Issue - meetings

Cabinet received a report outlining the options for consideration for the next steps for the delivery of a Preston Youth Zone. The options presented within the report were to undertake a further procurement exercise on the same terms and conditions; re-procure on different terms and conditions; approach interested organisations directly; or withdraw from the project.

Cabinet were reminded of the various legal and cost implications, as set out in the report, particularly in relation to State Aid, the Public Contract Regulations 2015, and the requirements in relation to disposals. The Cabinet also noted that the offer of a 25-year lease was due to the site being tied in with the Preston Bus Station project, which was based on a 25-year period.

After a short adjournment, it was

Resolved: That:

  i.  the council withdraw from the delivery of a Preston Youth Zone on the Preston Bus Station site and extend the public realm treatment associated with the Bus Station redevelopment across the whole western apron.

  ii.  the additional public realm works estimated at £1.25m be funded from the £5.925m currently allocated to the Preston Youth Zone.

  iii.  the £3.431m capital funding remaining following reductions of £1.244m abortive costs and £1.25m additional Public Realm costs be repurposed..

  iv.  the £150,000 revenue allocation previously committed to the operation of the Preston Youth Zone be released.

  v.  officers explore with stakeholders alternative options that might work in the current environment.