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RESOLVED
 

(1)  That the bids received from two developers, Monte Blackburn Ltd
and Maple Grove Developments Ltd, both with significant retail
development experience and with both bids assessed as compliant, be
noted.
 

(2)  That as part of their submission, the two offers submitted from
Monte Blackburn, a compliant offer and an alternative ‘land
swap’, be noted.

 

(3) That it be noted the ‘land swap’
offer, for the exchange of Council land at Halingden Road
(“Council Site”) with land in the owndeship of Monte
Blackburn at Penny Street, being the former Thwaites building, now
demolished (“Monte Site”) as illustrated on the plan
attached at Annex B, attached to the report.
  

(4)  That the disposal of the Council Site to the Preferred
Developer, Monte Blackburn Ltd, in exchange for the Monte Site
subject to the terms as set out in the report, be
approved.
 

(5)  That the provided benefits of the proposed ‘land
swap’ to the Council, including the sites central location in
close proximity to town centre amenities, the site’s provided
future development opportunities, including its strong links to the
former Thwaites site which was in full Council ownership, the
site’s provided additional town centre parking in advance of
any future development, be noted.
 

(6)  That, in the event that the Preferred Developer withdraws from
the Agreement, the appointment of Maple Grove Developments as
Reserve Bidder be approved.
 

(7)  That the Growth Programme Director be authorised in liaison with
the Deputy Director of Legal and Governance to finalise and
complete the terms of the contract.
 

(8)  That the Growth Programme Director be granted delegated
authority, in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth and
Development to:
 
a) Consider
any objections to the proposed disposal of ‘open space’
at Haslingden Road; and if appropriate
 
b) Approve the
proposed disposal of ‘open space’ at Haslingden
Road.
 

(9)  That it be noted that Monte Blackburn would submit a planning
application in 2026 with development expected to commence late 2026
with a planned opening in 2027.