Purpose

To seek approval to establish a £200,000
budget funded by a contribution from the NNDR Pool Reserve to
undertake a masterplan for Arnold town centre and associated
feasibility works.

Decision

Approve the establishment of a £200,000
budget from a contribution from the NNDR Pool Reserve to support
the development of a town centre regeneration masterplan and
feasibility works in Arnold.

Reasons for the decision

To support its regeneration ambitions the
Council is looking to commission works to ensure that a scheme is
developed that is economically and commercially viable and
deliverable subject to funding being identified. The Council
recognises that a strategic plan for the Arnold town centre can
provide a framework for future development and leveraging funding
and investment.

Alternative options considered

The Council has the option not to proceed with
the commissioning of an Arnold town centre strategic masterplan and
associated feasibility works. Such a decision would weaken the
Council’s ability to submit a coherent and viable funding
application and attract investment in a coordinated manner to the
town. The Council would also limit its influence to address the
long-term decline of the north of town by developing a masterplan
to underpin future development.