Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received as listed above.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee.

As former Chair Cllr Parker stated having read the minutes of the previous meeting and be satisfied that they reflected the debates.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th March 2026 be agreed as true and accurate record.

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The Deputy Chief Executive provided members with background information and details on the various projects and developments taking place as part of Newcastle Town Deal.

Cllr Tagg said being pleased with the progress made at Astley Place and asked how this compared with other projects as well as what units would be put in.

The Deputy Chief Executive advised that the Council was happy with progress being made on the build out and on the rental interest in the commercial spaces being advertised as feedback is that there was high demand on their availability. Announcements would be made on the commercial units in the autumn with some local artisan restaurants and cafes to be expected.

Cllr Fear wished to hear more about the meeting with Capital & Centric at the Bournemouth LGR Conference as well as if things would be in synch with the Ryepark McCarthy and Stone developments.

The Deputy Chief Executive responded that the team met with the contractor at an event that followed the LGR Conference. The development on Ryepark had been broken down into two parts, one for townhouses that were being built and would be sold to Aspire Housing along with some apartments whilst the rest of the development would be Capital & Centric’s residential units alongside an aparthotel. There was a section of the site adjacent to the main site which would be the location of the McCarthy and Stone development.

Cllr Tagg commented on the Midway car park being repurposed for accommodations which was gaining national attention and enquired about the feedback received at the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) recently attended.

The Deputy Chief Executive said that there had been a lot of media attention with notably interviews given to three publications including the Building and Insider magazines as well as round tables the team took part in. A Homes England had also taken interest in the project which they wished to promote with other local authorities.

Cllr Parker asked if the mural would be kept in the Zanzibar project.

The Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that it would be the case.

Cllr Tagg referred to comments publicly made by the Leader and asked for clarification about the new administration’s position on whether the ongoing regeneration projects were a good thing or not for the borough.

The Deputy Leader responded that the Council was a hundred percent in favour of the regeneration of Newcastle and a letter had recently be sent to the government demanding funds for Pride in Place in continuing with the efforts undertaken by the previous administration.

Resolved:     That the report on the delivery of the Newcastle Town Deal Funds projects and the three major town centre regeneration projects be noted.

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The Deputy Chief Executive presented the projects to be delivered as part of the Kidsgrove Town Deal.

Cllr Tagg welcomed the progress made on Kidsgrove Train Station, recalling the funding issues that had led to rethinking the original design.

Cllr Tagg also asked if the new administration was supportive of the project led by the Kings Academy Trust in relation to the land adjacent to Fifth Avenue. A written response would be appreciated.

The Deputy Leader advised that he would speak to the Leader and provide details to Cllr Tagg in writing.

Resolved:     That the report on the delivery of the Kidsgrove Town Deal Funds projects be noted.

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The Deputy Leader said that the Leader had written to both the Secretary of State and the Chancellor so that a response be received in relation to the former administration’s request for fundings.

Resolved:     That the verbal update be noted.

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The Chair asked members to think about items they wish to see on the Work Programme so that these could be discussed at the next meeting.

Cllr Fear suggested that the portfolios falling under the Committee’s remit be added to the document and that portfolio holders be invited to attend the meetings. A standing item on Planning Enforcement and Performance was also recommended in light of the government perceived intentions to take away the matter from local authorities.

Cllr Tagg stated that other important items would be updates from the BID (Business Improvement District) which the Leader was a board member of, and HMOs related policies.

The Town Centre Market was put forward as another topic.

Cllr Parker recalled that Aspire Housing was supposed to come 18 months earlier to make a presentation and suggested that the invitation be reiterated.

The Deputy Chief Executive advised that the provider had been invited in the past and refused to participate. The invitation would be extended again.

Cllr Tagg commented that there was a board representative for the Council with Aspire Housing who could provide an update report.

The Deputy Chief Executive said he would check out the government arrangements in relation to board members’ ability to represent organisations.

Resolved:     That the Work Programme be discussed.

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Any member of the public wishing to submit a question must serve two clear days’ notice, in writing, of any such question to the Borough Council.

There were no questions received from members of the public.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business.

The Chair reminded members that the next meeting would be held on 24^th September 2026.