To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.
Minutes:
The Board received an update on several of the Towns Fund Projects and Programme Management updates from Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager, and individual project sponsors.
Repurposing High Streets Grants Scheme – A total of 21 grant applications has been approved as part of the scheme and three new video case studies were being developed – Baileys Wine Bar, Kawaii Boba Tea and Cheer and Chug. The scheme was showing a 100% survival rate for the businesses in receipt of grants. It was forecast that by December 2026, 38 of original 42 targeted business will have been awarded grants, utilising all of the allocated budget.
Cheshire Archive / Public Realm – A breaking ground event had taken place on 4 June as PR for the archive, but also to mark the completion of Phase 1 of the project. The target for opening was September 2026 – there was a need for the building to fully dry out prior to the archives being installed.
TADIC – The physical works were complete and the building had been handed over to Cheshire East Council. The building was expected to operate with a soft launch in July 2025 prior to specialist operator taking over the space in August 2025.
Youth Zone – Works ongoing to address United Utilities works and the steel frame was being erected in three phases from 7 July. The delay had created a further shortfall of approximately £425,000 and works were underway to exploring alternative funding options. The project was forecasting a summer 2026 opening.
Youth Club – There was a launch event scheduled for 27 and 28 June with the official launch taking place on 27 June 1100 – 1300. There remained an issue with S278 works on the widening of the highway which had delayed the overall completion.
Cumberland Arena – The demolition was advancing with network rail input. The project was expected to complete in February / March 2026. A SPEN legal issue was being managed within this timeframe.
Valley Brook Corridor – The project was to be delivered in two packages. The “quality’2 RAG had been downgraded to “amber” due to the risk of the reduction in the KPIs.
Pocket Parks – The initial works were underway at Lime Tree Avenue and Samuel Street. Consultation had started on the Westminster Street and Valley Brook pocket parks. The vandalised equipment at the Derby Docks pocket park was to be replaced using the contingency budget.
Jubilee / Wishing Well – The planning application was still to be determined. The operational model and hours of operation were a key issue.
Warm and Healthy Homes – The Local Listed Building Consent order had been granted. The costs of survey work for the public realm had ruled out some aspects of the project due to the cost. The budget would be used to deliver the core scheme, including tree removal and a CCTV drain survey.
Southern Gateway – The main works were expected to complete June 2025, with the project opening in August 2025.
Mill Street Corridor – The main works were expected to commence w/c 23 June and complete in January 2026.
Royal Arcade – The first phase of works was underway, including the removal of hardstanding and the installation of a knew knee height perimeter fencing. The planning application was live and was expecting a decision in July 2025. Conversations were ongoing regarding revenue costs and Phase 2 of the project was expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
RESOLVED:
A comprehensive update on the Warm and Healthy Homes project would be presented to the Board at its next meeting on 04.07.2025.
A comprehensive update on the Valley Brook Corridor project would be presented to the Board as its meeting on 01.08.2025.
That the updates be noted.