The Regeneration and Economic Development Committee met to discuss and agree on a work plan for the upcoming year, focusing on regeneration and economic development strategies for Redbridge. Key discussions included approaches to inclusive growth, town centre vitality, employment and skills development, and the financial and resource implications of regeneration projects.

Regeneration and Economic Development Work Plan Agreed

The committee agreed on a work plan for the 2026-2027 municipal year, which will be divided into two main themes: Economic Growth Strategy and Regeneration Strategy. This approach aims to focus the committee's efforts on key areas of regeneration and economic development within the borough. The Chair, in consultation with officers, will determine the specific topics to be covered in each session.

Strategic Approach to Regeneration and Economic Development

Tom Dewey, Director of Regeneration and Growth, presented an overview of Redbridge's regeneration and economic development framework. He highlighted the borough's strengths, such as its transport connectivity and green spaces, alongside challenges like a higher-than-London average rate of economic inactivity and town centre vacancy rates. The council's approach is framed around ensuring economic development and inclusive growth, facilitating placemaking, delivering high-quality housing, and engaging residents throughout the process. This involves understanding the evidence base, developing strategies, and identifying delivery mechanisms, ranging from an enabling role to direct intervention.

The strategy is informed by the London Plan and the London Growth Plan, as well as statutory documents like Redbridge's Local Plan. Key areas of focus include positioning Redbridge as a growth location, maximising opportunities in sectors such as health and social care, construction, and the creative and digital industries, and achieving inclusive economic growth through the Employment, Skills and Enterprise Strategy and the emerging Economic Growth Strategy.

The council is also working with neighbouring boroughs through the Local London Partnership to focus investment into the sub-region and has developed an investment prospectus. Specific projects include the development of an Opportunity Area Planning Framework for Ilford, which is identified as an area for growth in the London Plan. This framework will address housing, skills, leisure, economy, and public realm. Other initiatives mentioned include the Ilford Arrival project, aimed at improving access to green spaces along the Roding Valley, placemaking work at Fairlop Waters, and smaller-scale capital improvements funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Addressing Economic Inactivity and Skills Gaps

A significant portion of the discussion focused on strategies to boost employment and skills within Redbridge. Councillor Kallan Greybe raised concerns about ensuring that inward investment benefits the local economy by keeping capital within the borough. Tom Dewey responded by emphasising the importance of creating reasons for people to stay in Redbridge, both through attractive places and suitable housing, and by fostering skills that encourage employers to invest locally.

Councillor Erza Doda highlighted the need for adaptable and accessible housing within the 6,000 new homes planned, and the potential for job creation in social care. The committee also discussed the issue of falling school rolls, with Councillor Marwan Elfallah questioning whether population growth is occurring in age groups that would impact school admissions. Tom Dewey acknowledged the need for more demographic evidence and noted that growth and demographic changes occur in cycles.

Councillor Stephen Adams pointed out that 94.7% of businesses in Redbridge are micro-businesses and asked about supporting their growth. The council is actively supporting micro-businesses through initiatives like the Queen Victoria House Business and Enterprise Hub, which provides incubation space and business support.

The committee explored the concept of job guarantees, with Councillor Kallan Greybe referencing theoretical models and Councillor Stephen Adams inquiring about the council's role as an employer. The council is testing a wage incentive programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), to encourage local employers to hire residents at the London Living Wage. They are also bidding for the Youth Guarantee programme. The focus is on creating sustainable careers in growth sectors like construction and health and social care.

The discussion also touched upon the importance of community wealth building and participatory budgeting as ways to involve residents and ensure local benefit from council spending and development. The council is working on maximising social value through commissioning contracts and Section 106 agreements with developers, aiming to secure local jobs, training opportunities, and quality commercial spaces.

Enhancing Town Centres and Public Realm

Councillor Stephen Adams proposed a borough-wide health check report for town centres and high streets to assess occupancy rates, footfall, and specific needs. This would help tie into the economic strategy and identify areas requiring targeted interventions. The council is developing an economic growth dashboard that will provide data on the performance of the borough's nine district town centres.

Councillor Shorif Hossain Akhonda raised concerns about the lack of distinctive character in some residential areas, suggesting future regeneration projects could focus on creating unique local aesthetics. This led to a discussion on public realm improvements, including design guidance, shop front uniformity, and wayfinding, with examples of best practices from elsewhere being considered.

Sustainable Transport and Infrastructure

The role of cycling as a preferred mode of transport was raised by Councillor Stephen Adams, who noted its limited mention in the presentation. The council is considering sustainable transport and modal shift within its plans, including the Ilford Arrival project which aims to create pedestrian and cycle links. The importance of integrating cycling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging facilities into new developments was also highlighted.

Concerns were also raised about housing development preceding local services. The council is working to ensure that infrastructure, including GP surgeries and transport, keeps pace with development through mechanisms like the local plan and opportunity area planning frameworks, which outline infrastructure requirements and developer contributions.

Financial Safeguards and Resource Capacity

The committee discussed the financial pressures facing ambitious regeneration projects, referencing the LIDO project being on hold due to funding constraints. Tom Dewey outlined the council's approach to project implementation, which includes enabling others to deliver, working with partners like the GLA and Homes England, and robust risk management strategies. The importance of clear objectives and negotiations with developers to secure quality and value was also stressed.

Councillor Kallan Greybe raised the critical point of having the necessary skills and resources to deliver projects, even with available funding. The council is exploring its capacity through a potential skills budget to ensure it can effectively deliver services and attract external funding.

Finally, the committee agreed to delegate to the Chair the task of consulting with officers to finalise the specific topics for future meetings, ensuring a focused and productive work programme. The next meeting is scheduled for 15 October 2026.