Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director (Policy and Governance).

The Performance Panel received a report from Mark Lester, Director (Business, Development and Growth), which outlined performance at quarter three 2017/18.

The services within the Directorate are

·                Land and Property Services

·                Development and Regeneration

·                Market Walk, Markets and Town Centre

·                Employment, Skills and Business Support

The Panel noted some of the corporate projects are being delivered by the Directorate, including the delivery of Primrose Gardens, the Market Walk extension and the Digital Office Park, amongst Directorate other projects. 

Two of the Corporate Strategy indicators are performing off target at quarter three – the number of jobs created by council interventions and the number of jobs created through inward investment.  The number of empty shops has reduced, resulting in lack of grant applications for the councils grant schemes and less than anticipated number of jobs created.  Discussions are ongoing to change the nature of this indicator for next year. 

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader, explained that there is an under supply of commercial premises in Chorley and that the new focus is on bringing forward major sites.  Work has started on site at Strawberry Fields, master planning is underway for Cowling and will start shortly on Shady Lane.  A road is now being constructed adjacent to the Digital Office Park which will accelerate the progress on the Alker Lane site. 

The Primrose Gardens project is one week behind schedule - this is due to the recent inclement weather and there are no cost implications to this. 

The Steeley Lane Gateway project has an amber rating as other projects have an impact on the timescales for delivery, including the Youth Zone. 

The Market Walk extension project has a red rating.  However, this project was considered at Full Council in January 2018 and the decision was taken to progress the option to commission a partial redesign of the layout to increase flexibility in lettings and then to continue the build at the earliest opportunity.  There are still scenarios where the extension will not go ahead, but the administration believes that the extension is right for the future of the town centre. 

Councillor Bradley explained that the project is a complex one, and to assist with this some of the interdependencies and risks have been re-evaluated.  As part of this a parking solution to deliver more spaces in the short term is being implemented on Friday Street car park.  In addition, there is now flexibility in terms of unit sizes.  He noted there are always lessons to learn when undertaken projects of this nature. 

Progress is being made on the demolition of Oak House in terms of stripping the building and a planning application is in progress to approve the change of use of the site.  The number of car parking spaces on the Flat Iron will also be maximised. 

Members noted that discussions are ongoing with the United Reform Church, but at this stage, the outcome of the discussions is not known. 

A restructure in underway within the Directorate, with a proposal having been considered at the Executive Cabinet in December 2017.  There is a target date of 1 April for the new structure to be in place. 

A new Economic Development Strategy is being commissioned by South Ribble on behalf of Central Lancashire authorities to build the evidence base.  The Chorley section of the Strategy will be drafted by Chorley Council, but there are strong reasons to share the evidence base with Central Lancashire authorities, including the City deal and existing work relating to the Local Plan.  A grant has been received towards this work on the strength of the Strategy being delivered together. 

Members discussed the performance indicators and noted that these are reviewed each year, in fact, the local indicators are currently under review.  New indicators will reflect the new corporate priorities.  It was suggested that indicators be grouped into, those that the council can have an impact on and indictors which are collected for information, but the council cannot influence. 

Members noted that the Westway Integrated sports facility is closed in its current format due to complex interdependencies within the project and conditions linked to planning, funding and partnership arrangements the project has been closed.  However, the Football Foundation has assisted the Council to re-scope the project and delivery of the facility will now be re-scoped and will be a project next year. 

The Chair thanked Mark Lester and Councillor Bradley for their attendance. 

Decision - That the report be noted.

Councillor Matthew Lynch left the meeting at 7.15pm.