Decision ref
0050 2023/24
Decision date
14/11/2023
Portfolio
Regeneration & Planning
Wards
Town Centre
Title
To enter into a grant funding agreement for The Cannington Shaw No. 7 Bottle Shop project
Summary
This decision seeks approval to enter into a grant funding agreement with the Cannington Shaw Preservation Trust to fund £1,514,708 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to support Cannington Shaw No.7 Bottle Shop project in the St Helens Town Deal programme, which has been approved by Cabinet in the Capital programme FMR3 report 22 February 2023.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to seek approval to enter into a grant funding agreement to release £1,514,708 of funding from DLUHC monies received to support The Cannington Shaw No.7 Bottle Shop and enable the delivery of their project in the St Helens Town Deal, in accordance with the payment schedule (schedule 2) set out in the attached grant funding agreement.
Background
In December 2021 the Council received the Town Deal grant offer letter from the Department of Levelling Up, Homes and Communities (DLUHC). This led to the preparation of business cases for the initial 6 (Tranche 1) Town Deal projects which were approved for submission to DLUHC by the Town Deal Board on 17 June 2022 and by Cabinet on 13 July 2022 (this has been attached as a supporting document). The business cases were submitted to DHLUC on 5 August 2022.
The significant news for St Helens was that the Town Deal grant funding for these initial projects was awarded and received by the Council in January 2023. This represents an investment of £20.75 m which will allow delivery against our Town Investment Plan priorities with respect to the following Tranche 1 projects:
Glass Futures Phase 2 - SINA Medical Glass, Cannington Shaw Bottle Shop number 7, Town Centre Living and Regeneration, Heritage World - The World of Glass, Connected Places and Digital Infrastructure.
Agreement is sought to enter into a grant funding agreement for the release of £1,514,708 to enable the delivery of the Cannington Shaw No. 7 Bottle Shop Town Deal Project.
The project will regenerate and repurpose the former Cannington Shaw No:7 Bottle shop as a new exhibition and events space, and a visitor centre associated with Glass Futures and Foundation Industries. It will provide a community facility which celebrates the glass heritage of St Helens and include a Heritage Skills Academy, providing training and key skills to local young people.
Conclusion
Agreement is sought to enter into a grant funding agreement to release £1,514,708, in accordance with the payment schedule, to enable the delivery of The Cannington Shaw No. 7 Bottle Shop Town Deal Project, which has previously been approved by Cabinet in the Capital programme FMR3 report 22 February 2023 (included at paragraph 6.3.2 of Appendix 1). This report has been attached as a supporting document.
Risk Implications
Yes, - The project will require planning permission to deliver its proposals. The planning application has been submitted for consideration. As with other capital projects, delivery on site will be subject to potential delays due to inclement weather and/or cost pressures associated with inflation and availability of materials etc. This will be mitigated through the project management in place and provision of a suitable contingency within the project.
A full risk assessment has been undertaken for the project and the results are reflected in the project's Full Business Case.
Risk management is an essential element of ongoing review and project management and is included within the Project Highlight Reports that are reported to the Town Deal Board. Risks are mitigated thorough regular contact with Project Leads and Assurance Meetings.
Measures to Redress Risk
Pre planning and consultation with planning officers has taken place to navigate any perceived issues prior to the submission of the planning application.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact Robert Gatensbury on 01744 676149
