The Economy Regeneration & Housing Committee met and made a number of decisions. They adopted four masterplans for regeneration in Birkenhead and New Brighton: Cleveland Street, Northside, Dock Branch, and New Brighton Marine Promenade, but decided to withdraw the Scott's Quay Neighbourhood Framework. A proposal to reallocate £4.5 million in Town Deal funding from the Transport Shed project to an expansion of the Wirral Transport Museum was approved. The committee also voted to reject a proposal to develop a Maritime Knowledge Hub at the Grade II listed Hydraulic Tower on Tower Road in Birkenhead, citing financial risks associated with the 50-year lease term.

Cheshire and Mersey Learning Disability and Autism Housing Strategy

The Committee noted the Cheshire and Mersey Learning Disability and Autism Housing Strategy, which had previously been approved by the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on 5 March 2024. The strategy, developed in collaboration with the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, aims to provide a framework for assessing and meeting the housing needs of individuals with learning disabilities and autism in the Cheshire and Mersey region.

Approval of Masterplans and Neighbourhood Framework – Cleveland Street Neighbourhood, Northside, Dock Branch Neighbourhood & New Brighton Marine Promenade

The Committee discussed five masterplan documents, which are designed to guide development in different areas of Birkenhead, as required by Policy WS6.3 of the emerging Wirral Local Plan.

The adopted masterplans would be a material consideration in the consideration of any planning applications submitted within the masterplan boundary, with all new development expected to conform to the masterplan proposals and requirements.

The masterplans for Cleveland Street, Northside, Dock Branch, and New Brighton were all adopted, but the Scott's Quay plan was withdrawn.

Cleveland Street Neighbourhood Masterplan

The Cleveland Street Neighbourhood Masterplan, which proposes the development of up to 1,200 new homes, alongside some employment uses, was adopted.

Northside Neighbourhood Framework

The Northside Neighbourhood Framework, which focuses on retaining the area as an employment zone, particularly in light of its inclusion in the Freeport area, was approved.

Scott’s Quay Neighbourhood Framework

The Scott’s Quay Neighbourhood Framework, intended to guide regeneration in the area surrounding the Scott's Quay retail park, was withdrawn after the Committee heard about the area's constraints on development, which had resulted in a proposal to remove allocations from the local plan.

So in terms of Scott's neighborhood, that's the one document that's before you that we are not recommending for adoption, but that further work is undertaken in that area to understand better the constraints and what the art of the possible will be in that area.

Dock Branch Neighbourhood Masterplan

The Dock Branch Neighbourhood Masterplan, centred around the former Birkenhead Dock Branch railway line, was approved. This masterplan outlines the potential for a new linear park, active travel routes, and residential-led development while retaining some employment and commercial uses.

New Brighton Marine Promenade Masterplan

The New Brighton Marine Promenade Masterplan, which focuses on residential development of up to 495 new homes, was adopted.

Reallocation of Transport Shed Town Deal Grant Funding

The Committee considered a proposal to reallocate £4.5 million in Town Deal funding, originally allocated for the Transport Shed project, to the expansion of the Wirral Transport Museum, which had been transferred to the management of Big Heritage CIC in 2023.

Members may recall that this asset was transferred by the council to Big Heritage CIC in 2023.

The Committee were told that the Transport Shed project had been deemed undeliverable within the allocated budget and timeframe.

Councillor Jo Bird proposed an amendment to the recommendations in the report, adding a clause requiring Big Heritage CIC's accounts to be published on Companies House before any grant agreement is finalised. This amendment was seconded by Councillor Ed Lamb.

The amendment was then put to the vote and lost (4:7)

The original recommendations were then put to a vote and approved.

Maritime Knowledge Hub

The Committee considered a report on the proposed Maritime Knowledge Hub at the Grade II listed Hydraulic Tower in Birkenhead, which was presented to the Committee alongside a request to agree to the Heads of Terms for the project.

I note some of the appendices, two, three, four and five of this report are exempt from publication.

The Committee heard that the Council would be exposed to financial risks, and the Director of Finance advised that the Council could not currently afford to proceed with the project, which would have involved a 50-year lease.

Based on the information that's been provided and due to the structure of the proposal, the Council will be exposed to risk of operating the asset and servicing the proposed lease over a period of 50 years.

The Committee voted to reject the proposal to agree to the Heads of Terms and to bring discussions with Peel LLP on the project to a close.

The Hythe: Put/Call Option

The Committee discussed the put/call option agreement between the Council and Peel L&P (Ports No3) Limited relating to The Hythe, a Grade A office building in the Four Bridges neighbourhood of Wirral Waters.

The Committee heard that the current valuation of The Hythe fell below the threshold that would oblige the Council to purchase a 250-year leasehold interest in the building.

The option is based on the value of the building. If a value of four point nine eight five million is not achieved as a result. If the option is triggered, the council is required to purchase the property for five million pounds on the basis of a 250 year lease. The current valuation at December 2023 is suggesting a value of three point four five million, which is within the threshold that would oblige the council to acquire.

The Committee noted the potential increase to the capital programme of £4.985 million (plus an estimated £270,000 in associated costs) should Peel L&P (Ports No3) Limited exercise their put option.

2023-2024 Revenue Outturn

The Committee reviewed the year-end revenue and capital outturn position for the 2023/24 financial year. The Committee noted a favorable variance of £41,000 against the directorate's revenue budgets, an improvement from the Quarter 3 forecast.

The Committee also noted the draft unaudited capital outturn position of £35.898 million.

Budget Monitoring and Budget Setting Processes

The Committee reviewed the budget monitoring and setting processes for 2024/25 and 2025/26. The Committee noted the importance of adhering to the approved Medium Term Financial Plan and the Medium Term Financial Strategy principles in managing the Council's budget.

The report highlighted the need for Committees to take ownership of their budgets, identify potential savings, and manage pressures to ensure a balanced budget.

2024/25 Budget Monitoring for Quarter One (The Period to 30 June 2024)

The Committee reviewed the financial monitoring information for the Council as of Quarter 1 (30 June) of 2024/25. The report indicated a forecast balanced position against the £15.843 million committee budget at the end of Quarter 1, achieved through the strategic use of grants and reserves.

Appointment of Panels, Statutory Advisory Committees and Working Parties 2024/25

The Committee considered the appointment of members to various panels, statutory/advisory committees, and working parties for 2024/25. The Committee agreed to appoint members to the Active Travel Member Working Group and the Policy Development Review Task and Finish Group. The Monitoring Officer was authorised to appoint members based on nominations from the Group Leaders, ensuring representation from all political groups.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the work programme for the 2024/25 municipal year, noting the need for flexibility to incorporate emerging issues and requests from members.