Agenda item
WATERSIDE REGENERATION PROJECT
Minutes:
David Beale (Senior Project Manager) provided an update on the Waterside Regeneration Project.
David gave a presentation outlining the current situation of the project (PowerPoint slides attached) and advised that the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order to secure areas of land, that would allow the development of the project to progress, was expected in the very near future.
In respect of Phase 1 of the project it was noted that 5,500 sq. m. of new office space had been secured which could provide around 400 jobs, with supporting housing, retail and leisure development.
In terms of land ownership, it was confirmed that approximately 75% of the proposed redevelopment area was now owned by the City Council and the reasons for continued Compulsory Purchase Order opportunities were explained, principally to allow for suitable regeneration and an appropriate mix of uses.
The proposed housing element of the regeneration project was highlighted, it being noted that a mix of houses, apartments and affordable units would be provided. A total of 335 new homes were to be created with an emphasis on good design, adequate space, and sustainability. The associated office and workspace proposals were also described.
It was further reported that the proposals would reunite the city with the waterways and opportunities for appropriate retail uses were noted, including waterside restaurants, bars and cafés. The proposals for the Soar Island area demonstrated potential for an innovative approach to improved access to the waterside and to improve connectivity between the redevelopment area and the city.
In concluding the presentation, David referred to the following expected timescales:
• November 2016 – Making of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)
• December 2016 – Development Agreement signed
• Detailed Design and Consultation Period
• May 2017 – CPO Inquiry
• Autumn 2017 – Order confirmed and site obtained
• 2018 – site preparation works
• Mid 2018 onwards – construction of first homes and offices
David was thanked for his presentation.
In discussing the proposals, reference was made to the need to ensure that the new housing would be affordable for local people. The details of the Supplementary Planning Guidance Note which had been made available to developers were explained (available under the following link):
https://www.leicester.gov.uk/media/180084/appendix-1-leicester-waterside-spd.pdf
It was noted that a minimum of 15% affordable homes would be provided as part of the redevelopment scheme. In this regard it was reported that initial negotiations with a prospective developer had suggested that an extra care facility could be provided.
In respect of traffic and transport issues, concern was expressed by some residents that the numbers of new homes would lead to a significant rise in congestion. This argument was countered with an explanation that all homes would have dedicated parking areas and that there would be a significant reduction on vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, following relocation of the businesses in the vicinity.
Having regard to the additional family homes being proposed, it was confirmed that schools provision was being discussed with colleagues in the Council, as the Local Education Authority, and that a new primary school would be delivered to serve the Waterside area in due course.
In conclusion it was noted that as part of the Outline Planning consent, suggestions on detailed design including the accessibility of homes had been issued and the Council’s Access Officer had also been consulted. It was noted that details of the outline application was available under the following link:
The link listed ‘other related planning documents’ which included the detail design code.
The update was noted.
Supporting documents:
PDF 2 MB