To receive an update on the Leighton Hospital redevelopment.
Minutes:
The Board received an update on the Leighton Hospital redevelopment project, from Ian Moston and Ellie Jenkins.
The Board were updated that the redevelopment project would see a total of £1 million invested in social infrastructure projects, which over 10 years, would expect to deliver £2 million of economic and social benefits, and £1.2 million of fiscal benefits.
The Board were updated that the project would:
· Set a clear and connected vision, supported by a long-term plan
· Identify priority outcomes, build these into governance models to ensure every decision linked to key outcomes
· Establish collaborative ways of working early on
· Ensure that placemaking was at the key to ensure a lasting legacy
· Join the dots between infrastructure, residential and social projects to ensure the impact was optimised
· Seek innovative funding models to help ensure the long-term vision
· Reduce emissions through design, building and active travel methods
· Secure public sector investment to stimulate wider demand and funding options.
It was noted that social value aspect of the project would target 20,000 young people with an aim of inspiring 2000 young people to follow a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through their “Dream Big” programme. The Board were updated that the project aimed to target every year 5 and 6 student in Crewe. The importance of targeting primary school students was noted as the key stage to encourage careers in STEM.
The Board requested that Cheshire East Council were consulted as active travel sponsors. Active travel was very important for Crewe and the wider Cheshire area due to its rurality. It was noted that Leighton Hospital was an anchor employer in the area and improving the green and sustainable travel routes to it, would not only would make it more environmentally friendly, but would make the hospital more accessible for people within Crewe without access to a car.
Members noted the benefit of an NHS diagnostic centre in Crewe as residents were having to travel to Northwich for these services at present, and there was an ambition for this to be included within the new Leighton care neighbourhood.
Through the development of Leighton Hospital as the first in the government’s new scheme of hospitals, the impact of securing local procurement frameworks and building sustainable supply chains, which could supply all projects was noted.
It was noted that the goals of the project tied in with Cheshire East Council’s ambitions for devolution:
· A catalyst for lasting social and economic change
· Raise aspirations, create new opportunities, and strengthen wellbeing across the community
· Unlocking a healthy future for all.
The importance of linking in with local charities, the town council, education establishments, community organisations and existing work ongoing with young children in the area was noted. The Board noted that there was benefit for the whole of Cheshire East from this project, and it would be raised at relevant council committees and requested that the project be promoted widely to the public.
RESOLVED:
That the updates be noted.
Officers to determine the best way to seek approvals from Council.
Leighton Hospital redevelopment be added to the agenda of a future meeting for an update.