Issue - meetings

(i)              That the petitioners concerns and objections be received and noted.

(ii)             That having reviewed and carefully considered the issues raised by the petitioners, the decision to dispose of this property to Staffordshire County Council (by way of grant of long leasehold) in order for it to implement proposals for a new Public Sector Hub be reaffirmed.

A report was presented to Cabinet informing Members about the receipt of a petition objecting to the proposed demolition of the former St Giles and St George’s school.  The petition had been presented to Council on 27 January, 2016.

A new occupant for the building had been sought but there had been no interest.

The Hub was vital to the town centre economy at it would bring £40 million worth of investment into the heart of Newcastle.

Concerns had been raised about the Queens Gardens but assurance was given that the Gardens would be enhanced and would ‘flow’ into the new Hub.

The design of the new building would include a storey being set back so as to not overshadow the Gardens.

English Heritage had been consulted prior to the application for demolition and they had concluded that the development would result in a medium level of harm to the town centre.  Furthermore, removing the school would not harm the Newcastle Town Centre Conservation Area.

Members could understand the concerns of the public but stated that the Council were in a difficult position and that this was the least worst option.  In addition, it would create jobs in both the public and private sectors.

There had been concerns that the public had not been addressed during the debate.  However, they would be able to be more involved with the Planning application for the new Hub.

Resolved:    (i)       That the petitioners concerns and objections be received and

noted.

(ii)             That having reviewed and carefully considered the issues raised by the petitioners, the decision to dispose of this property to Staffordshire County Council (by way of grant of long leasehold) in order for it to implement proposals for a new Public Sector Hub be reaffirmed.