Agenda item

To update on the overall programme and headroom.

1.             That the allocation of £1.5m to support the Place Partnership funding bid to Arts Council England as set out in paragraph 2.7-2.9 be approved;

2.             That the award of £200k of funding to support the Investment Fund Gateway 2 process as set out in paragraph 2.10-2.13 be approved;

3.             That the Strategic Outline Case for Western Harbour and the award of £2.56m to produce a masterplan concept report and highway alignment feasibility assessment report by March 2025, as set out in paragraph 2.14 be approved;

4.             That the Feasibility and Development Funding Application for the Muller Road Eastbound Bus Lane and the award of £388k to produce a Full Business Case by February 2024, as set out in paragraph 2.15 be approved;

5.             That the Outline Business Case for the Keynsham to Willsbridge Path and the award of £455k to produce a Full Business Case by March 2025, as set out in paragraph 2.17 be approved;

The Metro Mayor introduced a report that gave an update on the overall Investment Fund programme and headroom.  The report also sought approval for a number of new awards and allocations from the Investment Fund.

It was noted that full spend of the time-limited Transforming Cities Fund had been achieved by the deadline of March 2023, and that the full £80 million had been used on new transport schemes, ensuring no funding was at risk of having to be returned to Government.

It was also reported that the Authority had been specifically invited by Arts Council England to bid into their Place Partnership Fund to take forward the key priorities as set out in the Authority’s Cultural Plan, which had launched last year.

This report requested a £1.5m contribution from the Combined Authority (leveraging a further £1.5m) which would enable the Authority to support the cultural and creative freelance community and improve access to the many jobs and training opportunities that the sector provided across the region.

Cllr Warren specifically welcomed the allocation to support the preparation of the Joint Local Transport Plan 5.

Cllr Young welcomed the opportunity to secure additional funding from the Arts Council and championed the creative talent across the region and stated that by working in partnership this would give an opportunity for more professionally-led art and culture across age and community groups.  Cllr Young also specifically welcomed the funding for the Keynsham to Willsbridge Path and Western Harbour initiatives but noted the impact on the remaining headroom and asked that this be given consideration moving forward.

Cllr Dudd welcomed the report and highlighted the Western Harbour development plan which would provide sustainable living in the heart of the city.  He believed that the project would help keep the principle of the long-term planning for this region.  He also noted the importance of the Muller Road Eastbound Bus Lane which would help alleviate congestion and improve bus punctuality in this area.  The Old City project would help the cycling and pedestrian experience as well as helping to boost the hospitality sector and nighttime economy.

[voting arrangements: Decision required majority agreement of Committee Members in attendance, or their substitutes (one vote representing each Authority) and including the West of England Combined Authority Metro Mayor].

The recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, seconded by Cllr Kye Dudd and unanimously:

Resolved:

1.             That the allocation of £1.5m to support the Place Partnership funding bid to Arts Council England as set out in paragraph 2.7-2.9 be approved;

2.             That the award of £200k of funding to support the Investment Fund Gateway 2 process as set out in paragraph 2.10-2.13 be approved;

3.             That the Strategic Outline Case for Western Harbour and the award of £2.56m to produce a masterplan concept report and highway alignment feasibility assessment report by March 2025, as set out in paragraph 2.14 be approved;

4.             That the Feasibility and Development Funding Application for the Muller Road Eastbound Bus Lane and the award of £388k to produce a Full Business Case by February 2024, as set out in paragraph 2.15 be approved;

5.             That the Outline Business Case for the Keynsham to Willsbridge Path and the award of £455k to produce a Full Business Case by March 2025, as set out in paragraph 2.17 be approved;