This report provides an update on the present position with and proposed steps for the Sowerby Sports Village development.  The report outlines the suggested phased approach for delivery of the village and proposes recommendations in order to achieve this.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve the submission of a grant application to the European Regional Development Fund for Sowerby Environmental Space Project (phase 1 detailed in 1.11); the waiving of Council procurement rules to allow the continued appointment of Glenrate Project Management Limited to provide technical and design advice and support including project management to completion of phase 1; that tenders are sought for phase 1 works subject to the award of sufficient external grant funds; to include Sowerby Sports Village in the capital programme to fund expenditure for grants that have to be claimed retrospectively or to meet costs should the developer contribution thresholds not be met in a timely fashion; and that further reports are submitted for Cabinet consideration with regards to subsequent phases and project progress in June 2018.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided information as to the position with and proposed steps for the Sowerby Sports Village development.  The report outlined the suggested phased approach for delivery of the village and proposed recommendations in order to achieve this.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The sports village was a key component part of the Sowerby Gateway scheme.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves:-

(1)     submission of a grant application to the European Regional Development Fund for the Sowerby Environmental Space Project (phase 1 detailed in paragraph 1.11 of the report);

(2)     the waiving of Council procurement rules to allow the continued appointment of Glenrate Project Management Limited to provide technical and design advice and support included project management to completion of phase 1;

(3)     that tenders are sought for phase 1 works subject to the award of sufficient external grant funds;

(4)     phase 1 of Sowerby Sports Village in the Capital Programme to fund expenditure for grants that have to be claimed retrospectively or to meet costs should the developer contribution thresholds not be met in a timely fashion, subject to consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader; and

(5)     a further report be submitted to Cabinet with regards to subsequent phases and project progress in June 2018.