Agenda item

Report enclosed.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report setting out the latest required approvals from the Investment Fund (agenda item 22).

The report recommendations were moved by the Chair and seconded by Mayor Rees.

Cllr Savage welcomed the proposals, and in particular the proposals to take forward strategic masterplanning for the North Fringe of Bristol; this was essential in the context of the vibrant local economy, the growing leisure and tourism sector in this part of the region and the development of the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood.   He also indicated his strong support for the proposal to approve the Full Business Case for the Centre for Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation and a funding award of £5m subject to the conditions outlined; it was important to recognise that this project included robust commitments in relation to low carbon and clean energy, and also to inclusivity, including engagement with a wide range of schools, including schools located in less affluent areas.  Finally, in the context of the Love Our High Streets project, he drew attention to and welcomed the progression of the Full Business Case to realise the opportunity presented through the Whitfield Tabernacle restoration project.

Mayor Rees and Cllr Romero also generally welcomed the report.  Mayor Rees particularly drew attention to and welcomed the proposed Full Business Cases and associated funding for the Lockleaze Sustainable Transport Improvements and South Bristol Enterprise Support projects.

The Chair then moved to the voting on the recommendations.

The West of England Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve the revised Local Growth Assurance framework.

2. To approve the Feasibility and Development Funding Applications set out in Appendix 2 and award of £1.465m.

3. To delegate approval of the detailed scoping and commissioning of work within the awards for North Fringe of Bristol and South West Bristol masterplanning (as agreed by the committee at its meeting on 14 June) to the WECA Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Directors of the constituent Councils and the Transport Board and Planning and Housing Board.

4. To approve the Love Our High Streets assessment criteria as set out in Appendix 4.

5. To approve the Full Business Case for Lockleaze Sustainable Transport Improvements and a funding award of £3.346m subject to securing necessary consents and resolution of land issues. 

6. To approve the underwriting of £200,000 through the Investment Fund to re-establish the 2019-20 AEB growth and exceptions budget.

7. To approve the Full Business Case for the South Bristol Enterprise Support project and award of £483k subject to securing ERDF, confirmation that all match funding is in place, supply of an expanded risk register and finalising the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.

8. To approve the Full Business Case for the Centre for Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation and a funding award of £5m subject to detailing the project work packages and their outputs, confirmation that all match funding is in place and finalising the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.

9. To approve the Full Business Case for the LIS Productivity Challenge Delivery Programme and a funding award of £2.737m subject to confirmation of all match funding including the role of North Somerset Council, development of a detailed project plan and finalising the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.

10. To approve the change requests for schemes within the current programme as set out in Appendix 3.

11. To amend the approved capital programme for individual project approvals agreed in the October Committee and within this report.