Agenda item - Update on Greater Brighton Investment Programme

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board (copy attached).

1)            That the Board note the report.

2)            That the Board endorse the submission of two additional City Region projects – Eastside North, Newhaven and South Site, Brighton Marina – for this round of C2C Growth Deal funding.  Further details are outlined in section 3.41 – 3.44 of this report.

33.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that provided a progress update on the Greater Brighton Investment Programme for the period 17 December 2015 to 17 March 2016. Furthermore, the report requested approval of the submission of two additional City Region projects- Eastside North, Newhaven and South Site, Brighton Marina.

33.2      Max Woodford provided a verbal update to the Board on the proposal for Eastside North, Newhaven. The project sought £2.8m of LGF funding to match against £12.2m of private investment. The proposal was for the development of a major logistics and distribution centre and would create substantial employment and training opportunities in the newly designated Enterprise Zone.

33.3      Nick Hibberd provided a verbal update to the Board on the proposal for South Site, Brighton Marina. The project would be a mixed-use redevelopment that would include a minimum of 1,000 residential units, replacement leisure facilities, a podium structure with car parking underneath to replace the existing multi-storey car park and public realm improvements. The contribution would be to facilitate approximately £300m of private investment.

33.4      Councillor Theobald asked if there would be improvements in access to Brighton Marina as part of the project.

33.5      Nick Hibberd stated that improvement to access was a key consideration and was also part of the new conference centre proposals. Discussions were planned with the various parties concerned on improvements between Black Rock and Madeira Drive.

33.6      With regard to the Digital Catapult Centre, John A. Peel stated that of the three proposed in the country, this was widely considered the best. The LEP were not currently minded to release capital funding due to ongoing issues with the accountable body but due diligence was almost complete. It was hoped the project could be underway imminently.

33.7      Councillor Wall stated that he welcomed the update that represented achievements and challenges for partners. Councillor Wall noted the Call for Growth Projects and expressed caution to manage expectations as there was not a limitless amount of funds available. Councillor Wall added that not all twelve projects were likely to be approved and robust businesses cases were required. With regard to the submissions relating to the Burgess Hill area, these were ‘shovel ready’ and the business cases mature and robust.

33.8      John A. Peel stated that Councillor Wall was correct that this round of funding would be very tough and competitive. The better prepared the Greater Brighton Region could be, the better the case it could make to central government to grant funding.

33.9      Caroline Wood noted that an economic impact assessment model was being put into place that would mean the Board could look at data in a clear and consistent way. The model would be established too late for this round of funding but would be available and be a benefit going forward.

33.10   Phillip Carr elaborated that there was a set amount of funding available and there was no certainty that every LEP would be successful. The Secretary of State was keen to have ‘challenge sessions’ focussed on deliverability of schemes and projects that shared central governments emphasis on housing, jobs, employment floor space and transport infrastructure.

33.11   Prof. Davies asked if there was an estimated timescale to that process.

33.12   Phillip Carr stated that there would be 39 challenge sessions that he expected to be scheduled before the parlimentary summer recess.

33.13   RESOLVED-

1)            That the Board note the report.

2)            That the Board endorse the submission of two additional City Region projects – Eastside North, Newhaven and South Site, Brighton Marina – for this round of C2C Growth Deal funding.  Further details are outlined in section 3.41 – 3.44 of this report.