Agenda item

Capital Investment - Nuneaton

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Izzi Seccombe

 

This report asks that Council approves the allocation of £19.42m funding from the Capital Investment Fund (CIF) to enable the development of a new library and business centre in Nuneaton and add the project to the Capital Programme at the cost of £19.42m.

Decision:

Resolved

 

The Council approves the allocation of £19.42m funding from the Capital Investment Fund (CIF) to enable the development of a new library and business centre in Nuneaton and add the project to the Capital Programme at the cost of £19.42m.

Minutes:

In moving the recommendation Councillor Izzi Seccombe explained that a report on the proposal to build a new public facility in Nuneaton had been considered at Cabinet on 14 November 2019. The decision required ratification by Council.

 

The proposed new library supported office facilities and public space will form an iconic gateway to the town centre. It will be one of the largest single investments in the centre of Nuneaton for many years generating around 200 new jobs and supporting 120 new businesses. Councillor Jeff Morgan seconded the recommendation adding that in developing the new library, it will be important to remember the importance of books as sources of information and pleasure.

 

Members of Council added the following points:

• The new facility will serve to attract fresh private investment to the area.

• Universities and the local hospitals should be encouraged to invest and have a presence in Nuneaton town centre.

• The scheme before Council dates back as far as 2001 and the outcome of the Library Best Value Working Party.

• The work of officers and members in getting to this stage in the project is to be commended.

• The project conveys a message that Warwickshire County Council is committed to investment in town centres.

• Nuneaton is a post-industrial town that many residents feel a strong affection for.

• Development in Nuneaton will have a positive knock-on effect on neighbouring towns e.g. Bedworth.

• If existing retail businesses are to be made to re-locate, to make way for the scheme, it will be important to assist them in identifying suitable locations.

• Once the current library has been vacated it will be important to ensure that it is not left to stand empty. Pop up facilities for art and other functions should be considered to assist in avoiding it becoming derelict.

• The inclusion of changing provision for adults is particularly welcome. Without such facilities it can be very difficult for parents/carers to accompany people with physical or mental health disabilities into town centres.

• The new library in Worcester is a good model for Warwickshire to follow for Nuneaton.

• The business start-up centre will be a major asset for the town.

• Funding for the scheme has been provided via the CIF which in turn has become available through growth in Warwickshire. The more growth there is in the economy the more funding will be available via CIF.

 

Councillor Izzi Seccombe closed by noting that a principal purpose of the Council is to grow a sense of pride in the area. Nuneaton is the largest town in Warwickshire, but its centre as defined by the (somewhat constraining) ring road and is currently too reliant on retail. The WCC business centres in the Nuneaton area currently have a 95% occupancy rate. The business centre in the town will provide extra capacity and will be an asset for Nuneaton and the people who use it. The recommendation was put to the vote. It was agreed unanimously.

 

Resolved:

That the Council approves the allocation of £19.42m funding from the Capital Investment Fund (CIF) to enable the development of a new library and business centre in Nuneaton and add the project to the Capital Programme at the cost of £19.42m.

Supporting documents: