Decision Maker: Economy and Growth Committee
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Consideration of the Notion of Motion ‘Starter Units’, referred by Council on 20 October 2021 to the Economy and Growth Committee.
The Committee considered a report in response to the following Notice of Motion which had been moved by Councillor A Kolker and seconded by Councillor P Groves at the Council meeting on 20 October 2021 and was referred to the Economy and Growth Committee for consideration:
“This Council, in order to support the Borough’s post-pandemic recovery, commits to providing a wide range of affordable rental units for small and micro business start-ups.”
Councillors A Koker and P Groves spoke on the motion.
The report detailed the current and planned activity by the Council to develop an evidence base to help build a business case and secure investment for small and micro business accommodation.
The Committee unanimously RESOLVED:
1 that the Council undertake demand analysis and research to identify demand for start-up units, potential sites and to develop the business case for investment in additional start-up and innovation space.
2 if research shows there is sufficient demand, to develop the business case for public sector investment in new business start-up space and an incubation support offer and use this to develop up investment plans/funding bids to secure the necessary capital and revenue funding. This could be via sources such as the Levelling Up Fund or UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
3 in addition, to use the business case work to develop a pilot for a ‘Technology and Digital Incubation Centre’ in Crewe, using funding already secured through the Future High Streets Fund.
4 to work with private sector landowners, developers, and investors to promote the development of new start-up space, co-working and innovation spaces in key towns.
Publication date: 21/03/2022
Date of decision: 17/03/2022
Decided at meeting: 17/03/2022 - Economy and Growth Committee
Effective from: 29/03/2022
Accompanying Documents: