Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

Pursuant to Minute C84(4)/Dec/17, the Leader introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) updating Cabinet on the progress made in respect of Darlington Mowden Park’s (DMP’s) proposal for a Darlington Sports Village (DSV) and seeking agreement to the ongoing approach to taking this project forward.

The submitted report outlined the background to the proposal; stated that the proposal was a collaboration between the Council and DMP, to create a multiuser communal sports village that would have an improved arena as a centrepiece asset with artificial pitches and reconfigured concourse for events, together with a centre of excellence for sports development and additional sports and leisure uses, accompanied by on site hotel, petrol garage station and some food convenience shopping; subject to a satisfactory and verified business plan the DSV would be formed with a joint venture between this Council and DMP; and financial and legal implications of the proposals.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the progress made to date, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted, and the delays to some of the programme timetable, also as detailed in the submitted report, be acknowledged.

(b)  That the principles and financial commitments, as articulated in Appendix 1 of the submitted report, be agreed.

(c)  That the detailed business plan for the Darlington Sports Village be brought to Cabinet to consider further approvals needed.

REASONS – (a)  To allow additional time to carry out detailed work on the creation of sustainable community sports facilities in Darlington.

(b)  To seek to achieve significant economic regeneration including employment opportunities.

(c)  To provide guarantee and security of access to adjacent Council land in the future.