Decision details

WEST KIRBY REGENERATION - THE SAIL PROJECT

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The report will update Members on progress with this key private sector led development in West Kirby. The report will consider further action. This is a priority for the Borough

Decisions:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Serviced informed Cabinet of the details of Carpenter Investments’ revised design proposals for the Sail Project. Members were requested to consider the design proposals in the context of the Council’s aspirations for the regeneration of Hoylake and West Kirby as well as the wider ambitions of the Council’s Investment Strategy. The Director sought a decision from Cabinet on whether to continue their support for the revised proposal based on the designs submitted. If Members were supportive of the revised scheme design, a further report would be brought to Cabinet on 9th April on the associated financial package for the project, including the details of an independent valuation assessment to determine whether the scheme represented value for money to Wirral Council.

 

With the permission of the Chair, Mr Daglish on behalf of West Kirby Working Group, Councillor John Hale and Mr Brewitt on behalf of the developers addressed the Cabinet.

 

Councillor Gill Gardiner referred to the reduced size of the development and the loss of car parking provision.  Councillor Gardiner felt that the design of the Sail School was good but that the hotel was not the iconic building she had hoped for.  Councillor Gardiner moved a motion which was duly seconded.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy supported the motion.

 

The Deputy Leader of the Council referred to the different perceptions of the consultation process that had been expressed and requested clarification on these matters.

 

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet.

 

Resolved: -That

 

(1)  Cabinet recognises that ease of parking for residents and local businesses in West Kirby as well as the town’s visitors is an important consideration both in terms of the proposed investment and regeneration actions under consideration and the future prosperity of the town;

 

(2)  Cabinet notes this report and notes that it will receive a further report at a future meeting; and

 

(3)  Cabinet acknowledges that if it decides to proceed with the Sail project in the future there will be detailed consideration of the proposals through the planning process which will include the issues around car parking.

Publication date: 24/03/2009

Date of decision: 19/03/2009

Decided at meeting: 19/03/2009 - Cabinet

Effective from: 01/04/2009

Accompanying Documents: