Agenda item

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the Council’s ongoing role in the delivery of the DRIIVe project, accepting the Towns Fund Grant and giving authority to move to delivery, be approved.

2.    That the grant contribution from the Council, via the business rate retention scheme, to provide up to £790,000 match funding for the project, be approved.

3.    That it be recommended to Full Council that match funding be included in the Capital Programme update which was due to be considered in July 2022.

4.    That, in line with grant funding conditions, it be agreed that the Council would cover any cost overruns associated with the physical delivery of the project.

5.    That the Service Director for Economic Growth, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and the Council’s Property, Procurement and Contracts Manager, be granted delegated authority to finalise legal arrangements in relation to the existing lease and management agreement in respect of the commercial structure, management and operation of DRIIVe.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    The successful delivery of the DRIIVe project will support the growth of the rail sector and contribute to the future regeneration of the Borough through the development of specialist skills, research and development provision.

2.    The recommendations are made to ensure that Cabinet is provided with clarity regarding the role the council will undertake in the delivery of the DRIIVe project and to enable delivery to commence.

The Skills Delivery Officer submitted a report detailing the DRIIVe (Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle) project and seeking approval to accept the Government’s Towns Fund funding and proceed with the delivery of the project.

On the 22 February, 2022 Cabinet granted approval for DRIIVe as one of three council led projects featured in the Staveley Town Deal Town Investment Plan (TIP), to be added to the council’s Capital Programme.

The DRIIVe project focussed on the delivery of a number of key  objectives against 4no. project themes:

·      Commercial Space for SMEs

·      Training Provision

·      Research and Development

·      Community Outreach

On the 18 March, 2022 the full business case had been submitted to the Staveley Town Deal Board and funding of £3,735,000 for DRIIVe had been approved.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the Council’s ongoing role in the delivery of the DRIIVe project, accepting the Towns Fund Grant and giving authority to move to delivery, be approved.

2.    That the grant contribution from the Council, via the business rate retention scheme, to provide up to £790,000 match funding for the project, be approved.

3.    That it be recommended to Full Council that match funding be included in the Capital Programme update which was due to be considered in July 2022.

4.    That, in line with grant funding conditions, it be agreed that the Council would cover any cost overruns associated with the physical delivery of the project.

5.    That the Service Director for Economic Growth, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and the Council’s Property, Procurement and Contracts Manager, be granted delegated authority to finalise legal arrangements in relation to the existing lease and management agreement in respect of the commercial structure, management and operation of DRIIVe.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    The successful delivery of the DRIIVe project will support the growth of the rail sector and contribute to the future regeneration of the Borough through the development of specialist skills, research and development provision.

2.    The recommendations are made to ensure that Cabinet is provided with clarity regarding the role the council will undertake in the delivery of the DRIIVe project and to enable delivery to commence.