Issue - meetings

This paper presents the Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel with updates in relation to the Bath Enterprise Area programme.

Presentation slides are attached.

Councillor Rob Appleyard resumed his place as Chairman at this point in the meeting.

Richard Marsh, Senior Development Officer Regeneration Team gave a presentation on Bath Enterprise Areas and Proposed Enterprise Zone which covered the following:

·  Bath Enterprise Area

·  Continued delivery across the Enterprise Area

·  Bath Quays Sites

·  The Cattlemarket

·  Other Enterprise Area Sites

·  Bath Enterprise Area – funding

·  Proposed Enterprise Zone

·  EZ Incentives

·  Site Analysis

·  Timeline and next steps

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Bath Enterprise Area

Councillor Macrae welcomed the ambitious programme and reminded officers to communicate with residents regarding disruption. John Wilkinson – Divisional Director Community Regeneration explained that a live map and database is being created (using GIS). He also confirmed that ultilities and highways works will be included. Councillor Macrae added Bath Tourism Plus. The Cabinet Member Councillor Anketell Jones stated the service this database offers is only as good as the data put in and also residents should be able to access the information.

Councillor Blackburn asked about the proportion of residential and work space in the new Bath Quays area. The officer explained that the target is 200,000 square feet. He explained that he was mindful of the need for office space but also that residential elements add activity and vibrancy. The balance has to be struck.

In response to a query from Councillor Blackburn, the officer explained that there was no plan for student accommodation on the site. The plan is to encourage graduate jobs.

Councillor Appleyard asked about key dates for Western Riverside, the officer explained that there are ongoing discussions with Crest on phase 2 and the details will emerge over the following year. Regarding a query about a new waterside park, the officer explained that any such park would come under public realm and would be managed by a management company.

Somer Valley Enterprise Area

Councillor Macrae stated that there had been a positive meeting in Somer Valley, he explained that the presentation had indicated that the area might be useful for companies who need more space than is available in the city. He added that broadband in the area would encourage companies to move there. The officer explained that the basis of the bid was to link both areas as Bath does not have lots of space and the Somer Valley gives the benefits of Bath with space. He added that transport links must be considered.

There was some discussion around business rates and the formula used. The officer said that he would seek clarification from Tim Richens and circulate a note to the Panel.

Councillor Macrae stated that it has become apparent that there is likely to be more joint working between City and North East Somerset, he congratulated the Cabinet on giving officers the resources to make this happen.

It was RESOLVED that a progress report, timeline and firmer figures be reported to a future meeting.