Asset Management, Culture & Housing and Policy & Resources Cabinet Members – Minutes – 18 March 2015

The corresponding report of the following item (Minute 1 refers) contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

1   (1) ONGO OFFICE ACCOMMODATION – SCUNTHORPE TOWN CENTRE – The Director of Places submitted an urgent report seeking confirmation of the current position and future actions regarding progression of a new office development for Ongo Partnerships Ltd (Ongo).

In late 2013 officers of Ongo and the council started work to explore the opportunities and develop a business case for the relocation of Ongo’s head office function to a Scunthorpe Town Centre location.  Key considerations relating to this were:

  • Ongo’s need for a Scunthorpe town centre location and desire to be an ‘early engager’ in the regeneration of the area.
  • The council’s vision for securing the regeneration of Scunthorpe town centre – specifically relating to the wider Church Square area.
  • The council’s ability to enable a solution for Ongo that satisfied both of the above.

Work had now been completed on the development of a business case.  From this, an ‘in principle’ Statement of Terms for a Procurement and Development Agreement had been agreed.  This would form the basis of a formal agreement.

A formal agreement was now required urgently to commit fully both organisations to proceeding with the development.  Unless this was progressed urgently, the development was at risk due to potential for the land to become available and/or the development become unaffordable for Ongo.

Full details and key considerations for the proposals were set out in the report and accompanying appendix.

Resolved – (a) That the proposal for the council to work with Ongo Partnerships Ltd to take forward a project to provide a new office development for their use on the terms set out in the paper in the Church Square area of Scunthorpe town centre, be approved; (b) that the proposal that the capital costs associated with the delivery of the project be included as part of the council’s Capital Programme be approved; (c) that the Director of Policy and Resources be authorised to secure the finance required to take the development forward via Prudential Borrowing, and (d) that the Director of Places be authorised to implement all work required to proceed with the development in accordance with the details set out in the report, including at the earliest opportunity; finalising a formal agreement between the council and Ongo Partnerships Ltd, securing the land needed for the development and moving forward with the necessary design and constructions works.

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