Agenda item

(A presentation by Pranali Parikh, Director of Economic Development)

The Committee received a verbal presentation from the Director of Economic Development, who had been invited to provide an update on the governance and delivery of the Towns Fund capital projects, following a request from a Member for further assurance on project oversight and expenditure.

The Director of Economic Development explained that the Boston Town Deal Board had been established in accordance with Government guidance to oversee the delivery of the Towns Fund programme, for which Boston had been awarded £21.9 million in August 2021. The Board was chaired by an independent private sector representative and comprised a range of external stakeholders. Boston Borough Council remained the accountable body for the funding and was responsible for ensuring compliance with all financial and governance requirements.

The Committee was advised that the Towns Fund programme comprised seven projects, each of which had been subject to rigorous internal and external monitoring. Oversight was provided through the Council’s Major Projects Board, regular reporting to Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees, and six-monthly returns to central Government. It was confirmed that all funding had been fully committed and that all projects were either completed or progressing in line with agreed timescales.

The following project-level updates were provided:

·         Boston Leisure Project – £3 million Towns Fund contribution; additional funding from the Levelling Up Partnership and Council resources. Estimated completion: September 2026.

·         The Mayflower (Boston College Campus) – Estimated completion: July 2025.

·         St Botolph’s Library and Lighting – Estimated completion: September 2025.

·         Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics – Delivered in partnership with the University of Lincoln. Status: Completed.

·         Blenkin Memorial Hall Refurbishment – Status: Completed.

·         Healing the High Street – Includes refurbishment of Shodfriars Hall and shop front improvements. Estimated completion: March 2026. Currently rated amber due to outstanding grant agreements, but expected to return to green status imminently.

·         Boston Railway Station Refurbishment – Towns Fund contribution of £2.475 million. Estimated completion: July 2025.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·         Clarification was sought on the total funding for the Boston Leisure Project, noting a discrepancy in the figures presented. It was acknowledged that a typographical error had occurred and that the correct total would be circulated following the meeting.

·         Further queries were raised regarding the completion status of the Boston Railway Station project and whether the funding allocation had increased. It was confirmed that the Towns Fund contribution remained at £2.475 million, with additional match funding provided by other partners.

·         Concerns were also raised regarding the reported closure of the Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre for a period of 18 months. It was advised that £3 million from the Towns Fund and £7 million from the Levelling Up Partnership had been allocated to the Boston Leisure Project, which included works at Geoff Moulder. Officers undertook to investigate the reported closure and provide a written response.

·         A further query was raised regarding the composition of the Town Deal Board. The Chairman advised that the focus of the item was on governance and project delivery, and that a full list of Board members could be provided separately if required.

The Committee thanked the Director of Economic Development for her attendance and noted the update.

Resolved:

That the verbal update be noted.

[The Director of Economic Development left the meeting at 6.48pm, following consideration of the above item.]