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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 ‘land swap’ offer, for
the exchange of Council land at Haslingden Road (“Council
Site”) with land in the ownership 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.