Decision details

The Cabinet will be presented with an update on the proposals for the Marks Gate Regeneration Scheme which involves the redevelopment of three Council garage sites and St Mark’s Church to provide new homes and community facilities and be recommended to approve the acquisition of additional homes in the development scheme, in addition to those units agreed by the Cabinet on 22 May 2012

Further to Minute 10 (22 May 2012), the Cabinet Member for Regeneration introduced a report which set out revised proposals for the regeneration of the Marks Gate ‘Open Gateway’ area.

The original proposals agreed under Minute 10 included the sale of three plots of Council land to the Diocese of Chelmsford and the subsequent purchase by the Council of the new homes developed on those sites.  The revised proposal would mean the Council retained ownership of those sites and would build the new homes itself. The Cabinet Member advised that the revised proposal significantly reduced the risk and cost to the Council and the overall timescale for delivery of the scheme, whilst maintaining the key principles of the original scheme in terms of the new Church building, enhanced community provision and new homes.

The Cabinet Member for Housing welcomed the revised proposal and confirmed that the funding arrangements for the project had been provided for in the HRA Business Plan.

Cabinet agreed:

  (i)  To proceed with Option 2 in respect of the Mark's Gate 'Open Gateway' Regeneration Scheme, as detailed in the report;

  (ii)  To authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Housing and Environment, the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and the Cabinet Member for Housing, to agree terms and a detailed financial cost plan, including a certified valuation, and enter into all necessary and appropriate contracts and documentation to realise the scheme; and

 (iii)  To procure the necessary design, consultancy and related services and works necessary to realise the development of the Council-owned sites in the manner proposed in Option 2.