Issue - meetings

(i)          That the progress made to date by Capital & Centric on the Midway Car Park project in Newcastle Town Centre, be noted;

(ii)         That expenditure of up to £854,117 be approved to develop the scheme to the end of RIBA Stage 4, for construction drawings, tender of a contractor, programme and agreement of a final project costs for the build out of the scheme to completion (subject to a separate Council approval at a future date);

(iii)        That 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 be authorised to progress legal agreements to enable the appointment of Capital&Centric under a Pre-Development Services Agreement (PDSA) for the development of the scheme through a direct award under the Pagabo Development Management Framework;

(iv)       That the future submission of a separate Council Report for the final authorisation to award a construction contract for the build out of the scheme, be noted.

The Leader introduced the report on the regeneration of the Midway car park which Capital & Centric had been working on recommissioning into apartments.

The Deputy Leader shared his enthusiasm for the project which would be inspirational for the town as well as for other towns.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning added that it was an interesting and innovative scheme. The Midway structure was not fit for purpose which is why it was replaced by a new car park and having people living on the site would be a good way to bring social dynamism into the town centre.

Resolved:    (i) That the progress made to date by Capital & Centric on the Midway Car Park project in Newcastle Town Centre, be noted;

(ii) That expenditure of up to £854,117 be approved to develop the scheme to the end of RIBA Stage 4, for construction drawings, tender of a contractor, programme and agreement of a final project costs for the build out of the scheme to completion (subject to a separate Council approval at a future date);

(iii) That 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 be authorised to progress legal agreements to enable the appointment of Capital & Centric under a Pre-Development Services Agreement (PDSA) for the development of the scheme through a direct award under the Pagabo Development Management Framework;

(iv) That the future submission of a separate Council Report for the final authorisation to award a construction contract for the build out of the scheme, be noted.

Watch the debate here