Minutes:
The Community Economic Development Manager provided an update on what projects were proposed within the first year’s investment. Figures had been costed within the spreadsheet through estimates from previous similar projects and some from salaries and work costs. The overall projects came in at just under £12 million but these were still being developed and had the flexibility to evolve with continuous engagement with the community. There was a presumption that year one of the programme would commence in 2025 as it was anticipated that a submission date would be confirmed by the government at the end of October 2024, and there would likely to be a four weeks deadline for submission. She surmised that if the submission date was set for the end November 2024, factoring in the Christmas and New Year period, it was considered that any assessment would not take place until January 2025 which would be in time for the new financial year for 2025/26. No submission template had been forthcoming from the government, therefore, a template had been created from previous funding submissions to assist with the collation of information. This could then be transferred to any revised documentation issued by the Government.
The Economic Development Manager noted that discussions had taken place with the Cities and Local Growth Unit and subject to any announcement relating to a revised submission, which could coincide with the Autumn statement, he anticipated a short window to a revised submission date and the process thereafter to follow previous advice with determination of the investment plan in approximately six weeks. With these timings the current estimate was that any Heads of Terms funding agreement would be issued in February 2025 and the programme to commence 1 April 2025.
The Community Economic Development Manager allayed Councillor L Maddison’s fears that the repair work to the Leisure Centre car park had been factored into the financial figures as these had been identified as part of the accessibility walkabout to enhance and improve access to the entrance to maximise attendance.
The Community Economic Development Manager reassured Mr D Stones that investment in the town centre was a top priority to encourage and attract investment from both large and independent businesses to the town. Work was ongoing to look at industrial estates to attract companies to set up in Spennymoor. This work not only focused on large businesses but also smaller ones. She also confirmed that other funding opportunities would be investigated throughout the project. The aim was to achieve the best improvements possible with the £20 million allocated to help grow the town and future proof the investment.
The Economic Development Manager added that the council had received money from the government for the Kerbo scheme which would see the installation of electric charging points in streets of terraced housed and carparks.
The Community Economic Development Manager clarified for Mr G Hall that as part of the engagement works people had commented that they did not feel safe in certain areas of Spennymoor. Proposals had been made to reach out to children and young people to start conversations around diversionary activities. This had commenced through the establishment of a children and young person’s working group to include their voices within the programme. The Community Economic Development Manager stated that the government work to create youth hubs mentioned by Mr G Hall should link in with the children and young people’s working group to maximise funding.
The Community Economic Development Manager explained that the engagement work would build on talking to businesses, community development, engagement with the community and stakeholders and the establishment of community hubs. This would help to sustain growth of the programme and make people aware of what was available to them. It would also build on activities already available, such as boxing, basketball and gyms, so children and young people could contribute further suggestions of what they would like to do.
The Community Economic Development Manager also referenced that there had been positive feedback on the activities and markets events held and it was hoped that further enhancements could be made for the future. The programme would include the history and heritage of Spennymoor and how this could be taken forward.
Some concerns had been voiced around the use of off road bikes and a feeling of intimidation. Proposals to counter this included the installation of CCTV and the management and subsequent deployment of resources on the streets. It was seen as vital to change people’s behaviours to improve cycling and walking in the town with a focus on establishing more links.
In response to Mr Boddy’s positive comments around the significant plans for the first year, the Community Economic Development Manager confirmed that once a submission date had been confirmed, the subsequent branding would be formalised and awareness raising and messaging would be circulated to the community.