  improvements to public realm and car parking

Work was also underway exploring the feasibility of the reuse of the Wynyard House building for a public sector hub, incorporating a range of services as part of a body of work, funded through One Public Estate. 

Cabinet considered the approval of an additional £2 million allocation from Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) funds to the Billingham Sports Hub project. This would bring the Council's TVCA commitment to £6 million, in support of an expanded scheme that included two artificial grass pitches, a 7v7 pitch, an athletics enclosure, accessible active track, pavilion, and community facilities. These improvements followed extensive public consultation and engagement with sports bodies and local stakeholders.

Cabinet considered entering into funding agreements with TVCA and the Football Foundation, with delegated authority granted to the relevant Directors, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, to finalise the terms. Further delegated authority was sought to approve the contract award and any necessary variations to support project delivery.

This approval would allow the business case assessment to be undertaken by TVCA and provided confirmation to funding partners of the Council’s commitment to support project costs in advance of costs being finalised in July 2025.

Cabinet discussed conferring the completed Sports Hub to the National Football Trust (NFT), via a 30-year lease arrangement that ensured no revenue implications for the Council. The NFT would manage and maintain the facility through Leisure United, with strategic guidance provided, locally, by a Local Advisory Group. Construction was expected to commence in Autumn 2025 and complete in Autumn 2026.

RESOLVED that:-

1. Cabinet note the update on Billingham Town Centre, including progress on funding arrangements and legal agreements required to enable redevelopment, and further note the continuing assessment of options to secure the town centre’s long-term regeneration.

2. The allocation of £2 million to the Billingham Sports Hub project from funding provided by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, be approved, in support of the aims of the refreshed 10-Year Investment Plan approved in July 2022, and to help promote economic growth in Billingham.

3. The Council enters into funding agreements with the Football Foundation and the Tees Valley Combined Authority in relation to the Billingham Sports Hub project; and that authority be delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, the Director of Corporate Services, and the Director of Finance, Transformation and Performance, exercising that authority jointly and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, to agree the final terms of those funding agreements.

4. Authority be delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, the Director of Corporate Services, and the Director of Finance, Transformation and Performance, exercising that authority jointly and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, to:
   1. approve the specific contract award decision for delivery of the Billingham Sports Hub; and
   2. agree any subsequent contract variations necessary to support the effective delivery of the project.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Approval of the recommendations will support delivery of the Billingham Sports Hub project which will meet identified needs for sporting facilities and benefit local communities and ensures Cabinet are updated on the latest position and future work in Billingham town centre.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight Friday 23 May 2025