Agenda item

Major Project Highlight Reports

 

P-21.02 EZ Nora

P-21.05 Florence Fields

P-21.08 Styleman Court

P-21.09 West Winch

P-21.10b STARS

P-23.08 Valentine Park

P-25.08 Hunstanton Coastal Defence 

 

Town Deal Highlight Reports

 

P-21.11 Guildhall

P-21.12 ACC

P-21.14 Riverfront

P-21.15 Rail to River

P-21.16 KL Library (MUCH) 

 

Click here to view the recording of this item on YouTube.

 

Major Project Highlight Reports

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place presented the following Project Highlight reports on the Major Projects.

 

P – 21.02 Nora

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place updated the Board on the Nora Enterprise Park, noting no significant changes. It was noted that in March, the Cabinet had agreed to let a contract for the Western Access Road through Morgan Sindall, which will support the work on the Active Travel Hub at the enterprise park.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Morley, it was clarified that details regarding the apportionment of costs and related legal matters for the project were not in the public domain.

 

The Chair, Councillor Ring questioned if there was any impact on the sale of plots on the site. In response, the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place confirmed that there was no feedback indicating that unfinished areas were affecting plot sales on the site.

 

P – 21.05 Florence Fields

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place reported that 23 additional affordable homes were in the pipeline at Florence Fields, above the required planning units, with consideration being given to alternative tenures such as private rented sector (PRS).

 

The Chair, Councillor Ring and Councillor Morley discussed the agility of switching tenure types, with the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place noting that while the Borough Council has powers to act, decisions regarding properties that were ready for occupation were influenced by the independence and processes of the two housing companies involved.

 

The Principal Project Manager provided a sales update, stating that since January, there have been five running reservations at Florence Fields, with no completions yet this year, and that the number of empty houses was not immediately available but will be included in future consolidated reports.

 

The Programme Management Office Manager explained that from the next quarter, the board will receive a comprehensive housing programme report instead of individual site reports, aiming to provide information at a programme level and provide a full overview.

 

P – 21.08 Styleman Court

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place and the Principal Project Manager confirmed that four affordable rent units were moving forward, and two shared ownership properties were progressing with solicitors.

 

Councillor Morley requested a sensitised update on Styleman Court's status for use at Parish Council meetings, which was acknowledged as a valid need.

 

P – 21.09 West Winch

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place reported completion of the collaboration agreement with landowners in January and the funding agreement with Homes England in March, marking significant progress for the project. A key next step was to draw down land from the Borough Council's options agreement with a landowner to secure ownership for road delivery later in the year.

 

Under Standing Order 34a, Councillor Kemp advocated for bringing forward the Housing Access Road due to Local Government Reorganisation and the Unitary Authority and in addition, to mitigate inflation and future cost pressures. The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place clarified that timelines were set by Norfolk County Council and dependent on external agencies. He highlighted the work which had been carried out in previous years and that officers at the Borough Council and Norfolk County Council would continue to work together.

 

The Board were informed that work had started on the high-pressure gas main diversion, with road construction expected to begin in the first half of next year and completion targeted for 2029.

 

P – 21.10b STARS

 

The expanded gyratory scheme, agreed with the County Council and Department for Transport (DFT), includes cycling and walking improvements and the Baxter's Plain master plan, with completion of the gyratory in 2027 and Baxter's Plain in 2028. Consultation on the scheme will begin in the summer.

 

In response to Councillor Heneghan it was confirmed there was to be specific inclusion of bicycle user groups and opportunities for committee input as part of the consultation.

 

Councillor Morley expressed his concern on money already spent on the project including consultations.

 

In response to Councillor Kemp, under Standing Order 34a, the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place explained, although the Southgate’s scheme was not currently funded, the Borough Council continues to seek funding streams and was undertaking minor improvements, such as removing structures to improve the view and working with Historic England on heritage considerations.

 

Councillor Heneghan sought clarification on short term improvements surrounding the Southgate and the timeline for progress to be made.

 

The Chair, Councillor Ring, confirmed that progress was being made. He informed the Board that Councillors Beales and Moriarty had met with consultants and Historic England to discuss potential improvements. He added that the Borough Council owns most of the surrounding assets, and any proposals must consider both funding constraints and the historic significance of the area, including the Grade I listed building / Scheduled Ancient Monument.

