Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Will Allanson, Councillor Michael Hardware, Janice Lyon, Jemma Mindham and Councillor Lesley Wagland.

Agreed.

Jane Greer confirmed that the Towns Fund bid was successful and £23.7 million had been awarded. The original bid was for £25 million, therefore, some minor changes would need to be made. The fund would need to be delivered by March 2025.

The Heads of Terms would be circulated to the Board. They are due back to the Government by 29 June 2021. The Board gave approval for John Keddie and Brian Keane to finalise the signing off of the Heads of Terms.  

Jane Greer provided a further update on the Levelling Up Fund bid (focusing on proposals for the Playhouse Quarter and Stone Cross Square) following the previous Growth Board meeting including demonstrating how it fits into the wider plans for the Town Centre and potential additional funding from the Harlow Investment Fund.

Jane Greer confirmed that the comments and suggestions made by Board members have been included within the plans.

Regeneration officers presented the proposals at a Quality Review Panel.  The review was very positive and provided good direction around elements such as access and nature of sustainability.

Since the last meeting conversations have taken place with Portfolio holders Dan Swords and Michael Hardware to ensure the bid met the requirements. MP Robert Halfon also received further information.

Cllr Swords and Robert Halfon confirmed support for the bid and several Growth Board members offer to provide letters of support to be included with the bid.

The bid would be circulated to the Board for any further comments. The Board gave approval for the bid to be submitted by 18 June 2021.

John Keddie advised that the Board meetings schedule would be re-looked at.