Agenda item

'Arc of Development' Regeneration Opportunities

Director of Planning Development and Transport submits a presentation on Development Areas in the Heart of Leicester Plan.  

Minutes:

The Director of Planning Development and Transport gave a presentation on Development Areas in the Heart of Leicester Plan.  Key points to note were as follows:

  • New housing developments were considered beneficial to Leicester’s retail centre.
  • A summary of developments within the arc was given as follows:

Waterside

  • The Waterside development was secured via a Compulsory Purchase Order.
  • The scheme had been under development for a decade and had reached a midway point.
  • Funding had largely come from central government funding of £25m.
  • £300m of private investment had been generated through the scheme.
  • The development included various types of buildings including rental houses and houses for sale, student accommodation, private office space and leisure facilities.
  • The scheme was nationally recognised for best practice and was referenced as a case study for devolution.
  • The private sector was responding to emerging opportunities.
  • Development was around half-way through completion.

 

East City

  • St Margarets Bus Station had been a significant development for the city.
  • Planning permission was secured for around 100 units at the newly obtained Corah site.
  • Plans were underway for apartments in the Churchgate area.
  • It was noted that there was currently a national hiatus in the apartment sector, with construction issues and industry costs cited as the main causes. A stock of schemes was awaited.

 

Lee circle

  • Fleet House had been completed recently and provided housing accommodation. A second phase was well advanced.
  • Student accommodation had been completed at the former International Hotel. It was noted that this would increase city footfall.
  • The Phoenix extension was now complete with a rooftop garden.

 

St Georges

o   The street pedestrian scheme and improvements to the highway scheme would aid regeneration of surrounding land.

 

In discussions with members, the following was noted:

  • The Commission commended the success of the Waterside development and recognised the efforts to achieve pleasant aesthetics. It was noted that flooding measures had been a key design consideration.
  • The Waterside compulsory purchase order was funded through the £25m government grant. The Council had been responsible for acquiring land, appointing a development partner and cost capping. The land was then sold to the developer at full market value.
  • The matter of stalled apartment developments was a national issue which linked with Bond Markets.
  • The Heart of Leicester Plan would help to increase investor confidence.

Workspace investments gave a positive outlook.

  • Proposals were in place with Homes England to draw down more housing funding.
  • Waterside had created a mixed community and there was now a school in place.
  • It was noted that a significant number of families were residing within the city centre. If demand for larger apartments were to emerge, development could be considered.
  • Commission members raised highways issues around the areas of Frog Island and Woodgate. Investment into the green bus fleet was noted.
  • Agencies preferred proposals with scope for large development.
  • Work was still being considered within the Fosse Ward and conversations with landowners was ongoing. Compulsory Purchase Orders tended to be lengthy processes and required funding.

 

AGREED:

1)    That the presentation be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account.

Supporting documents: