Agenda item

(i)           That the progress made with the Kidsgrove Town Deal projects be noted

(ii)         That the Project Adjustment Form submission to MHCLG for the new Enterprise Units, the community learning facility on Kings Academy, Canal pathway improvements and the highway / public realm improvements to The Meadows, Station Road, Market Street, The Avenue, Heathcote Street along with the public toilets upgrade and Kings Street, be approved subject to Town Deal Board approval

(iii)        That the risks that currently sit against the Railway Station scheme be noted

(iv)        That further updates be received as necessary

The Leader introduced the report on the Kidsgrove Town Deal projects, quoting the refurbishment and re-opening of the Sports Centre, ground works on the Chatterley site towards enabling 1700 jobs to be created, the pump track in Newchapel, Cliffe Park Hall, 3G pitches at Kings School’s and improvements to the Canal Pathway.

The shared service and refurbishment of the station were still under discussion. Money reallocated from the cancelled HS2 project had been expected from the government to go towards the station but seemed not to be an option anymore and the Town Deal funds were not to cover remediation works in the car park if these turned out to be required. A survey was to be carried out to find out for which money was also an issue and a decision was to be made about asking Network Rail for an alternative plan.

The shared service hub’s new approach would involve a regeneration of the town centre around the station of which a community learning hub on the Kings Academy site, new small-scale enterprise units on the Meadows, canal pathway and access as well as highway improvements. The changes had been agreed by the Town Deal Board.

The Deputy Leader welcomed the completion of the Chatterley Valley project as far as the Town Deal investment element went. The developer was due to commence the build out of units later in the year. The works by the Canal and River Trust were also substantially complete.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage expressed his disappointment in the Government for withholding part of the fundings that were to go towards the station. Kidsgrove had otherwise hugely benefitted from the Town Deal’s moneys, the first scheme delivered being the Sports Centre which showed a healthy membership and a vast array of classes, promoting better health and social interactions. The pump track was also a success, curbing antisocial behaviours and helping children to get out into the fresh air. Kidsgrove CCTV project was also to be commended, giving a sense of civic pride, comfort and safety for people walking around their hometown.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning praised how much good the Town Deal had done and the investment in creating jobs for the future i.e. prosperity. The doubts brought by the Government not honouring the fundings that had been agreed was problematic and it was suggested the local MP should step up to use his influence to liaise with the appropriate Government department and Network Rail.

The Leader confirmed having written to the MP who did not provide any response in relation to why the money was no longer available, bringing uncertainty into the Town Deal Board. The MP also abstained to support the proposal brought to the Board to take action and press ahead.

Resolved:    (i) That the progress made with the Kidsgrove Town Deal projects be noted.

(ii) That the Project Adjustment Form submission to MHCLG for the new Enterprise Units, the community learning facility on Kings Academy, Canal pathway improvements and the highway / public realm improvements to The Meadows, Station Road, Market Street, The Avenue, Heathcote Street along with the public toilets upgrade and Kings Street, be approved subject to Town Deal Board approval.

(iii) That the risks that currently sat against the Railway Station scheme be noted.

(iv) That further updates be received as necessary.

Watch the debate here