Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Service Manager Business & Regeneration.

The Service Manager Business & Regeneration presented the report which provided an update on the Employment Park at Lime Avenue, Works Site, Ebbw Vale.  The Officer spoke to the report and highlighted the current position of the project as detailed at section 2.4 onwards.

A Member asked whether European funding was guaranteed in light of Brexit, and was there was a deadline to spend the monies.

In response the Officer explained that the funding had been secured and underwritten by Welsh Government.  The target date for delivery of the scheme was the end of 2022 and work was progressing with WG and Coalfields Regeneration Trust to ensure this was achieved.

The Member referred to section 2.7 of the report and asked whether there was opportunity following completion of the scheme for the Council to work with CRT on commercial activity etc. and benefit from any revenue generated from the scheme.

The Officer said the Council owned the freehold, however, as the land reclamation was funded by WG any receipt from capital or revenue income would go back to WG.  In terms of the scheme itself, CRT was contributing substantial funding and any income generated would be retained by them.  However, the Council had a very positive relationship with CRT having worked on other projects, and would continue to work with them on any potential opportunities that may arise following delivery of the scheme.

A Member said the benefits of the scheme would be job opportunities and training, and also the expertise of CRT in securing any potential investment opportunities.  He also enquired regarding the contribution from each party involved in the scheme.

The Officer explained that relevant contributions would depend on the final cost.  However, in relation to the £2.58m WEFO funding this would be split 50/50 by WG and CRT. 

In response to a question raised, the Officer confirmed that CRT would be maintaining the site on completion of the scheme.  However, the Authority would work closely with them in terms of marketing etc. to ensure that any activities complement the work of Blaenau Gwent Regeneration in relation to skills training and support for businesses.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and the content of the report be noted (Option 1).