Decision

RESOLVED
that the council enters into a Collaboration
Agreement (the Agreement) with SSRE Investments 4 Ltd – In
Administration, on the terms described in Exempt Appendix
A.

Reasons for the decision

The Agreement will establish a
direct and collaborative partnership between the council and the
site Administrators, focused on shaping the speed, design, and
direction of the redevelopment of this key town centre site. It
will also support the Administrators in progressing essential early
actions, such as demolition, improving site security, and preparing
revised and improved plans to help unlock the full potential of the
West Gate Regeneration project.
 
The Agreement preserves the
council’s right to pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order if
meaningful progress is not achieved through this collaboration or
by the site Administrators. This ensures that the council retains the ability
to take further action to unlock the site’s potential, should
it become necessary.
agreement.
 
The agreement is conditional on
the Developer progressing, with reasonable endeavours, the
following activities on or before the Long Stop dates in Exempt
Appendix A:
 

Commencement of survey works and site investigations.
Commencement of hoarding works.
Commencement of asbestos removal and soft strip
works.
Commencement of physical demolition
works.

Alternative options considered

While the council is under no
obligation to enter into the proposed agreement, choosing to do so
presents a strategic opportunity to actively shape the future of
this key regeneration site. A passive approach, simply observing
whether the administrators make progress, would limit the
council’s influence over the form, timing, and quality of the
development. By providing proactive partnering, the council can
help steer the project to align with its regeneration ambitions,
rather than relying solely on planning and compulsory purchase
powers to protect its interests.