Agenda item

This report sets out a proposal to establish a new fund targeted at supporting regeneration in local high streets and to trial this approach through three pilot projects.

The committee considered a report seeking approval to establish a new fund targeted at supporting regeneration in local high streets and to trial this approach through 3 pilot projects.

In introducing the report, the Chairwelcomed this proposal to establish a fund of up to £10m to support high streets to meet the needs of their communities.The pilot projects would essentially provide a test bed to inform the development of a longer-term programme.

Following the pilots, a second phase of activity would commence in approximately 6months’ time to establish a process to assess future proposals, notingthat all allocations from the £10m fund would be subject to agreement ofbusiness cases through WECA’s existing governance.

The report recommendations were then moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Cheney.

Cllr Warren expressed his support for the proposals.  Some high streets/local shop businesses in the region were struggling and this was a welcome initiative.  He recorded his thanks to officers for the swift action taken in bringing forward the initial pilots.

Cllr Cheney welcomed the report, stressing also the ongoing importance of working closely with local communities in taking these (and future) high street regeneration projects forward. 

Cllr Savage also welcomed the report, and in particular the inclusion of Kingswood High Street regeneration as a pilot. Noting comments raised during the public forum, he stressed that there would be full local engagement in taking the pilot forward.  Initial discussions had already taken place in respect of the community and heritage opportunity offered by the Whitfield Tabernacle and there would be wide consultation and engagement in developing public realm improvements.

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendations (which was carried out in line with the constitution).

The committee RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations:

That approval be given to:

1. Allocate a total of up to £10m from the West of England Combined Authority Investment Fund to establish a ‘Love our High Streets’ fund as set out in paragraphs 2.5, 2.12 and 2.13 of the report.

(Unanimous vote carried by the three local authorities excluding the Combined Authority Mayor)

2. Proceed with the three pilot projects identified in sections 2.9, 2.10 and 2.11 of the report, to be funded from the Love our High Streets Fund.

(Unanimous vote carried by the three local authorities excluding the Combined Authority Mayor)

3. Delegate to the West of England Combined Authority Chief Executive, in consultation with the West of England Chief Executives, authority to make all necessary arrangements for the allocation and application of this funding in accordance with the objectives set out in the report.

(Majority vote required of the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

4. Request that a report is brought back to the West of England Combined Authority Committee upon completion of the pilot projects setting out the outcomes and making recommendations to inform further funding awards.

(Majority vote required of the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)

5. Delegate to the Section 151 Officer to make all necessary amendments to the

West of England Combined Authority and Mayoral budgets as appropriate to reflect

the approved allocation of investment funding.

(Majority vote required of the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor - note: this vote was carried unanimously)