 

Councillor Blunt commented he was pleased to hear there was progress being made however raised concerns on the traffic flow at Southgate’s. The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place confirmed responsibility for traffic flow improvements at Southgate’s lies with Norfolk County Council, and the Board discussed inviting Norfolk County Council representatives to the Regeneration and Development Panel to explain current traffic management arrangements and to consider alternative approaches.

 

 

P – 23.08 Valentine Park

 

Councillor Long arrived at the meeting at 2:43pm.

 

The Principal Project Manager reported 4 reservations and 9 available plots at Valentine Park, noting that some were under consideration for transfer to housing companies.

 

Councillor Morley raised concerns about the pace of property transfers to housing companies, with the Principal Project Manager and the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place agreeing on the need for increased cooperation to expedite occupancy.

 

Councillor Kemp left the meeting at 2:47pm

 

P – 25.08 Hunstanton Coastal Defence

 

The Assistant Director for Environment and Planning presented the report on the Hunstanton Coastal Defences. He explained that emergency works had been required after a significant void appeared on the promenade, and further survey work was ongoing to keep the situation under review. He highlighted there were funding challenges, ongoing surveys and planning, and proposed that officers provide a more detailed ‘deep dive’ presentation at the next meeting.

 

Preparation of the outline business case had been delayed to next year due to the complexity and the need to maximise the chance of securing government funding, which was acknowledged to be limited.

 

Councillor Long emphasised the importance of early engagement with the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and other stakeholders to advocate for the project's significance beyond the local area.

 

The Board discussed how the coastal defence works affected the wider Hunstanton master plan and local livelihoods, with recognition that repairs may impact visitor numbers and businesses. Councillor Morley expressed the concern of this work  happening at pace and provided assurance any finance issues were to be resolved.

 

Town Deal Highlight Reports

 

P – 21.11 Guildhall

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place reported the construction phase was progressing well, with some materials in better or worse condition than expected; the project officer was managing risks and finding ways to reuse materials where possible.

 

The Chair, Councillor Ring reported to the Board, there had been incidents of unauthorised access by children to the site, prompting ongoing efforts to improve security and prevent accidents. He added Member visits were due to be arranged but noted the number of attendees was to be limited as it was a live construction site.

 

In response to a query from Councillor Long, it was confirmed the water main which burst near the site caused disruption but did not delay the project, and costs were being quantified for an insurance claim with Anglian Water.

 

Councillor Morley and Heneghan stressed the need for better communication to the public about the project's benefits with agreement from the Chair, Councillor Ring. It was highlighted the current messaging was not reaching enough people and negative perceptions about costs persist. The Chair, Councillor Ring provided assurance that meetings were planned to address the coverage and information to the public to resolve any public nervousness.

 

P – 21.12 ACC

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place advised following the refusal of the Baker Lane Active Travel Hub planning application, the team was resubmitting with changes reflecting planning committee concerns, in consultation with Norfolk County Council Highways.

 

Councillor Heneghan commented that input from local bicycle user groups should be sought for the revised application.

 

P – 21.14 Riverfront

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place provided updates on the riverfront projects, including the Custom House contract, business plan revisions, progress on dry side facilities, and the evolving Devil's Alley public realm scheme with stakeholder engagement.

 

The contract for works to the Custom House was expected to be awarded soon, with a revised business plan focusing on exhibition space, private hire, and operational details under development.

 

The Devil's Alley public realm scheme was being redesigned with less construction and more park-oriented features, with input from stakeholders and funding from the Pride in Place programme.

 

The Chair, Councillor Ring emphasised on aligning interpretation and activation strategies for the Custom House with those at the Guildhall and potentially Southgate’s, including the use of advanced technologies.

 

P – 21.15 Rail to River

 

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place commented there was no update to present to the Board on the Rail to River Project.

 

The Chair, Councillor Ring questioned if the units were being marketed and managed by Brown & Co. The Programme Management Office Manager confirmed these units were being managed by the Borough Council Operations and Commercial team.

 

P – 21.16 KL Library (MUCH)

 

The Chair, Councillor Ring, highlighted the success of the new library and reflected on the wide range of activities now being delivered by the occupants of the former library building.