Minutes:
The Board received a verbal update in relation to all projects.
All Business Case Summaries had had been conditionally approved.
ESAC
With regards to ESAC, the conditional approval had been received earlier in the day but it was entering two phases of consultation in August and September before a final pre-planning public consultation in November. The planning application would be submitted in Spring with an expected date of determination September 2024.
It was subject to planning approval for roads carpark and tourism attractions. There was also a requirement for more detail regarding visitor numbers and there was a requirement to liaise with transport north east to deliver a bus service improvement plan. There were no expected issues in being able to meet the condition, especially given the Councils position on the Joint Transport Committee. A priority was to improve public transport provision on the a167 from Bishop Auckland to Durham.
In relation to a question about the timescales, C McLennan advised that fortnightly meetings were held with TAP and Eleven Arches to ensure decisions were made in a timely matter and avoid any impact on the timeline.
A more detailed timeline would be circulated after the meeting.
In response to a question from Councillor Scott regarding the budget and whether it would be impacted by the spiralling costs of materials and labour, C McLennan confirmed that the cost estimate had been updated and it remained within budget. An additional £4m had been allocated for risk management.
The Chair reminded the Board that ESAC was the biggest project and required planning approval and visitor number projections for 2027-29 onwards. Due to the progressive nature of the scheme there was a need to ensure visitors were activated at the earliest opportunity.
In relation to projected visitors, the numbers had been confirmed at 30k visitors per week over 50 weeks and there was a joint responsibility to meet targets between Eleven Arches, TAP and the Board.
R Yorke confirmed that the business case which had been put forward had been through vigorous checks and challenged when the town investment programme had been put together.
Town centre diversification
C McLennan confirmed that there were no outstanding issues to the public realm scheme aside from some potential Traffic Regulation Orders. The scheme was broken down into smaller projects such as the Artists Hub which would assist to promote the development and attract people for events.
With regards the future high street fund, there had been £700k of commitments which had increased to over £1m due to further commercial interest.
S Harris advised that the Town Council were keen to be involved in the Artist Hub project but had not yet received any engagement.
Durham Dales Gateway
D Madden advised that the cost and design had been brought forward, with an anticipated date in early September and project delivered by 2026. The railway would be fully operational this year, with final bridgeworks to complete.
South Church Enterprise Park
G Wood confirmed that recruitment was underway for a replacement project lead and the team were working towards planning level drawings which should be concluded in early autumn with the application approved in February 2024. Units would be available from June 2025.
In response to a question the Board were advised that there would be 40k square feet of floor space and with very little private workspace in the South Durham area, it was expected that the units would reach full capacity, as confirmed by Business Durham.
Springboard to Employment
J Layfield shared the plans and elevations for the three floors which was expected to be completed in February. A Steering group had established, which included interest from Raby Estate who would have a lot of demand for catering and front of house training.
A retail space had been included on the ground floor and there was also a training kitchen and restaurant space, with the flexibility to open out. On the second floor, there was space for three or four star-up businesses, which could be utilised before expanding into larger premises, however the focus remained on education and training which was the key selling point.
Age UK were interested in co-location to assist 50+ ages range in getting back into work.
With regards to the build cost, it had been estimated as £800k and three companies had already agreed to tender for the contract. The history of the building would be preserved as far as possible with the name McIntyres retained and shoe displays as part of the internal decor.
Heritage walking and Cycling Routes
C Mclennan confirmed that the route would be delivered in phases as some elements of the scheme would be more simple to install. The design did not require any TRO’s apart from on Newgate Street, which was a six-month process.
In response to a suggestion from the Chair that projected images of the route be used to showcase the route, G Wood advised that the Bishop Auckland Regeneration Website contained an interactive map of the projects, which included descriptions of each project and images. It was still under construction but would be fully populated before the next Strategic Advisory Panel and provide updates to residents and visitors. Once completed it would be publicised.
Tindle Triangle
M Jackson advised that utility connection work would be completed by end of September to allow the work to commence in October.
R Yorke queried whether the Section 278 bond would be increased to future proof the junctions and it was confirmed that one of the junctions had been altered already to future proof. The
Kingsway Square
D madden confirmed that the programme aimed to deliver this project by March 2024. On site work had started with asbestos removal prior to demolition. The surrounding developments were underway and images would soon be installed on the panelling.
G Wood added that this was a significant development which had stimulated interest in other properties in the area.
M Jackson added that earlier in the week the bus station had been granted planning approval so work had started. Communications were being developed to advise people of the relocated bus stops and allow the site to develop as quickly as possible.
N Turner asked whether there were any risks going forward and how the Board would get assurance on cost pressures or be informed if there was going to be transition of budgets.
M Jackson advised that budgets had been set and depending on which project, the risks sat with different groups and whilst there was ultimately one overall programme, advice was to focus on the budget assigned to the relevant organisation. It was not the case that there was a syncing fund to mop up additional costs. If there was an overspend, it would be reported to board.