Committee Report: Regeneration Funding Opportunities
Report to: |
Cabinet |
|---|---|
Date: |
16 November 2006 |
Subject: |
Regeneration Funding Opportunities |
Report of: |
Director Designate of Environmental Services |
Contact officer: |
Peter Rowlinson - 01942 404206 |
Purpose / summary: |
To inform Members of recent progress in securing development funding for major regeneration and to secure approval to the submission of bids for funding and the establishment of project management structures. |
Alternative options considered and reason for selecting the one recommended: |
The only alternative is not to pursue the potential funding opportunities which would lose the benefits this funding will bring. |
Recommendation / decision: |
Members are recommended:
|
Key Decision: |
This report does not involve a key decision. |
Implications: |
|
Financial: |
None directly contained within this report |
Staffing: |
One new appointment on fixed term basis fully supported by grant aid |
Policy: |
Economic Development Strategy, Unitary Development Plan |
Equal Opportunities – has a Diversity Impact Assessment been conducted? |
N/A |
Wards affected: |
Ince, Hindley, Worsley Mesnes, Douglas, Winstanley, Abram, Hindley Green, Leigh West, Leigh South |
Special Interest Members – Which have been consulted |
N/A |
Tracking/Process:
|
Consultation |
Ward Members |
Partners |
|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
Panel |
Overview & Scrutiny |
Cabinet |
Council |
- |
- |
28.07.05 |
- |
There are no Background Papers to this Report within the meaning of Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972.
Proper Officer |
Martin Kimber |
|---|---|
Date |
1 November 2006 |
1.0 Background
1.1 This report sets out recent progress in negotiations with funding agencies on a number of major projects and seeks approval to a range of actions to pursue the resource opportunities.
1.2 The context for this report is twofold. The first is negotiations currently underway between Greater Manchester Authorities and North West Development Agency over a three year funding programme, whilst the second is the progress now being made in the development of the Greenheart Regional Park Initiative.
2.0 North West Development Agency
2.1 Discussions have been underway for some months with North West Development Agency on the development of a three year funding programme for Greater Manchester. This programme is unlikely to be approved formally for some time yet, but as the programme covers the current financial year as well as 2007/08 and 2008/09 discussions have been held about the possibility of submitting bids for funding which will anticipate spend in the current financial year. There is uncertainty about the decision‑making process which will need to be resolved as part of the wider discussion but it has been accepted that progress needs to be made on projects wishing to start in 2006/07.
2.2 At this stage, the draft programme contains proposals which meet Wigan’s aspirations but the full programme needs to be resolved through further negotiations and it is too early to confirm the likely programme content.
2.3 There are, however, three projects where early action would be advantageous. These are:
- Wigan South Central – This initiative was reported to Cabinet in July 2005 and covers the potential continuation of the current South Wigan and Ince Economic Development Zone. Funding is needed to develop a masterplan for the continued development of the wider Wigan Pier Quarter and for further technical studies in the area such as transport assessments and environmental impact assessments.
- Sandyforth Farm – The recent appeal decision by the Secretary of State in favour of the Council on the Sandyforth Farm landfill proposal means that it is now important to recommence detailed discussions with North West Development Agency over the funding package for the restoration scheme. The Agency has been informed of the decision and previous agreements are being pursued. There is, however, a need to up‑date design work and the cost estimates in order to confirm the scale of grant required.
- Greenheart – The Wigan regional park proposal now has formal endorsement within the Regional Economic Strategy and is also supported by North West Regional Assembly. Whilst progress is being achieved on some sites, eg, Bickershaw, there is a need to prepare a masterplan for the full Greenheart area showing linkages between sites and dealing with issues such as long‑term management and promotion.
3.0 Greenheart European Regional Development Fund
3.1 We now have confirmation that a Phase I bid for European resources has been successful and an award of £725,000 has been made. This grant covers works to Wigan Flashes, cycle and pedestrian links across the area and early works on the Bickershaw project.
3.2 The Greenheart project has made substantial progress over the years through an informal partnership of organisations comprising:
- Wigan Council
- Groundwork
- Lancashire Wildlife Trust
- Red Rose Forest
- Forestry Authority
- RSPB
- Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust
3.3 However, a formal management and development structure is necessary to take the initiative forward and, in particular, to take responsibility for the management of funds and the development of future funding bids.
3.4 A Project Steering Group and a Core Delivery Group have been established but it is considered that two further elements are needed to establish a formal management structure. These are:
(a) The appointment of a Project Manager. This post is fully covered by grant aid and is essential to ensure progress is secured and that the monitoring and reporting requirements of funders are met.
(b) The establishment of a Partnership Board. This is a standard approach in our regeneration initiatives and there is little doubt that the Greenheart programme is now developing into a significant regeneration initiative and should have recognised governance arrangements. Members are therefore requested to agree the establishment of a Board.
Past experience of the structure of this type of Board has been to divide membership between sectors. The approach adopted in other Boards has been:
- 3 members from the Council;
- 3 members from partner organisations;
- 3 members from the private sector;
- 3 representatives from the community and voluntary sector.
If agreed, a number of nominees would be apparent:
- Council – Councillors Molyneux and O’Neill have confirmed their interest.
- Partners – Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Red Rose Forest, Forestry Authority.
- Private – Groundwork Wigan and Chorley two private companies to be determined.
- Community and Voluntary Sector – to be determined.
4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
4.1 Members are requested to:
- support the submission of bids for funding for the early priorities identified in paragraph 203;
- agree the establishment of a Greenheart Partnership Board as outlined in the report and the appointment of a Greenheart Project Manager.