Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director - Regeneration, Economy and Assets

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director - Regeneration, Economy and Assets which advised that the objectives of the Growth and Strategic Investment programme (GSIP), and the projects therein, were consistently intended to balance economic, financial, social and environmental outcomes; that each project was developed with wider aims to support with delivery against strategies and policies in other areas of the Council beyond regeneration; and that the aim of the report was to provide Members with visibility of the work that had been undertaken, was being undertaken, and was planned, on projects across the Council’s GSIP that demonstrated “social value”, which for the purposes of this report, was defined as the wider value created by capital projects beyond the economic and financial.

The report indicated that the Council’s GSIP comprised a range of projects across all parts of Sefton, of a wide range of types, sizes, funding sources and delivery models; and provided an overview of activity and outcomes relating to social value from a number of example projects as detailed below, alongside an overview of the wider approach to incorporation of social value into all projects:

·       Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC)

·       Southport Pier

·       Bootle Strand

·       Sound City Course

·       Teenage Market Event

A copy of the Bootle Strand Demolition Social Value August 2024 and MLEC Social Value Report August 2024 reports were attached as appendices to the agenda.

The report also provided information on Employment and Learning with particular reference to care experience young people support; that the Invest Sefton and Property teams had been supporting affected local businesses following the unspeakable events in Southport in July 2024 which included support with the relocation of the Hart Space to The White House, Southport, to enable continuity of their good work; and action areas for 2025 and beyond to ensure continued incorporation of social value into the GSIP and beyond, that would include particular emphasis on children and young people, ensuring they were at the heart of everything the Council did. 

The report concluded by seeking feedback on key issues and opportunities arising from GSIP, and on areas of potential interest for further review and focus in future years.

Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:

·       praise was given for the Sound City Programme

·       the possibility of linking up aspiring young musicians with the Royal British Legion for relevant events

·       possible expansion of the Teenage Market Event across the borough

RESOLVED:

That the report on the Growth and Strategic Investment programme be noted.