Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Members for the Town Centre, Strategic Planning, and Corporate Services and Operational Excellence along with Head of Property Assets and the Head of Planning, Regulatory Services, and Heritage, submitted a joint report providing an update on the progress being made on two of the key Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) projects: the Health Hydro and the Mechanics' Institute. The report also provided recommendations as to how the Council could maximise the benefits arising from the HAZ.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, introduced the joint report stating that it offered an opportunity for a sustainable future for the Mechanics’ Institute as well as options to support the Grade 2* listed Health Hydro.

Councillors Oliver Donachie, Cathy Martyn, Gary Sumner and Keith Williams asked questions or made comments covering:

·        The need to address the appearance of the Mechanics’ as part of the “golden triangle” of the town centre’s economy,

·        The hard work of the Council’s Officers across a number of departments to develop these proposals, and

·        The ongoing engagement with social housing tenants in the Railway Village.

Councillor Heenan responded to these at the meeting.

Resolved – (1) That the long-term vision for the Health Hydro outlined in paragraphs 3.16 and 3.17 of the joint report be agreed, and that officers be authorised to identify further opportunities to secure additional funding to deliver the long term vision;

(2) That the proposed way forward to secure a viable new use, and restoration of the Mechanics’ Institute as set out in paragraphs 3.30 to 3.33 of the joint report, including preparation for a possible Compulsory Purchase Order be agreed;

(3) That the Head of Planning, Regulatory Services and Heritage be authorised to negotiate S106 development contributions from new residential development coming forward in the Town Centre on the basis of the principles set out in paras 3.48 and 3.49 of the joint report; and

(4) That the Head of Planning, Regulatory Services and Heritage be authorised to allocate the Swindon Heritage Action Zone grant funding in accordance with the Table at Appendix 1 to the joint report.

The reasons for the decision and alternative options are as set out in the report to the meeting.