Agenda and minutes

Councillor Jane Mudd

None.

Regeneration and Economic Development

Invitees:

-       Paul Jones – Strategic Director – Environment and Sustainability

-       Councillor James Clarke – Cabinet Member for

-       Tracey Brooks – Head of Regeneration and Economic Development

-       Andrew Ferguson – Planning and Policy Manager

-       Matt Tribbeck – Regeneration Manager

The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development gave an overview of the report.

The following was discussed:

• The Committee noted that Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis impacted tourism, and requested additional figures. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development indicated that the drop in figures could be linked to these reasons, although the evidence is anecdotal.
• The Committee raised concerns about the transporter bridge not being finished on time, despite being highlighted in green. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development assured that progress in 2023 is satisfactory and that the project has now started, reducing the associated risks.
• The Committee inquired about the former IAC building. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development mentioned increased construction costs due to Covid-19 and ongoing efforts to raise additional funds.
• The Committee requested information about the temporary vaccine centre in Friars Walk. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development explained that interest was shown in the former Debenhams store in Newport, but the size of the space has posed challenges in finding a new tenant. The Head also emphasised that the vaccine site is temporary.
• The Committee asked about performance indicators for affordable housing units. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development mentioned using the current financial year as a benchmark and expressed the need for a percentage indicator for the number of units.
• The Committee requested reports on the Council's contribution to the 106 contributions. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development confirmed that this information can be provided.
• The Committee believed that the completion of the Destination Management Plan should be a higher priority. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development explained that the plan is part of a broader range of interconnected plans. The Committee wanted progress updates on the work undertaken, and the Head highlighted that these plans will be presented to the Scrutiny Committee for questioning.
• The Committee requested more information on the storage of the Medieval Ship. The Regeneration Manager mentioned the need for storage space with specific key factors.
• The Committee asked if the search for properties is limited to council-owned properties. The Regeneration Manager clarified that all available options are being considered.
• The Committee inquired about obtaining more funding for the projects. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development mentioned the Shared Prosperity fund and the Levelling up fund, noting that the funding decisions will depend on more information.
• The Committee noted successes in bringing properties back into use. The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development emphasised that these are mainly commercial properties, and there is a priority list of properties. The Enforcement Officer is responsible for making progress on these properties, but it will take time.
• The Committee asked about plans to create a body of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

a)      Forward Work Programme Update (Appendix 1)

b)      Actions Plan (Appendix 2)

Invitee:

-          Neil Barnett – Scrutiny Adviser

a)    Forward Work Programme Update

The Scrutiny Adviser presented the Forward Work Programme, and informed the Committee of the topics due to be discussed at the next two committee meetings:

Monday 11^th September 2023, the agenda item;

• Replacement Local Development Plan Preferred Strategy

Monday 27^th November 2023, the agenda item;

• 2023-24 Mid-Year Service Plan Reviews

b)    Action Sheet

The Scrutiny Adviser presented the action sheet to the Committee.

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