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That the Executive Board:
 
1. Note the excellent growth performance in
the Borough as demonstrated by the Growth KPIs attached as Annex
A;
 
2. Note the continued progress made by
officers in delivering the Darwen Town Deal programme.
 
3. Note the progress made by officers in
advancing the Government’s Levelling-Up projects in Blackburn
Town Centre and our South East Blackburn
transport corridor;
 
4. Note the success of officers during the
year in securing a further £20m funding for Darwen from the
Governments Long Term Plan for Towns Initiative and a £20.3m
investment package as part of the Levelling Up Partnership policy
and investment programme (one of only 25 places in the Country)
with a focus on major cultural investment priorities in Blackburn
Town Centre, an acquisition fund, and new skills and innovation
opportunities.
 
5. Note the continued progress made by the
Council’s two joint venture development companies Barnfield
Blackburn Ltd and Maple Grove Blackburn Ltd.
 
6. Note the completion of Phase 1 of the Asset
Review which assessed the Council’s primary buildings to
identify opportunities to improve utilisation or to consolidate and
rationalise to release potential disposal or redevelopment
opportunities;
 
7. Approve the Growth Programme for 2024-25
attached as Annex B for officers to progress projects from
feasibility stage through to procurement and tender stage as
required by project timelines.
 
8. Delegate authority to the Growth Director
in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth &
Development to agree the provision of specialist and affordable
homes with the Borough’s three key local Registered
Providers; Together Housing, Great Places and Places for People to
develop affordable housing on Council owned housing sites: and
 
9. Delegate authority to revise the Growth
Programme for 2024-25 (by adding, removing or prioritising sites) to the Growth
Director in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth &
Development.