20th July 2006 / AGENDA ITEM 5
MASTERPLAN UPDATE
1.0Matter for consideration
1.1To inform the Committee of recent developments in relation to the Blackpool Masterplan.
2.0Recommendation(s)
2.1To consider and note the approach being implemented in relation to the Blackpool Masterplan.
3.0Summary of key issues
3.1Introduction
3.1.1Blackpool is embarking upon the transformational Blackpool Masterplan; this process is complex with the full effects of the programme taking 10-15 years to be fully experienced. The Masterplan programme is designed to rebuild the seafront, release key town centre and seafront sites for development, win the UK’s only regional casino licence, and forge partnerships with developers and investors whilst strengthening linkages with existing partners. All of this is designed to bring about dramatic change and bring social and environmental improvements to the town.
3.1.2The establishment of the Urban Regeneration Company (URC), ReBlackpool, in February 2005 has given the Masterplan a substantial boost in being able to implement a programme to secure and accelerate the redevelopment of key sites. The ReBlackpool Investment plan, approved by Council in 2006, provides the means by which the aspirations established through the Masterplan can be delivered.
4.0Operating Structure
4.1.1The operating structure has been developed to enable effective communication and decision-making. The process whilst appearing straightforward is proving both productive and challenging.
4.1.2Below is a diagram of the current structure in operation.
ReBlackpool Board (Meets ten times a year)
New Blackpool Programme Board (Meets Monthly)
(NBPB)
Individual Project Groups (Meets monthly/weekly as appropriate)
Relevant Sub Group(s) (Meets as appropriate)
4.1.3The ReBlackpool board contains representatives from the public, private and voluntary sector. Sir Peter Hall is the Chairman with Doug Garrett the Chief Executive, Councillor Roy Fisher the Leader of the Council and Jackie Potter, Strategic Director of Tourism and Regeneration, the Blackpool Council representative.
4.1.4The New Blackpool Programme Board was established to engender the effective and efficient working relationship between ReBlackpool and Blackpool Council, particularly at a sub programme and project level. The board provides an approval and decision-making function across projects and advises on policy issues where the Council Officers can give approval in pursuance of delegated powers.
4.1.5The project managers, namely Lee Burrell (Conference and Casino quarter), Julie Dunn (Talbot Gateway) and currently Reg Haslam (Sea front enhancement project), Chair the individual project groups. Legal, Finance, Audit, Technical Services and Planning are all represented on the Project Groups. The meetings agree and monitor a detailed work plan to achieve the objectives of the project, escalating issues to the New Blackpool Programme Board where appropriate.
4.1.6Monthly reports are constructed from each project manager and submitted to the New Blackpool Programme Board for review, comment and where appropriate requesting guidance or approval.
5.0 Update on individual projects.
5.1.1Project Execution Plans have been completed for all three current projects, which comprise of: -
- The project definition and brief,
- Roles, responsibilities and authorities,
- Commercial and funding management,
- Project programme,
- Risk analysis,
- A risk register has been constructed for each individual project; an overarching risk register has been produced for the Masterplan programme.
5.1.2Talbot Gateway
5.1.3Three developers have been short listed via a selection process for the opportunity to secure the Talbot Gateway development contract. The three developers, Amec, Carillion/ Richardson Partnership and St Modwen, will attend a developers briefing day on the 14 July 2006. The developers will be provided with a developer’s pack containing the Planning brief, topographical survey data and land ownership details and provide an opportunity for questions.
5.1.4The bidding developers will be required to review the Masterplan proposals, prepare development-phasing options and construct detailed proposals for phase one. It is anticipated that a preferred developer will be selected by the end of December 2006.
5.1.5Conference and Casino Quarter
5.1.6Blackpool has been short listed with seven other locations, from an initial list of 27 interested parties, for the pilot Regional Casino License. The Casino Advisory Panel has advised that the Examination in Public (EiP) will commence on the 29th August 2006 for two weeks. The venue and timescale of the Blackpool visit is yet to be confirmed. The current timeline indicates the panel will make their recommendation to the Secretary of State in December 2006 and a decision is expected in February 2007.
5.1.5ReBlackpool are conducting ongoing negotiations with landowners to facilitate the assembly of the site for the Casino Leisure Quarter Negotiations with Leisure Parcs. In parallel a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) strategy is being developed as a fall back. Formal requisitions are being served on landowners within the affected area, this approval was received via the cabinet members for Tourism and Regeneration, approval number PH/53/2006. The information generated from this process will inform any future CPO strategy. Further approvals would be required from the Council and the Executive before any formal CPOs could be served.
5.1.6An outline Planning application for the site is anticipated to be submitted by ReBlackpool mid July 2006, with a decision expected in November 2006.
5.1.6Seafront Experience
5.1.7A Seafront Executive project group has been established to co ordinate the projects that will deliver the seafront experience. Current projects include the Coastal Protection scheme/ Public Realm Enhancements, and the highway and tram network improvements.
5.1.8Funding approval from DEFRA for the Coastal protection scheme was secured at £62mand on the 15th June 2006 £3m of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and £8.2m from the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) was approved for the public realm enhancement works.
5.1.9Blackpool Council has submitted a full bid document to the Department for Transport (DfT) supporting the application for Emergency Release funds for track renewal on the tramway. A decision from the DfT is required by the end of July 2006 to enable work to progress this winter.
5.1.10Blackpool Council intends to appoint a Programme Manager for the Seafront experience.
5.1.11Social Inclusion
5.1.12Studies have been commissioned to consider the economic and health issues arising from the Masterplan. These reports combined with other relevant information will inform the Council’s approach with its partners to ensure the local community benefit from the opportunities offered by the Masterplan and to ensure a considered responsible approach is adopted to limit any perceived negative consequences.
5.1.13Current initiatives including the Masterplan Enterprise Centre, the Regional Gaming Academy, the establishment of the Local Economic Partnership and the Economic Forum are all current initiatives that will all contribute to securing jobs and provide training opportunities for the local community. Bids for funding from the Northern Way Worklessness pilot and Local Enterprise Growth Initiative are being made that will enable greater support for Enterprise and Skills within our priority neighbourhoods.
5.1.14Once established the remit of new Neighbourhood Improvement Division will be to ensure that the social and economic aspects of our regeneration are fully embedded at neighbourhood level. A new Assistant Director of Neighbourhood Improvement, Shirley Young, has been appointed and will take up post on 1st August 2006.
6.0Witnesses / representatives
6.1As requested by the Committee members, the following persons have been invited to attend the meeting to speak on the matter:
- Jackie Potter, Strategic Director of Tourism and Regeneration, Blackpool Council
- Steve Weaver, Chief Executive of Blackpool Council
Relevant officer:
Jackie Potter, Strategic Director of Tourism and Regeneration
Tel: (01253) 477008, e-mail:
Appendices attached:
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Background papers:
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Websites and e-mail links for further information:
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Glossary:
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