Content

(1) 
That progress made on delivering the Darwen Town Deal Programme be
noted.
 
(2) 
That the Government’s decision to extend Town Deal Programme
delivery timescales from March 2026 to March 2027 be welcomed.
 
(3) 
That the proposed changes to the Darwen Town Deal Programme, as
approved by the Darwen Town Deal Board on 23rd January
2025, and as set out in section 6 of the report be approved.
 
(4) 
That a Project Adjustment Request to secure Government approval to
realign Town Deal funding within the agreed overall funding
allocation for Darwen be submitted.
 
(5) 
That the role of the Council, as accountable body for the Darwen
Town Deal, the Council’s commitment to co-invest up to
£12.5m in capital funding support for the Town Deal
Investment Programme; and the key role the Council performs in
continuing to provide strategic advice, and programme and financial
management to support the Board and the delivery of the Investment
Programme be noted.
 
(6) 
That delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Director of
Growth and Development and the Strategic Director of Finance and
Resources, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Growth and
Development and the Executive Member for Finance and Governance, to
drawdown and finalise the Council’s capital funding
contribution and agreement to help deliver Perspex
International’s new Polymerisation Manufacturing
Facility.  That it be noted this would
include a grant funding payment of £3.5m, including an agreed
contribution of £500,000 from the Council’s capital
programme.  This project had been
subject to an agreed business case with Government and payment was
subject to confirming the relevant Subsidy Control treatment.
 
(7) 
That it be noted that the Darwen Market and Civic Quarter
Development was currently being finalised, and a further report
would be submitted to a future meeting to consider and approve the
project’s procurement and delivery strategy and seek approval
to draw down the Council’s agreed capital funding
contribution.