To consider the Mablethorpe Colonnade Towns Funds Scheme.

1.               That agreement be given to separate the Colonnade works into two phases so that phase 1, being the pavilion, the Beach Huts, and the surrounding external works and landscaping, can commence within the approved budget;

2.               That a further report be submitted by officers for Phase 2, being the Lodges, once final costings and market testing have been undertaken. This is with a view to the development being potentially taken on by an external organisation who would provide the funding;

3.               That an addition to the Capital Programme and the use of reserves for up to £600k to fund additional enhanced works be recommended to Full Council.

A report was presented by the Vice Chairman, Councillor Marsh, that sought approval to separate the Sutton on Sea Colonnade Towns Fund project into two phases so that works could proceed within existing approved budgets and authorities granted.  It also sought approval for providing resources to allow additionality to the scheme.

During his introduction of the report, Councillor Marsh made reference to the background to the scheme listed at paragraphs 1 – 3 of the report presented, noting that the project would deliver enhanced and new facilities for skills, employment and improve the general well-being of residents and visitors.  Furthermore, the scheme went to the heart of the Government’s levelling up agenda and would deliver investment into regeneration, skills and connectivity to secure transformational levels of economic growth.

If the recommendations were adopted, the project could continue with greater certainty to contract stage for the implementation of the main building works later this year, with full completion well before the summer season of 2025.  The Portfolio Holder wished to extend his thanks to officers for their work.

RESOLVED

1.           That agreement be given to separate the Colonnade works into two phases so that phase 1, being the pavilion, the Beach Huts, and the surrounding external works and landscaping, could commence within the approved budget;

2.           That a further report be submitted by officers for Phase 2, being the Lodges, once final costings and market testing have been undertaken. This was with a view to the development being potentially taken on by an external organisation who would provide the funding;

3.           That an addition to the Capital Programme and the use of reserves for up to £600k to fund additional enhanced works be recommended to Full Council.

Reasons:

The redeveloped colonnade is an iconic and key part of the Towns Fund programme of works. On top of protracted discussions with the Environmental Agency, the contract negotiations and final agreements with the contractor have already caused delays to the scheme. The recommendations allow the Council to continue with the project and enhance the offer to the area.

Other options:

Members could decide to wait until all of the costs have been finalised and then agree a course of action. This would though inevitably delay the scheme further.

There is also the option of re tendering the scheme. This is strongly against the advice of our procurement advisors as it would almost certainly increase rather than decrease the cost of the scheme and also cause significant delays to the scheme.