Agenda item

The Chair welcomed the Executive Member for Development to the meeting and invited him to deliver his presentation.

•         The Executive Member for Development delivered his presentation to the Board and made the following points.

•         The Development portfolio contributed to the Mayor’s priorities which included fair access to high quality homes, securing well paid jobs, strengthening the local economy and strengthening local transport links.

•         Key staff within the Regeneration and Housing Directorate were provided to the Board.

•         In terms of progress over the previous 12 months, all scheduled projects had begun which included construction of the Nunthorpe Community Centre, redevelopment of the Old Town Hall and Outwood Riverside Academy. It was clarified that, so far as was known, all school years would move into the new school together rather than on a phased basis.

•         With regards to the Town Centre the Council had limited control over this other than creating a suitable environment for businesses to grow. Members discussed the status of several units in the town centre which included the provision for seating outside those units and that Stack had extended its lease.

•         It was clarified that footfall within Captain Cook Square was excellent which, in turn, helped attract inward investment.

•         It was clarified that Stack opened in approximately Christmas 2024.

•         Members discussed the possibility of small-scale events in Captain Cook Square and how some seasonal events had already taken place.

•         In terms of housing, there was a public examination of the Local Plan taking place during the following month which provided residents the opportunity to comment on the Local Plan.

•         A Member queried the status of an access road on a housing development. It was clarified that the road was to be used for site access only and had no definitive opening date.

•         Church House was also cited as an example of housing development as this was being brought back into use. However, it was unclear how much of the building had been occupied.

•         The Chair queried if the same developer for Church House had plans for other properties they owned in the town. It was clarified that a report was scheduled for consideration by Executive regarding how the Council engages with partners in this regard.

•         The status of the Gresham Development was queried and it was clarified this was a TVCA led development, but it was understood that the scheme was considering a mix housing types on the site.

•         The Council was also working with strategic partners to improve bus routes in the town.

•         Looking forward to the next 12 months several important developments were planned. These included Middlehaven which had seen a credible developer with access to investment opportunities, taking interest in the site to develop the area with the Old Town Hall as the centre piece. Members discussed the possibility that some of the land on the Middlehaven site was contaminated due to its industrial heritage. It was clarified that much of the land had been cleaned up but there was still work to do.

•         More development was underway in the town centre which included BohoX and the employment hub.

•         A discussion took place about what enforcement powers the Council had in terms of acquiring empty properties and redeveloping them. It was clarified the Council’s position on such properties was limited. Following a question about the status of the former Junction Pub, it was confirmed there was no information about this.

•         The Chair asked if there was a stakeholder strategy for development in the town and used Stockton Council’s development of the riverside as an example of a strategy at play. It was commented that developments in Stockton were on a larger scale to those in Middlesbrough. It was also commented that the MDC had a role to play in certain developments in Middlesbrough over which the Council had little control.

•         It was confirmed there was no further development to be undertaken in Centre Square. However, there was some redevelopment work around the lake area, but this was in keeping with the lake. It was also hoped that significant lettings would be made for Centre Square one and two, respectively.

•         The Chief Executive commented that work was being carried out to improve the way in which the Council engaged with external partners. This work was, in part, informed by the recent LGA peer challenge. It was important that all the elements of development in the town linked together, such as improved housing for younger people and for an improved nighttime economy.

•         Following a query about incorporating a casino into such developments it was confirmed there were no plans for this.

•         The Chief Executive and Executive Member commented that development plan needed to be managed rather than too tightly controlled as this may stifle effective development. It was also important that development plans move beyond political terms and had longer term outlooks such as investment in Family Hubs. 

•         Members discussed the possibility of using heritage assets to attract visitors to the town, with the Transporter Bridge used an example. However, it was acknowledged there was a lot of competition from other areas this regard.

•         It was clarified that of the 3,500 houses proposed as part of the Middlehaven development, there would be a broad mix of housing to suit a variety of need and tastes, including flats and maisonettes. This would be delivered in three phases over 10 years.

•         A discussion took place about the need to improve road networks alongside development opportunities to ensure business growth. It was acknowledged there was a need to balance effective road networks with development works and that Place Leaders Partnership would consider this.

•         A Member commented that developments in the north of the town could potentially ease pressure on the south of the town where the majority of development was taking place.

•         The Chair thanked the Executive Member for Development for his presentation.

AGREED that the information presented be noted.