Agenda item
Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr Ioan Thomas
Decision:
a) To support the intention of targeting the
Targeted Regeneration Investment Programme to develop and implement projects
within the Bangor City Centre Regeneration Scheme
b)
To commit, in
principle, £250k from the Match-funding Fund, which was established to provide
match funding for external funding programmes but ask for a further report on
the final Scheme in order to ensure that it meets the Council's objectives and
represents value for money.
Minutes:
The item was submitted by Cllr. Dyfrig Siencyn
RESOLVED
a) To support the intention of targeting
the Targeted Regeneration Investment Programme to develop and implement
projects within the Bangor City Centre Regeneration Scheme
b)
To commit, in principle, £250k from the
Match-funding Fund which was established to provide match funding for external
funding programmes but ask for a further report on the final Scheme in order to
ensure that it meets the Council's objectives and represents value for money.
DISCUSSION
The report was
submitted by the Senior Manager - Economy and Community and a summary of the
programme's context and background was given which anticipated up to £22m
capital funding for North Wales between 2018 and 2021.
It was reported
that Welsh Index for Multiple Deprivation data for Wales, which used cluster
methodology, had been used to identify those areas (towns) that had the
greatest concentration of residents living within the 10% most deprived
communities in Wales. In terms of priorities for the TRI programme during the
period 2018 - 2021, town centre regeneration projects had been identified for
four locations - Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Wrexham and Bangor.
It was noted that
notional financial allocations had been proposed and that any funding commitment
would be dependent on presenting detailed Project Plans which would meet the
requirements of the TRI Programme. It was noted that the indicative regional
allocation for TRI Programme funding in Gwynedd included £3m for the Bangor
City Centre Regeneration Scheme, and approximately £1.5m in respect of the
housing theme (renovating empty properties) which would contribute towards
priorities within the Regional Strategy (approved by the Cabinet on 22.5.2018).
It was noted that
the Bangor City Strategic Partnership had drawn up a Regeneration strategy for
the City and the work programme had been reviewed during the summer of this
year, confirming priorities which would contribute to the main objectives and
guidelines of the TRI Programme. Reference was made to the projects in the
report and it was noted that further preparatory work was needed to develop
detailed proposals. It was highlighted that it was possible to submit bids for
the funding on an individual project basis instead of one bid consisting of a package
of projects.
In terms of
financial considerations, the members were reminded that the TRI Programme
provided capital funding and the maximum Welsh Government intervention rate per
project was 70%. This meant that at least 30% of match funding was required.
Whilst partnership working was a key characteristic in each of the projects,
the lead body would be responsible for developing the details of the project
including the proposed funding package and securing the match funding. It was
highlighted that Gwynedd Council would be responsible for leading on three of
the projects with the intention of contributing / releasing £250k from the
Match-funding Fund to meet the financial deficit. It was added that other
partners such as BCUHB, Bangor University and CCG wished to lead on /
contribute to other projects.
In response to the
presentation, it was noted that the spending constraints on the money was not
suitable and that the money was needed across the County. It was suggested that
this was another example of Welsh Government funding being distributed at a
regional level and then being limited by stringent guidelines.
In response to an
observation regarding the likely success of the expenditure, it was noted that
the resources were not likely to be sufficient to regenerate Bangor City centre
in three years. It was added that the vision had been established and that
substantial work was being carried out to try to address elements of that
vision. The main emphasis of the programme was to change the function of the
City centre which was a 10 - 20 year vision, but that this programme set the
foundations for that. It was added that there was an opportunity here to be
innovative, to link opportunities and improve the community provision.
In response to a
question regarding the financial timeframe, it was noted that expenditure had
not been considered for year 1 and therefore there was no risk of losing money.
In response to an
observation regarding sharing feedback with Bangor City Council, it was noted
that the Mayor of the City was the Chair of the Partnership and that this
strengthened the element of communication.
The following
points were noted by the Members
c) Restrict
areas which were selected by the Government. Possibility of being dazzled by
promises with an expectation of 'generous' contributions by the Council to
realise the projects.
d) The
contribution would have to be of benefit to Bangor - the money must be spent
wisely.
e) Welsh
Government had cut budgets, yet expected contributions and support for commitment
to programmes led by the Government.
f) That
the Cabinet needed an opportunity to see the individual projects prior to them
being submitted - the report was premature.
g) That
there was a need to plan for the future and for what local residents needed.
Awdur:Llyr B Jones
Supporting documents: