Issue - meetings

(i)               That the interests from developers to secure portions of the site for residential development be noted and that delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, and Portfolio Holder for One Council, People and Partnerships to finalise a masterplan for the hotel and residential developments and agree terms with developers to enable these developments to progress.

(ii)              That  the outcome of the procurement for a Hotel brand for the site be considered, and agree to the selection of Accor Hotels, with their Ibis Styles brand, for the development of the next stage of business case development, at a cost of £50,000;

(iii)             That further update reports on progress of the various elements be received as and when further details have been developed.

The Leader introduced a report updating Cabinet on the progress made with the Ryecroft development and to take decisions on moving the development forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth advised that Ibis had been selected as the hotel supplier.  In respect of the residential units, there were three interested parties, outlined at paragraph 2.4 of the report.  Work on the multi storey car park would be commencing soon. 

The Leader referred to the three types of residential development on the site.  Accommodation for over fifties, social housing and accommodation for young professionals.  Bringing accommodation to the edge of town and the provision of the replacement car park would increase footfall.

Reference was made to a confidential appendix that would be considered at the end of the meeting.

Resolved:     (i)         That the interests from developers to secure portions of the

site for residential development be noted and that delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, and Portfolio Holder for One Council, People and Partnerships to finalise a masterplan for the hotel and residential developments and agree terms with developers to enable these developments to progress.

(ii)           That  the outcome of the procurement for a Hotel brand for the site be considered, and agree to the selection of Accor Hotels, with their Ibis Styles brand, for the development of the next stage of business case development, at a cost of £50,000;

(iii)          That further update reports on progress of the various elements be received as and when further details have been developed.

Watch the debate here