The Economic Growth Manager presented the report of the Executive Manager – Transformation and Operations which outlined the work of the Economic Growth Team at Rushcliffe Borough Council for 2017/18.
The Economic Growth Manager and the Economic Growth Officer delivered a presentation to the Group that covered:
· Economic Development in Rushcliffe
· Key achievements for 2017/18
· The Bingham Masterplan
· West Bridgford Commissioners report
· Regeneration of Cotgrave Town Centre
· Key priorities for 2018/19
Members of the Group welcomed the information that 48% of businesses within Rushcliffe had been in business for longer than five years which showed the Borough as a good place to do business. Members of the Group asked whether detailed figures were available on the number of businesses in each sector, in particular manufacturing were available, the Economic Growth Manager advised that manufacturing was the biggest type of business within the County, but statistical information for Rushcliffe was not currently available. The Group were pleased to note the £9.95 million of funding that the Economic Growth team had been able to secure for the new Fairham Pastures development. In response to a question the Economic Growth Manager also advised that the funding was for the main ‘spine road’ at Fairham Pastures and that there was no funding allocated for extending the tram route although there was a protected route into the site.
Members of the Group welcomed the progression of the Cotgrave town centre regeneration project and were advised that the shop front improvements had been successful in attracting both old and new businesses to the town centre. The Economic Growth Officer confirmed that the next phase of the project would include the demolition of the police station, health centre and library which would then form a new multi-service centre to be completed later this year. This would accommodate the police, library and health services. The Group were informed that demolition and public realm work would be completed by summer 2019.
The Chairman thanked the officers for delivering the presentation and for answering the Group’s questions.
It was RESOLVED that:
a) the report of the Executive Manager – Transformation and Operations be noted.
b) the actions and priorities for the Economic Growth team for the coming year be endorsed.
c) that members of the Group be provided with the total cost of the ‘spine road’ of the new Fairham Pastures development.