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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: