Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services, and Corporate Director of Resources on the future of Aykley Heads as a strategic employment site.  The report proposed a masterplan to attract over 6,000 jobs and set out the implications of doing so for the site currently occupied by County Hall (for copy see file of minutes).

A short video presentation followed which featured high profile regional business people, and those from the North East LEP/ North East Chamber and Durham University who offered their support to the redevelopment of the Aykley Heads site. The Leader advised that those featured had not been able to attend in person however had asked that their support be conveyed at the meeting. Jonathan Walker from the North East Chamber of Commerce had been in attendance to relay his support for the decision.

In response to a question from Cllr Shuttleworth about the breakdown of costs associated with each option, including the refurbishment of county hall, Councillor Napier advised that the value for money assessment of each option was presented in the report, however due to commercial sensitivity and risk to the completion of the procurement process cost information was provided in the private report to be considered.

Cabinet members spoke in detail about the proposals in the report and their reasons for support to each of the three parts. The comments included that the redevelopment of the site and creation of a unique business park was an opportunity that could not be missed. It would provide an economic boost, attract new businesses to Durham, and good quality jobs in the private sector which would provide future generations with employment opportunities.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.