Issue - items at meetings - Greater Brighton Economic Board 2014/15 Annual Report

Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

That Economic Development & Culture Committee (‘Committee’) notes the content of the Board’s 2014/15 Annual Report, which is attached as Appendix 1.

21.1    The Committee considered a report in relation to Greater Brighton Economic Board 2014/15 Annual Report. The purpose of the report was to submit the Board’s 2014/15 Annual Report to the Council. A brief presentation was given by the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing.

21.2    Councillor Barradell welcomed the report, and added that the Planning Committee had recently approved the new engineering building at the University of Brighton; which she considered to be of particular architectural merit. It was also confirmed that Horsham District Council were now a member of the strategic board.

21.3    Councillor C. Theobald also welcomed the report and the work of the Board. In response to her queries about Circus Street it was clarified that the full demolition of the site was expected before December.

21.4    Councillor Nemeth asked specific queries in relation to work undertaken to attract large employers to the city. In response Officers explained that ‘Brighton for Business’ was an important body for inward investment; there was also close work with the Executive Director of the Economic Partnership to attract new investment and businesses.

21.5    In response to Councillor O’Quinn it was agreed that Officers would follow up with a briefing in relation to the PFI contract for the now closed COMART school.

21.6    The Chair stated that the Board had real benefits to the city region, and highlighted the proposal for an apprenticeship trading company. In relation to the lack of clarity around governance, it was explained that this matter was being taken forward by the current Chair of the Board from Adur District Council.

21.7    The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.

21.8    RESOLVED - That Economic Development & Culture Committee notes the content of the Board’s 2014/15 Annual Report, which is attached as Appendix 1.