Agenda item

DECISION

That Cabinet approves the submission of the full business cases for the externally managed projects (attached as Appendices to this report):  Boston Railway Station and the Mayflower project.

That Cabinet notes the submission of the following Towns Fund projects to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC): St Botolph’s Library and Lighting, Blenkin Memorial Hall, Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics, and Healing the High Street and Shodfriars. These projects have been approved by DLUHC.

Portfolio Holders and Officer

NW/LR

REASON FOR DECISION

Councillor Nigel Welton Portfolio Holder present the report advisingthat the  report updated on the Towns Fund process for approval of the business cases; each project requires the Council to support the submission of the business case as the accountable body for the Town Deal. Boston has received a Heads of Terms offer from Government of £21.9m. To secure the Town Deal funding, the projects which formed part of the Town Investment Plan have to submit business cases for approval to Government to release the funding allocation.

There were 7 projects as part of the Boston Town Deal, there are 6 projects which are externally led and 1 project led and supported by Boston Borough Council. For all projects, the Council is the accountable body and has developed a delivery team, delivery arrangements and agreements.

The Boston Railway Station project was externally led by EMR. The total cost for the project is £2,686,800 with the Towns Fund allocation being £2,500,000.  Boston Station is a gateway into the town and in its current condition, both aesthetically and in terms of the facilities offered it does not reflect a station in a town that is economically thriving and a place for people to choose as a town to live and work in. Historically, there has been a lack of investment in the East for EMR stations which had only added to the deterioration of buildings and outdated station services, making the station powerless to compete with stations in larger towns and cities. The investment into the full refurbishment of the station creates a credible statement to make the town a more attractive option to work and live in, to provide for the needs of an aspirational, skilled and healthy population.  Government strategy for the Midlands is focused on growth, connectivity, skills, enterprise, innovation, trade, and quality of life. The development will enhance services and facilities at the station, playing directly into the Levelling Up agenda by paying attention to what the needs of the community are to enable them to better connect to the station, installing contemporary designs and new infrastructure to modernise the station whilst future proofing the enhancements offering an avenue for further development and investments, leading to a strengthened local economy. The vision is to create a modern railway station offering enhanced facilities to better connect the community to the station. Providing an overall better customer experience whilst maintaining high levels of security and safety. Creating a community hub and gateway to the town whilst preserving the historical features of the station.

The Boston Mayflower project was externally led by Boston College. The total cost for the project is £16,071,000.  The Towns Fund allocation is £10,000,000

Mayflower is an iconic building designed to welcome people into the college environment through a ‘non-traditional education aesthetic. The space will offer our showcase hair and beauty salons, a digital skills hub, employability/business support services, entrepreneurial start up space and coffee and restaurant outlets for our award-winning hospitality and catering department. Mayflower will coexist in a wider development that regenerates an entire area and includes a health and leisure facility thus creating a ‘destination’ for the community. This mix of education, enterprise and entertainment will encourage access and participation in learning through its ‘soft’ approach in a welcoming and inclusive space.

The Mayflower is part of the regeneration of the Rowley Road area of Boston, it linked through improvements to public realm and accessibility to the re-modelled Leisure Centre.

OTHER OPTIONS OR ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

The Prospectus from DLUHC set out that agreeing a Town Deal with investment from the Towns Fund of up to £25m per place would be dependent on the government receiving high-quality proposals that meet the objective of the fund and follow the further guidance published. The Boston Town Deal Board and Council have approved the projects for submission following an extensive consultation and selection process. Failure to meet the agreed deadlines or submission of proposals or projects of insufficient quality, which do not meet the criteria and conditions, are likely to be deemed ineligible for this round of funding from the Towns Fund. It would also risk the positive working relationship established with Government departments. Without external funding these projects will not proceed as planned.

RECORD OF ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

RECORD OF ANY DISPENSATION GRANTED

None.

These decisions will come into force (and may then be implemented) on the expiry of five clear working days after the date of this notice UNLESS the decisions are subjected to the Call-In procedure or are starred minutes requiring Full Council approval.