Following full Council’s approval of the budget to progress the Parkside regeneration project from RIBA stage one to RIBA stage three, the Housing Development Manager advised that on progress since then, which included a detailed invitation to tender that had received significant interest from a multitude of nationally recognised consultants.

The deadline for tenders was later in January, which would be followed by an assessment period.  It was hoped to appoint consultants on around 1 March 2023.

The Housing Development Manager stressed the importance of a robust communications plan, which included the launch of a dedicated webpage and in-person and online events with residents.

An indication of cost of removal of the overhead power lines had been received from UK Power Network, whilst external legal support was in the process of being appointed.

The Housing Development Manager concluded that regular updates would be brought to Committee, and it was anticipated that reporting on the first stage of surveys would take place in autumn 2023.

The Committee Chair stressed the importance of the project to the local area, highlighting that the area was the poorest quality and most energy inefficient housing stock in the borough, with a large number of properties currently long-term void.

A Committee Member was extremely keen to ensure that lessons were learned from the previous, aborted regeneration exercise in the area.  The Committee chair confirmed that the terms of the agreement would be much more closely drawn than previously, and the necessary scrutiny would be applied throughout the project.