Decision details

Feethams Office Development Plot 1

Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services, Director of Resources

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Cabinet previously agreed the release of funding from the Economic Growth Initiative Fund, to produce a more detailed business case for the Feethams Office development. TVCA funding has been secured subject to due diligence and an application for ERDF funding made.

The submitted report outlined the background to the proposed development and the financial and funding implication, stated it had not been possible to pre-let the space prior to commencing development and that the establishment of Grade A office accommodation in the Town Centre is seen as a significant regeneration scheme and job creation opportunity.

Decision:

That, subject to receipt of satisfactory funding, authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Growth and to the Assistant Director Law and Governance to enter into the construction contract for the design and construction of the office and public realm.

That authority be delegated to the Director of Neighbourhood Services and Resources to enter into the grant funding agreements, on the terms as set out in the March 2018 Cabinet report.

Reasons -
(a) To continue the strategic development of Feethams, in line with the Feethams masterplan.

(b) To attract more professional, business and office-based jobs to the centre of Darlington contributing to Town Centre vitality.

(c) To enable the project to advance in line with the desired timetable.

(d) To put in place funding for any revenue deficits from the scheme.

Alternative options considered:

N/A

Publication date: 08/07/2020

Date of decision: 06/03/2018