The Chair has agreed to consideration of this item as a matter of urgent business in view of the need for a decision before the end of March, 2021.

The Chair stated that she had agreed to this item of urgent business, in view of the need for a decision before 31 March, 2021.

Philip McCourt, Director of Law and Governance, reported that the Council had embarked on an ambitious strategy to regenerate Birkenhead and on 21 December 2020 this Committee had agreed to the acquisition of the former House of Fraser building (92 Grange Road, Birkenhead) (minute 43 refers).  Following the purchase of the property, the Council had been offered grant funding by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to enable it to recoup the purchase costs. The terms of the proposed grant provided for certain clawback provisions which were detailed in the report, and which in response to a Member’s comment he clarified for the Committee.

Alan Evans, Director of Regeneration and Place, referred to today’s launch of the Birkenhead Regeneration Framework and that this asset was a key gateway area, and would bring forward plans for the complete regeneration of the area. Responding to Members’ comments he stated that the Council was looking to work with Homes England in respect of the wider ‘left bank’ proposal. He was confident the deadlines were achievable with regard to full planning consent for residential housing on this site being submitted by 30 September, 2022. A number of options for a development partner would be discussed and he would be bringing a report back to the Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee as soon as possible.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Julie McManus, it was -

Resolved – That,

(1)  the Director of Law and Governance, be authorised, in consultation with the Director of Resources, to enter into a grant agreement with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to secure up to £2,109,000 of funding to re-imburse the Council’s costs for the acquisition of 92 Grange Road Birkenhead; and

(2)  agree that given that the funding offer is conditional on formal acceptance by 31 March 2021, this decision is urgent and not subject to call in.