Agenda item

(a)  That the progress made on the Heart of Slough project be noted.

(b)  That the opportunities be explored with interested parties regarding the purchase of land necessary to enable completion of the Heart of Slough regeneration project; reporting back to Cabinet with a financial options appraisal.

(c)  That the Strategic Director Regeneration, Housing and Resources, following consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Renewal, explore the use of compulsory purchase powers for the acquisition of all relevant property interests which are necessary to acquire to enable completion of the Heart of Slough regeneration project.

The Chief Executive introduced a report which updated the Cabinet on the progress of the Heart of Slough project and sought agreement to open discussions with interested parties to enable completion of the regeneration project.

Members noted that the Heart of Slough was a complex, long term project and welcomed the progress that had been made, especially in terms of implementing the infrastructure works totalling £17.5m; completing the new bus station; and beginning construction work on The Curve in January 2014.  However, delivery on key private sector housing, office and commercial sites in the NE, SW and NW quadrants had not progressed, despite the fact that planning permissions for all key private sector developments in the Heart of Slough were in place.  Members discussed the position in relation to these sites, particularly in the Thames Valley University site which was a crucial part of the proposed housing provision.  The Cabinet therefore agreed to explore the options to enable completion of the sites, potentially including compulsory purchase.

Members discussed a number of other issues including engagement with businesses in the town centre through the work of the Town Team; car parking provision; and the cycle hire scheme.  The Cabinet said they would welcome looking into whether the scheme could be extended into residential areas in future phases if there was sufficient demand.

Resolved –

(a)  That the progress made on the Heart of Slough project be noted.

(b)  That the opportunities be explored with interested parties regarding the purchase of land necessary to enable completion of the Heart of Slough regeneration project; reporting back to Cabinet with a financial options appraisal.

(c)  That the Strategic Director Regeneration, Housing and Resources, following consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Renewal, explore the use of compulsory purchase powers for the acquisition of all relevant property interests which are necessary to acquire to enable completion of the Heart of Slough regeneration project.