Issue - meetings

          Executive Board had considered the report of the Strategic Director, People and Economy, on the Runcorn and Runcorn Town Centre Regeneration.

          RESOLVED: That the amendment to the Capital Programme to provide an additional £2.3m to gap fund the development at the former Crosville site, Runcorn, subject to planning permission and lease with pub operator, be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People and Economy, which presented details of development proposals on four sites in Runcorn. The report sought approval to progress these schemes, detailed in the report, as quickly as possible. The following sites were the subject of the report:-

·       The former Crosville site, Runcorn;

·       The Murdishaw Avenue Development site;

·       Runcorn Town Centre Bus Station and Brindley Car Park sites; and

·       Picow Farm Road former playing fields.

Reason(s) for Decision

The developments provided welcome investment to Runcorn and it was envisaged that this would stimulate confidence and market demand for future investment in Runcorn.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Regarding the Crosville site, there was the option to do nothing. However, as outlined in the report, the site was a key Gateway to the town centre.

Regarding the Murdishaw Avenue site, the ‘do nothing’ option was an option that was considered. However, the development of the site would result in improvements to leisure and recreation facilities in the area, and would also generate a capital receipt for the Council.

Implementation Date

April 2016.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Council be authorised to enter into an umbrella agreement with Neptune Developments Limited, to deliver the regeneration of the former Crosville site, but also a wider regeneration plan for Runcorn, which includes the Bus Station and Brindley Car Park sites;

2)    the development plans and proposals be approved, subject to planning, for the former Crosville site, as outlined in Appendix A;

3)    the development plans and proposals be approved, subject to planning, for the Murdishaw Avenue development site, as outlined in Appendix B;

4)    the indicative plans and proposals for Runcorn Bus Station and Brindley Car Parks be approved (Appendix C);

5)    Council be recommended to approve the amendment to the Capital Programme to provide an additional £2.3m to gap fund the development at the former Crosville site, Runcorn, subject to planning permission and lease with the pub operator;

6)    the Operational Director, Economy, Enterprise and Property, be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services and the Portfolio holder for Physical Environment, to enter into a Development Agreement with Neptune to deliver a remediated and serviced Crosville site including car parking and highway improvements and to proceed with a lease to a pub operator and coffee shop operator;

7)    the sale of the Murdishaw Avenue Site be authorised and the Operational Director, Economy, Enterprise and Property be authorised to arrange for all required documentation to be completed to the satisfaction of the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services; and

8)    approval be given to submit a planning application for housing on the former Picow Farm Road (Playing Fields) site and proceed to sale on the open market if planning permission is granted.