Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services.

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the release of funds, for the delivery of a Temperate Garden, as part of the redevelopment of Darlington Victorian Indoor Market.

The submitted report stated that in 2019 the Council entered into a lease with Market Asset Management Darlington Limited (MAM) for the management, refurbishment of the Victorian Indoor Market and the management and improvement of the outdoor market; as part of the lease, MAM were obliged and committed to invest £1,500,000 to undertake redevelopment works on the indoor market; as a result of Covid-19 the redevelopment had stalled; since July 2020 the project had begun to get back on track with the completion of design briefs and the tender / procurement exercises had commenced; and outlined the proposed works for both the indoor and outdoor markets, including the installation of a temperate garden, which was an important element of the overall project.  It was reported that following receipts of structural engineer reports the cost of the project had risen to £2,050,000, to be funded from the Tees Valley Combined Authority Indigenous Growth Fund.

In response to issues and concerns raised by Members, it was reported that the Council still owned the Indoor Market building, and that the contract with MAM, was for the management of the markets; and that although the roof of the Indoor Market was in the process of being repaired, the work had not yet been completed, contrary to recent reports.  Discussion ensued on the timetable for the project and the impact that Covid-19 had had on the that timetable.

RESOLVED – That, subject to grant funding conditions being agreed with Market Asset Management Darlington Limited:-

(a)     a grant of £2,050,000 to MAM, be supported, for investment into the Victorian Indoor Market for the development of the temperate garden and food and beverage outlets; and

(b)     the Tees Valley Combined Authority Indigenous Growth Fund allocation, be released, for that purpose.

REASON - To contribute to the further economic wellbeing and vitality of the Town Centre.