Issue - decisions

1.

Title of Item/Report

Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint

2.

Record of the Decision

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

In July 2023 an update was provided to Cabinet on the Council’s ambitious regeneration programme alongside a series of next steps for place-based economic development and growth. The report recognised the importance of ensuring our town centres are prosperous, vibrant places that were fit for future generations as this was key to attracting investment, creating opportunities, and improving outcomes for communities across Stockton-on-Tees. Alongside this it was noted that the level of ambition shown was attracting significant interest from private developers, who were keen to be involved in the next phases of design and development.

The report provided an update on progress and sought approval for the recently completed ‘Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint’ which set out the vision and development framework for transformational change over the next 25 years.

The Blueprint was attached to the report and set out an exciting and innovative vision for the future development of Central Stockton and North Thornaby areas.

It outlined plans to ensure transformational change over the next 25 years by creating prosperous, vibrant places fit for future generations by delivering modern, mixed-use neighbourhoods and a stronger town centre helping to make sure it was a safe and welcoming place where people want to work, live and visit.

The ambitious Blueprint had been developed through extensive consultation with residents, businesses, partner organisations and stakeholders, including young people from Stockton Riverside College.

It focused on eight key intervention areas in Central Stockton and North Thornaby they were:

1)       Town Centre (south)

2)       Town Centre (north)

3)       Municipal Quarter

4)       Castlegate Quay

5)       Prince Regent Quarter

6)       Waterways

7)       North Shore

8)       Tees Valley Care and Health Innovation Zone

The Blueprint built on the ambitious regeneration already under way in Stockton town centre to transform the Castlegate Shopping Centre site into Stockton Waterfront urban park and reconnecting the town centre to the river. As well as seeking Cabinet’s approval of the Blueprint, the report asked Cabinet to consider and approve in principle the next steps for four individual projects within the Stockton Central and North Thornaby Blueprint areas.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The Blueprint for Stockton and North Thornaby as the strategic framework to guide development and investment decisions specifically in Central Stockton and North Thornaby be approved.

2. The retention of Splash as Stockton's central leisure centre be agreed and agreement be given in principle to invest in extending its operational lifespan. This includes necessary internal refurbishment and reconfiguration to expand gym provision. A detailed report on the budget allocation be presented to a future Cabinet meeting.

3. The work undertaken on Stockton Town Hall be noted and agreement be given in principle to its refurbishment to accommodate a modern registrars service. A detailed report on the budget allocation be presented to a future Cabinet meeting.

4. The work undertaken on the Municipal Quarter be noted and approval be given in principle the establishment of a joint venture between TVCA and SBC to invest in the Municipal Quarter. An allocation of up to £450,000 for associated feasibility work be approved. A detailed report on the budget allocation to enable full progression of the proposals be presented to a future Cabinet meeting.

5. The work undertaken on options for a Council Chamber and dedicated space for elected members and notes the feedback from the members’ advisory panel be noted. Agreement be given to locate the Council Chamber and dedicated space for elected members in Dunedin House. A detailed report on the budget allocation be presented to a future Cabinet meeting.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The report provides an update on progress and seeks approval for the recently completed ‘Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint’ which sets out the vision and development framework for transformational change over the next 25 years.

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 as he was a member of Tees Active Board. 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 26 July 2024