(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Dowding)
Report of Director of Economic Growth & Regeneration (report published on 1st December 2021)
Minutes:
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Dowding)
Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Regeneration & Growth which sought approval to decisions affecting the Council’s land and assets in and around the Grand Theatre, including a lease disposal to the Lancaster Footlights necessary to support delivery of the Grand foyer extension which, together with external improvements, was identified as a key project within the Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme. The report was exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.
Councillor Dowding proposed, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:-
“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
(1) That Cabinet authorise the leasehold disposal of land fronting St Leonard’s Gate, Lancaster to the Lancaster Footlights for 125 years and authorise the Director for Economic Regeneration and Growth to negotiate and agree upon the form of lease and complete the same subject to communication with the Portfolio Holder.
(2) That approval be given for the Director for Economic Regeneration and Growth to secure the relevant necessary building demolitions surrounding the Grand to enable a construction start by the Grand in summer 2022, using the budgets identified in this report and that the Capital Programme be updated accordingly.
(3) That officers develop public realm design proposals for the wider area around the Grand Theatre, fitting to the Canal Quarter Spatial Regeneration Framework.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Director for Economic Regeneration& Growth
Reasons for making the decision:
The decision is consistent with the Council Plan. The city’s ambitions for the area are best articulated through the draft Canal Quarter Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) (Feb. 2021) for a vibrant, sustainable and active Canal Quarter served by areas of new public open space and where contemporary development and hidden heritage can combine. Core relevant principles of the SRF include:
· Connectivity and Movement: improving integrated movement, retaining what is distinctive about the existing street pattern, enabling legibility and influencing strategic connectivity and movement across the city
· Approach to Public Open Space – delivery of an area-wide active, safe and legible public realm and open space hierarchy and network enhancing and maximising the relationship between the city centre and the canal
· Embracing Heritage: respecting the rich built heritage of the Canal Quarter, which reflects its historical evolution and contributes so heavily to its positive identity and appeal.
As a significant land and building owner within this area, the council is well-placed to take a pro-active lead in delivering or enabling the ambitions set out within the above programmes. This enables delivery of development that is sympathetic to and involves putting heritage assets into good repair and beneficial use and that improves the setting of these and their relationship with the wider city centre and planned redevelopment sites. It further helps secure and enhance a significant and long- standing cultural asset. These aspects all contribute towards a high-quality mixed use and sustainable city centre.