Agenda item

The Committee considered a report that updated on the progress being made in delivering against Outcome 5 of the Council’s Five Year Plan: ‘Slough will attract, retain and grow businesses and investment to provide jobs and opportunities for our residents.’  The update was focused on key actions 1, 3, 5 and 6 relating to promoting inward investment, skills, the town centre and opportunities from Heathrow expansion.  The Outcome included a wide range of activities across Council departments and the role of the newly established Regeneration Directorate was noted.

(Councillor Sarfraz joined the meeting)

Members had a detailed discussion about the work the Council was doing to maximise the opportunities for Slough arising from the expansion of Heathrow airport, and the steps being taken to mitigate some of the negative impacts.  The Director of Regeneration commented that the Cabinet had recently agreed the Council’s response to a consultation Heathrow was conducting and that had emphasised the importance of retaining a ‘green envelope’ around Colnbrook and ensuring the road and rail links to the airport were improved.  The Council was working proactively through the Heathrow Strategic Planning Group to try to secure the best possible package of measures for Slough and was also working with partners on skills and employability issues to help local residents access job opportunities.  A Member asked whether the Council’s public support for expansion had reduced its influence in securing the best deal.  In response, it was noted that a range of specific local benefits had been secured through a Memorandum of Understand between the Council and Heathrow airport, which was being reviewed again to secure the best possible package.  The Committee was assured that the Council was being ambitious in its ‘asks’ of Heathrow and was also working to maximise the wider investment and employment opportunities that an expanded airport would provide.

The Committee discussed the measures being taken to increase the vibrancy of the town centre following the concerns raised by Members about the loss of several key retailers in recent years.  The redevelopment of the former Thames Valley University site and major investment plans of Catalyst Capital was part of the long term regeneration of the town centre and the Council was also taking more immediate measures such as the proposal for a Business Improvement District and a programme of events to attract people into the town centre.  Members emphasised the importance of having a clear plan and timescales to coordinate this interim activity and it was noted that the Town Centre Partnership was leading this plan.

In view of the major investment and economic development likely to take place in and around Slough in the coming years, the Committee agreed the importance of ensuring that the Council and partners had the investment, training and skills programme in place so that local people could benefit.  It was agreed that the Committee would receive a report on how the investment and skills opportunities could be secured in the new municipal year after the expected House of Commons vote on Heathrow expansion.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the report was noted.

Resolved –

(a)  That details of the report be noted.

(b)  That the Committee receive a report on the detailed plans to maximise the skills and investment opportunities arising from Heathrow expansion and other major economic development schemes at a future meeting.