Decision details

(1)   That the Council enters into a formal funding agreement with DCLG for up to £3.96M ERDF grant.

(2)   That the Council’s match-funding contribution of up to £2.55M, funded from resources set aside for the second phase of the Economic Action Plan be confirmed.

(3)   That the scheme be added to the Capital Programme

(4)   That authority be delegated to the Director of Planning Transportation and Economic Development to retain the existing design team for delivery of the scheme and to award a construction contract to the most economically advantageous tender.

The Council acquired Friars Mill at the end of 2012 to protect the future of this important heritage and regeneration asset following a serious fire.

A feasibility study was commissioned to consider future uses of the site and buildings which concluded a commercial use (including managed workspace) was the best prospect for early reuse of the existing buildings. A subsequent demand study confirmed there was a strategic gap in the Council’s portfolio of managed workspaces for larger ‘grow-on’ units.

No other applicable options.