Decision details

The Service Director – Economic Growth submitted a report seeking approval for a bid to be submitted for the second round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and the role Chesterfield Borough Council (CBC) would play if the bid was successful.

When the second round of the LUF was announced the rules for eligibility allowed CBC to submit a second bid. A short-list of projects that could potentially be prepared in time for the bid submission deadline were considered and it was deemed that Peak Gateway stood the best chance of securing funding.

Peak Resort, within which the Peak Gateway would be established, was a major leisure led regeneration scheme planned for the Birchall Estate and, when completed, would be a significant national and international visitor attraction. The successful development of Peak Resort was highlighted as one of several key developments under the Council Plan 2019-23 priority “to make Chesterfield a thriving Borough”.

*RESOLVED –

1.   That the bid for Peak Gateway be submitted to round two of the Levelling Up Fund.

2.   That the undertakings the section 151 officer has to make in submitting the bid, be approved.

3.   That the role the council will play in light of the undertakings and the approach to managing risk, be approved.

4.   That the continuation of work on the project prior to bid announcements in order to maintain momentum and refine the understanding of project risk, be endorsed.

5.   That the Service Director for Economic Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, the Service Director for Finance and the Procurement and Contract Law Manager, be granted delegated authority to finalise the Heads of Terms and Funding Agreement to be entered into between Chesterfield Borough Council and the delivery partners for Peak Gateway.

6.   That a further report on Peak Gateway, including the outcome of additional assurance work, be brought to a future Cabinet meeting prior to the council accepting any Levelling Up Funding should it be offered.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To provide approval of the bid on behalf of the council and to ensure that Cabinet is aware of the role the council would play in project delivery and the approach it would take to managing risk.