Issue - meetings

To consider a report on acquisition of strategic property.

Contact: David Wildman, Acting Head of Town Centres,

               Michelle Illingworth, Project Officer, Dewsbury Town Investment 

               Plan.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the report be noted

2)    That, utilising the Building Grant Revival Scheme funds as part of the Town Deal allocation, approval be given to the acquisition and subsequent repairs to the strategic property as outlined in the private appendix.

3)    That, subject to the Plan for Neighbourhoods being approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, a recommendation be made to Kirklees Council as the accountable body, to: -

(i)            utilise the revenue funds from the Plan for Neighbourhoods for the annual holding costs of the property

(ii)          agree to further investment in the strategic property as part of the Regeneration Plan in order to facilitate the renovation and sale or lease of the property in the future.

The Board received a report regarding the purchase of a strategic property in Dewsbury using Building Grant Revival Scheme funding.  It was noted that this was the best option to help safeguard investment in the town.

As discussed at a previous Board Meeting, a request was made to enter discussions regarding the acquisition and repair of the building with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, who confirmed this was within scope of the Building Grant Revival Scheme as funds were intended to support the reinstatement of shop fronts to support wider regeneration and improve the image and appearance of the town centre.

Negotiations with the owner had taken place and a purchase price had been agreed.

RESOLVED-

1)    That the report be noted

2)    That, utilising the Building Grant Revival Scheme funds as part of the Town Deal allocation, approval be given to the acquisition and subsequent repairs to the strategic property as outlined in the private appendix.

3)    That, subject to the Plan for Neighbourhoods being approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, a recommendation be made to Kirklees Council as the accountable body, to: -

(i)            utilise the revenue funds from the Plan for Neighbourhoods for the annual holding costs of the property

(ii)          agree to further investment in the strategic property as part of the Regeneration Plan in order to facilitate the renovation and sale or lease of the property in the future.