Agenda item

(To consider a report from Amanda Bond, Special Projects Officer, Economic Infrastructure, on a Market Deeping Business Space project, which is the subject of a Leader and an Executive Councillor decision between 19 March to 30 April 2021. The views of the Committee will be reported to the Leader and the Executive Councillor as part of their consideration of this item)

Consideration was given to a report from the Special Projects Officer, Economic Infrastructure, on a Market Deeping Business Space project, which was the subject of a Leader of the Council and an Executive Councillor for Economy and Place decision between 19 March to 30 April 2021. The views of the Committee would be reported to the Leader and the Executive Councillor as part of their consideration of this item.

In May 2019 in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Economy and Place and the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, the Economic Infrastructure Team began to pursue a project to deliver around 10,000sq ft of 'grow on' space provision in the Deepings area, by levering external funding sources to match the County Council's allocation. Two separate solutions were then sought which, for different reasons, were ultimately not deliverable. To mitigate this, a shorter term project had been developed for delivery in 2021, as part of a revised strategy. The report sought approval from the Executive Councillor for Economy and Place for the principle of proceeding to provide "Grow On" space in the Deepings area through alterations to the Eventus Business Centre in Market Deeping. It also sought approval from the Leader of the Council for the capital scheme business case. The outline estimate for delivering the project was in the region of £875,000 - £975,000.

The report outlined the previous development work, provided a breakdown of the costs and highlighted the benefits of the proposal which included:- an increase of over 2,000sq ft of lettable space; new opportunities for flexible and collaborative working for existing tenants and local businesses; improved layout, accessibility, safety and operability for tenants, visitors and staff; increased income generated from new lettable space; and efficiency savings resulting from upgrades to ageing equipment/fittings where appropriate.

Members considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:-

·         The general principle pre Covid-19 was to encourage growing businesses to move on within three years.

·         It was felt that the facility was well run; however the original rationale and benefits of locating the Reception on the first floor were not apparent. A question was raised regarding whether sufficient parking provision had been considered for the future. It was noted that the Council encouraged environmental sustainability and the use of other modes of transport, with features such as cycle parking and showers already being available on site. A small number of additional parking spaces had been included in the planning application for future implementation,   although it was expected that some blended working patterns post Covid-19 would continue and could have an effect on the number of spaces required.

·         Eco-friendly upgrades would be considered where possible.

RESOLVED:

1) That the recommendations to the Leader of the Council and an Executive Councillor for Economy and Place, outlined above and in the report be supported;

2) That the comments of the Committee as outlined above be passed on to the Leader of the Council and an Executive Councillor for Economy and Place for their consideration.