Agenda item

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Officers provided the Panel with an update on the Town Investment Plan and Town Deal Board Projects.  A copy of their presentation is attached.

The Panel were also reminded that a Town Deal Board briefing session for all Councillors had been scheduled for 27^th September.

The Chair thanked officers for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Heneghan asked if any elements of the project could still be amended and officers explained that the detail of the projects and options could be, but they needed to meet the outcomes and outputs that had been agreed with Government.  It was explained that there was still detailed design and phasing work to be carried out and all funds had to been spent by the deadline of March 2026 as per Government requirements.

In response to questions from Councillor Colwell, it was explained that further reprioritisation could take place if necessary.  Design costs, in conjunction with phasing would also have to be agreed and a report would be brought to Cabinet early 2024.

In response to a further question from Councillor Colwell, the Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that in terms of the performance review process carried out by Government, this involved completion of a spreadsheet, which had just been submitted for the October to March period.  The 2022/23 performance review had passed and the 2023/24 tranche of payments would be released.

Councillor Heneghan referred to Programme Management Costs and it was clarified that these included Legal and Communications support and key staff costs, such as  a Project Accountant.

In response to a question from the Chair, it was confirmed that the Metro Dynamics Economic Data was still relevant, but could be reviewed and further work to put together a wider Economic Growth Strategy could be carried out if required.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration thanked officers for the presentation which he felt benefitted new and existing Councillors as a refresh.  He referred to the successful School of Nursing and suggested that a tour of the facility could be arranged for new Councillors.

Councillor Collingham referred to the Town Investment Plan and the figures contained within it.  Officers explained that the Town investment Plan had been prepared in 2021 and was correct at that point in time, but following the reprioritisation exercise costs had been amended.  Up to date financial information was available within the Business Case which was available to view at kings lynn guildhall and creative hub 240622 (visionkingslynn.co.uk)

Information was provided on the cost of the Guildhall and Creative Hub Project, the unsuccessful Heritage Lottery Fund Bid, and the previous agreement of Council to underwrite the shortfall.  Officers explained that alternative sources of funding were being explored and an options paper would be presented to Council in early 2024.

In response to a question from Councillor Rust, it was confirmed that the Council’s budget did include the underwriting provision for this project within the Capital Programme.

RESOLVED: The update was noted.