Purpose

The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) will be a strategic framework which supports the joint ambitions of Newcastle and Gateshead for sustainable economic growth and will help the Council address our priorities to tackle poverty and improve health outcomes, address the cost-of-living crisis and work towards becoming an economically inclusive city and responding to the climate emergency. Cabinet will be asked to note progress on the draft SRF as the proposed long-term vision for the Urban Core, support the commencement of public and stakeholder consultation, and note that a further report will return to Cabinet following consultation seeking approval to adopt the final SRF for the Newcastle Gateshead Mayoral Development Zone.

Decision

Summary

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval of the draft Newcastle and Gateshead Strategic Regeneration Framework (the SRF) and authorisation to undertake public and stakeholder consultation. The SRF sets out the ambition for transforming the Urban Core over the next 25 years.

Decision

That Cabinet agreed to:

i)  Endorse the draft Newcastle and Gateshead Mayoral Development Zone Strategic Regeneration Framework attached at Appendix 1 ("the SRF").

ii)  Delegate authority to the Director of Place Shaping, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to publish the SRF for public and stakeholder consultation.

iii)  Delegate authority to the Director of Place Shaping, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any minor amendments required to the SRF prior to consultation and to approve the final consultation materials.

iv)  Delegate authority to the Director of Place Shaping, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any final amendments which are considered appropriate following the consultation process and approve publication of the final SRF.

Reasons for the Decision

The SRF will play a key role in driving economic sustainable development, attract investment and create thriving places across the North East.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Option 1: Do nothing and continue to progress regeneration activity through existing plans and projects

This would fail to provide a single, shared long-term vision for the Urban Core and Mayoral Development Zone. It would limit the ability of public sector partners to coordinate investment, infrastructure and development activity, reduce confidence for investors and developers and increase the risk of fragmented or piecemeal regeneration activity.

Option 2: Prepare separate regeneration frameworks for Newcastle and Gateshead

Many of the opportunities and challenges facing the Urban Core extend across local authority boundaries. Separate frameworks would risk differing priorities, duplication of effort and a less coherent approach to investment, place-making, transport, housing and economic development.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None.

Details of any Dispensations

None.