Minutes:
Anne-Marie Parkinson, LEP Investment Programme Manager, presented the programme and project update report.
It was noted that at the LEP's Annual Performance Review in early January 2020 the element in relation to the delivery of the Growth Deal programme had received a provisional rating of 'good'. The committee thanked the team for their hard work.
Five grant funding agreements were presented for approval and, after discussion and questions on each, the Committee agreed to approve all five as presented. It was also noted that up to five further Grant Funding Agreements were expected to be circulated to the Committee for approval via written resolution over the next month.
The Committee received an update on the M55 St Annes Link Road and was informed that an issue had arisen in relation to the funding of the project. It had since been agreed in consultation with the Chairman of the LEP Board that the final deadline was 20 March 2020 after which time the project funding would be returned to the Growth Deal and considered unallocated.
With regard to the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate Extension Phase 2 project it was reported that due to a change of circumstances the project was unable to continue. Reduced or amended schemes had been considered, but after collaborative discussion it had been concluded that the project could not proceed. However, as the site was considered to have key strategic value it was suggested that consideration be given to reallocating funding from Phase 2 of the project to Phase 1, with any remaining balance being allocated to the Northlight Call Centre, both projects being deliverable in that area by March 2021.
It was further reported that Phase 2 of the Spinning Point project was unable to proceed and as the business case assurance advised that in order for the project to represent VFM and meet the Growth Deal strategic objectives both phases must be delivered, it would be necessary for the Phase 1 grant paid against the project and the balance for Phase 2 to be returned to the programme for reallocation.
The Committee discussed current unallocated funding and considered a list of pipeline schemes (tabled at the meeting) the top three of which were considered deliverable by the March 2021 deadline.
As Michael Ahern was conflicted on the EIC Drone Command project and Alan Cavill was conflicted on the two Blackpool projects under discussion, both left the room at this point.
Having considered in detail a list of pipeline projects the Committee agreed to approve the allocation to the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone project. As the current unallocated balance would not cover the whole amount requested for the EIC Drone Command Centre project, it was agreed that when the balance of £1.341m was reached, or a slightly lower amount as agreed between parties, it would be allocated to this project. Any further unallocated funds would be held in reserve for future decisions.
Michael Ahern and Alan Cavill returned to the room.
Resolved:
1. That the Grant Funding Agreements for the following projects, as presented, are approved:
• ACADEME Plus
• Padiham Town Hall Business Hub
• STEM Technology Centre
• Preston Western Distributor
• Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone
2. That the Programme Manager continue to monitor the M55 St Annes Link Road project and update the Board on the position after the final deadline at the end of March 2020
3. That the Programme Manager investigate the viability of reallocating the funding from Phase 2 to Phase 1 of the Lomeshaye project, with any remaining balance to be allocated to the Northlight Call Centre and update Board members on the deliverability of the projects and transparency of the process before the next meeting so that if appropriate consideration can be given as to whether to proceed on that basis, or agree that the funding remain unallocated.
4. That officers commence the re-payment processes for Phase 1 of the Spinning Point project and that the balance for Phase 2 of the project be returned to the programme for reallocation
5. That the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Board be recommended to approve:
a) the
allocation of £0.800m to the Blackpool Airport Enterprise
Zone
project
b) that, when the remaining unallocated balance reaches £1.341m (or a lesser amount agreed with the applicant) the funding be allocated to the EIC Drone Command Centre project
6. That the Blackpool Conference Centre project be held on the pipeline list