Agenda item

To update the Committee on progress in delivering Grantham’s transformational scheme being funded via central Government’s Future High Streets Fund. 

The report was presented by the Leader of the Council who asked that Members consider a six-monthly update at future meetings rather than annual updates as the project gathered pace and there was a lot of information to consider.

The Council worked hard to secure this funding and ensure the most is made of this once in a lifetime opportunity for residents.  South Kesteven District Council was awarded £5.56 million (administered by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - DLUHC) and was to provide a total match contribution of £379,092 revenue funding to develop town centre leadership and promotional activities over the programme period.  The capital programme was to run until 31 March 2024, by which time all projects needed to be completed and spend defrayed.  The Council’s funding covered up to 31 March 2025.

The FHSF programme, including the Council’s match, enabled the delivery of five individual projects, four specific infrastructure projects, programme management and the creation of a Town Team supported by an Engagement Manager.  The Grantham Town Team was being established to:

•       Act as the Champions of Grantham, promoting the town internally and externally.

•       Provide new ideas and concepts of how Grantham can develop in the future    Support the development of a continuous programme of events and   promotional activities.

•       Provide a sounding board for new policy and strategy to develop and regenerate Grantham.

•       Assist with generating funding and sponsorship for events and promotional activities.

For the Market Place project, Lincolnshire County Council’s (LCC) decision to reverse the proposed closure of the Conduit Lane to through traffic meant aspects of the scheme had been redesigned to allow for vehicular traffic.

For Station Approach, a significant part of Station Road was managed and maintained by London North-Eastern Railways (LNER).  The comprehensive regeneration of the station approach area had been a long-standing ambition of the Council.  Officers had formed a close partnership with LCR, the development delivery arm of the Department for Transport, to consider a wider regeneration area incorporating the strategic site and wider station area.

Significant progress had been made with the delivery of the FHSF in the preceding nine months since Members were last updated.  Whilst there are future challenges anticipated such as cost pressures within construction, it remained key for the development and promotion of Grantham that the programme was delivered, to help unlock the potential of Grantham and assist in the promotion of the town as a place to live, work and visit.

The Leader informed Members that in reference to the externally funded programmes, including FHSF and High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), Grantham was receiving national recognition.  Grantham was a finalist in the ‘Great towns and small cities’ category at the Academy of Urbanism Awards 2022 and shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Rising Star’ category of the Visa Card ‘Lets Celebrate Town’ Awards.  The eventual winner was to receive £10,000 in funding.

The Leader thanked the team for their hard work, particularly Alex Ward, Programme Manager.

During Discussion Members raised the following points:

·            Great progress was being made through collaborative working.

·            The funding was very welcome for Grantham, which had been perceived as being at a disadvantage having no Town Council.  This would facilitate growth within the town.

·            Charter Trustees and local businesses need to be involved in the decision-making process.  The Leader confirmed this was to be added as a recommendation.

·            Escalating costs were a concern and Members wanted to make informed decisions based on a knowledge of the risks involved.

·            The recent ‘Grantham Walkabout’ for Members was very informative but could have been better supported.

ACTION 1:

After the election, as part of their induction, all Members were to be invited on a ‘Grantham Walkabout’ to see for themselves the work planned.

ACTION 2:

The Risk Register, relating to the FHSF project, was to be circulated to Members as necessary.         

ACTION 3:

The work plan to include a Grantham Future High Streets Fund update in six months’ time (around September 2023).

 It was proposed, seconded, and AGREED:

ThatFinance, Economic Development and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

a)         Agreed to receive a further update report later in the year as costs become more certain and for this to be included in the Work Programme

b)         Meetings of the Grantham Town Team would be made accessible to Charter Trustees and local businesses as well as Members.