Purpose

The report is provided in response to Executive Paper EX39/2025, considered on 10 November 2025. The Executive noted the draft list of potential Pride in Place Impact Fund schemes and delegated approval of final allocations to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. This is one of a series of Officer Non-Key Decisions bringing sufficiently developed projects forward without delaying delivery.

The report seeks approval in principle to allocate up to £75,000 of Pride in Place Impact Fund capital funding towards improvements at 42–44 Bond Street / 20 Rawcliffe Street, enabling House of Wingz (HOW) to establish a South Shore Community Hub. It assesses the revised October 2026 business plan and proposes conditions to protect the Council’s investment. Budget availability, funding eligibility and the grant delivery and approval arrangements must be confirmed before the decision is signed. Funding must be defrayed by 31 March 2027.

Decision

To approve in principle a capital contribution capped at £75,000, through the proposed improvement grant route to My Blackpool Home, subject to confirmation of the legal recipient and property interest, funding eligibility, available budget and the appropriate approval route. No grant offer or payment is to be issued until these matters are resolved.

To limit support to verified eligible completed works and an agreed, costed package of further premises improvements, within the allocations set out in confidential Appendix B. Retrospective expenditure is payable only if permitted by the confirmed funding source.

To require an executed grant agreement, an agreed works and occupation programme, and a lease on the basis set out in confidential Appendix B, with the detailed terms agreed with the landlord before funding is released.

Before release of funding, to require evidence of adequate provision for rent, a deliverable initial operating programme and a monthly cashflow showing sufficient available working capital. The detailed requirements are set out in confidential Appendix B. Specialist fit-out is to follow a settled accommodation brief.

To make payments against verified eligible costs and agreed milestones, with monitoring and proportionate recovery provisions linked to community use. This decision creates no continuing Council revenue commitment or obligation to meet operating losses. Material changes or expenditure above the ceiling require further approval.