Agenda and draft minutes

Helen Tomlinson was introduced as the new area lead for the Government’s Cities and Local Growth Unit covering Essex and Hertfordshire.

The minutes were agreed.

Andrew B gave updates on a) the Town Plan which been consulted on and a further version was being produced and b) Town Centre Masterplan which had been formally adopted by the Council.

Cllr Dan Swords provided updates on the Towns Fund projects including the development of the full Business Cases. A summary of the Business Cases will be submitted to Government for final sign off next month.

• East Gate refurbishment – all surfacing has been completed and the next stage is the planting in the raised beds and lighting.
• Hub and Interchange – outlining planning to be submitted soon.
• Broad Walk – indicative designs produced that will support the greening of the town centre which will be consulted on.
• Staple Tye – designs for commercial and housing scheme being worked up 
• River Way / Cambridge Road Junction - ECC working on land assembly and construction expected 2023.

Will Allanson summarised the progress being made on the College’s Institute of Technology. The South East joint application that incorporates 6 colleges and 3 universities is progressing. The plans for Harlow College including refurbishing 2 1950’s buildings and it is hoped that construction work will be completed in 2023.

The aim is to start delivery from September 2022 with a core focus on level 4 and 5 engineering, logistics, health and science themed subjects.

James Gardener summarized the progress being made on the revised Levelling UP bid for round 2 which reflects the feedback previously provided by Iain McNabb on the initial bid and focuses solely on the development of the Playhouse Cultural Quarter. Deadline for submission is 6/7/22.

Mark Doran provided an update on the Community Renewal Funded projects that are currently running in Harlow. The projects have now been extended so that they can run to the end of December 2022.

• ECC ACL – Your Future Matters  - A community led approach to Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to support residents into employment growth sectors.
• Retrofit Academy CIC  / ECC – Harlow & Tendring Retrofit Pipeline for Economic Renewal. A pilot to support residents and businesses to capitalise on the growth opportunities emerging from retrofitting private properties to be more energy efficient.
• Maybe Solutions – Digital Transformation for Essex’s High Streets. Delivering accelerated digital learning for independent high street businesses and their staff through a program of digital skills training, social media grants and a comprehensive digital platform

Wendy Martin from Harlow College updated on their CRF project which provides training vouchers of up to £1k to Harlow residents. Offer includes wide range of skills and College will be promoting the second phase of the project in September / October.

Alison Fox updated the Board on the Council’s “Harlow Winning Business” local procurement project. The project is supporting both ends of the supply chain including a) developing a Harlow Anchor Network and exploring potential opportunities to support the local economy and b) local SME businesses through a new local Procurement Portal – “Opportunity Harlow” – free to Harlow SME businesses providing support and guidance to help them improve their procurement capabilities and therefore have a greater chance of winning local business.

Jane Greer explained the process that Harlow Council is undertaking in order to develop its Investment Plan for the UK Shared Prosperity Funding. Harlow has a £1m allocation for the 3 years up to March 2025. Jane invited partners to submit potential project ideas that meet the UKSPF criteria and priorities via a project template that was previously circulated to Board members. An update will be circulated to the Board members Board prior to the submission by the deadline of 1^st December 2022.

Mark Doran updated the Board on ECC’s Multiply UKSPF Investment Plan worth £7.9m over the 3 years which support adult numeracy. Mark requested Board members to submit to him any suggestions about potential interventions.

Mark Doran updated the Board on ECC’s plans to support the Harlow’s Levelling Up. In January 2022 ECC published a Levelling Up White Paper  and launched its Harlow programme which included supporting electric vehicle training at the college and promoting its family friendly employers charter. Using data to consider what activities to focus on.

Martin John updated on UKHSA plans to relocate to Harlow. After last year’s spending review and the significant pressures being experienced across the health family work on the Harlow site has been ramped down. But expects to ramp back up over coming years. In the meantime the strategic and Business Case is being developed.

Naisha Polaine reported on the progress of HGGT especially in relation to coordinating the partnership and articulating the wider benefits of the Garden Town. Highlighted need to agree a good growth narrative and ensure clear strategic messaging.

HGGT team have moved from policy development to delivery such as planning application for bridge connections which are a key enabler for £10k homes.

Focus of activity for this year includes:

• Leading on work to produce a nested economic development strategy that includes HGGT, UKIC Core area and Harlow. 
• East of Harlow masterplan framework

Capital funding for travel connections and cycle routes at London Road Enterprise Zone

Michael Meredith provided an update on the progress being made on the new PAH including completion of the hospital demand and clinical strategies, and the Business Case going to the national programme board requesting pathfinder funding.

Michael also provided an update on the current performance of PAH including Covid rates, Ambulance delays, at 98-100% capacity and capital investment to develop clinical care.

James Gardner updated the Board on progress of HIP including:

• Nexus is at final fit out stage and will be complete in next few weeks.
• A design is being developed for the new café with development partners Vinci and Wrenbridge.
• Aiming to implement a wider package of sustainable transport works in new year.
• New website gone live
• New tenant forum being set up

Arise has seen further tenants including virtual tenants

Women’s cycle race on 7^th June starting at Enterprise Zone will be a great opportunity to showcase the town. There will be disruption to town’s roads between 5am and early evening.

Date of next meeting – 10am on 9^th September 2022