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(1)        That it be
noted the former Thwaites Brewery site represents a major
development opportunity and was of key strategic importance to
Blackburn Town Centre.
 
(2)        That it be
noted that Maple Grove Blackburn Ltd., the joint venture company
between the Council and Maple Grove Developments Ltd., had acquired
the former Thwaites Brewery site in 2021, for the purpose of
preparing the site for future development.
 
(3)        That the
withdrawal of the food store relocation planning application in
March 2024, which subsequently instigated a review of the joint
venture company arrangements with the recommendations to acquire
control of the company and therefore control of the Site, be
noted.
 
(4)        That the
purchase of Maple Grove Developments Ltd., financial interest in
the joint venture company for the Purchase Price be approved to
ensure the Site was delivered as part of a robust masterplan to
ensure future development would deliver positive outcomes for the
town centre.
 
(5)        That the
revised terms for a 3-year non-exclusive option agreement to Maple
Grove Developments Ltd., be approved to acquire a parcel of land as
identified on the plan attached at Annex 2, which would support
Building 2 being brought forward as a speculative scheme which was
part of the Council’s emerging Skills and Cyber
campus.
 
(6)        That subject
to compliance with the Council’s Financial procedure Rules in
relation to Purchase of Land and Buildings, a capital spend of up
to £1,000,000 be approved to cover further land assembly
enabling works and masterplan activities and it be noted that this
funding would be drawn down from the existing Development
Investment fund and therefore required no additional
funding.
 
(7)        That the
Council’s Contract Procedure Rules be waived and BDP
Architects be appointed to commence work on revising the Town
Centre East Development Framework document, published in 2021, to
create a robust masterplan for the Blackburn Town Centre East
Investment area, and it be noted the Council will consult on a
draft of the revised masterplan for the town centre in
2025.
 
(8)        That delegated
authority be granted to the Growth Programme Director, in
consultation with the Strategic Director Finance and Resources and
Deputy Director of Legal and Governance to agree final terms for
the acquisition of Maple Grove Developments Ltd., financial
interest in the joint venture company; and all associated legal,
financial, administrative and management arrangements of the
company.