Agenda item

(Not for publication – Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  It was considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interests in disclosing the information).

Kathryn Molloy and Beckie Joyce presented the report circulated with the agenda.

Beckie outlined the background to the Enterprise Zones Programme and details of the four separate Lancashire sites awarded Enterprise Zone status. All four of the Lancashire sites are currently at different stages.

Salmesbury:

The site at Salmesbury is progressing well with a Local Development Order, Land-use Masterplan and Design Principles Document adopted which sets out the overall principles for the development of the site.

Beckie presented to members the draft site plan which details the various plots and plot sizes, the road layouts and the public route through the site from A677 and A59.  The A59 and A677 access points are part of the Phase 1 infrastructure works which also includes the main spine road, drainage and segregation works to assist with more effective promotion to secure businesses to the site.

Beckie confirmed that the service corridor routes to the individual plots are being mapped.

From the meeting in July 2015, this committee approved the preparation and development of a marketing strategy which included the retention of national commercial agents for the site.  The tender is now live and going through procurement process for appointments in March/April 2016.

There are three development routes identified which include the direct development by the County Council, retaining a developer to develop individual plots or sell land on for development. 

The Committee discussed the potential for this site, with a mix of businesses and universities, particularly around the changes in aircraft and advanced manufacturing to benefit Lancashire and the wider North West area.

Warton:

Two international companies have relocated to the Warton site in 2015 creating around 30 jobs.  A number of other companies are in discussion to locate to the site.

The Local Development Order is in place and there is opportunity to expand the coverage and preparatory work is ongoing to understand requirements.

Blackpool Airport and Hillhouse International:

Both of these sites will become operational from April 2016 and also have Enhanced Capital Allowances Relief.

Blackpool and Fylde College's Energy HQ will be located in the Blackpool Airport site (subject to planning).

Governance and Progress Monitoring Arrangements

It is proposed that a Programme Board for each site will be established to report to the Enterprise Zone Governance Committee which would be included in the regular progress reports to the LEP Board and Performance Committee.

Resolved: The Committee:

• Noted the progress made in delivering the Lancashire Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing EZ
• Approved the draft Commercial Development Framework produced for the Salmesbury site
• Noted the successful award of Enterprise Zone status to Blackpool Airport and Hillhouse International sites
• Approved the governance and progress monitoring arrangements to manage the delivery of the four sites
• Agreed further discussion required around the need for a central clearing house and whether this would sit with the Committee or the LEP Board
• Agreed there is a need to ensure the process is managed strategically and to market holistically

·  Agreed a media strategy is required to ensure effective communication process highlighting progress and successes