Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2021 be approved as a correct record.

Members received a presentation around the Buxton High Streets Heritage Action Zone Programme which provided an overview of the scheme, an outline of each of the three strands of the programme, namely, physical interventions, the cultural programme and community engagement and the next steps.  It was noted that a Steering Group has now been established around Community Engagement which comprised five local community organisations and local ward councillors.

It was queried whether the glass canopies were to be reinstated which would be referred to Historic England.  Regarding public realm improvements, it was suggested that consideration be given to planting at the end of Spring Gardens and the concrete blocks being replaced with raised planters.  Funding options for this would be investigated.

RESOLVED:

That the Head of Regeneration be thanked for the presentation.

The Committee received a presentation which provided an update around the Future High Street Fund and Heritage Action Zone Project.

The background to the project was set out, together with the revised business case submitted in February which was completed following consultation on the revised content with members and stakeholders.  The Council received confirmation in April that it had been awarded a grant of £6,608,222 toward the delivery of the FHSF proposals.  It was noted that the final grant award is subject to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between HPBC and MHCLG which had not yet been issued.  The next steps in the process were set out including financial due diligence and an analysis of prudential borrowing implications and risk.

It was queried whether meanwhile leases could be offered to community groups to establish a community hub in the interim period, which would be investigated, although it was noted that this would have cost implications.

Some concern was expressed regarding the integration of the project with the medium term financial plan, particularly in the light of upcoming staffing changes.  Regular updates were requested, together with the detail of the MOU which would be incorporated in a future report.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

The appointment of Chair and Vice was on the agenda for the next meeting, and consideration would need to be given as to how this would be done, depending on the forthcoming government announcement around social distancing requirements. 

It was requested that a report around the Future High Street Fund be submitted to the next meeting,

RESOLVED:

That subject to the above, the Select Committee Work Programme, be noted.

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as set out in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2021 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee received a presentation around progress with the HIF scheme, which was noted.

The Committee considered the disposal of the former council depot at Hague Bar Road and an adjacent house, and supported the proposals set out.