The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several key projects and updates, including the Shrewsbury Sports Village development, the Levelling Up Fund project in Shrewsbury, and the Veolia waste contract. The committee also received an update on developer contributions and reviewed its work programme for the coming year.

Sports Village Development

The committee received an update on the Shrewsbury Sports Village, a major project currently in the design stage. A decision on whether to proceed with the implementation of the project will be presented to the Cabinet and Full Council.

The report presented to the committee covered the background of the project and its progress. Appendices to the report included:

• Swim England Guidance on Competition Pools
• Public Consultation - Shrewsbury Sports Village - June 2024
• Shropshire Council Leisure Facilities Strategy - August 2020
• Swimming in Shrewsbury Exec Summary - 1 Feb 22
• Car Park PVs CaseStudy_NHS Wharfedale

Levelling Up Fund Round 2

The committee received a report on the progress of the Levelling Up Fund (Round 2) grant funded 'Transforming Movement and Public Spaces in Shrewsbury' project. The Levelling Up Fund is a government initiative to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.

The report provided an overview of governance arrangements, project management, and the delivery of outputs and outcomes aligned with the grant award.

Veolia Contract Update

The committee received a verbal update further to the Member Briefings on the Veolia contract. Veolia is a multinational corporation that specialises in waste management, water management, and energy services.

Developer Contributions Task and Finish Group

The committee received a verbal update on the progress of the implementation of the recommendations for the Developer Contributions. Developer contributions, also known as Section 106 agreements¹, are agreements between local authorities and developers to mitigate the impact of new developments on the community.

Work Programme

The committee discussed its work programme for 2025-2026 and potential topics for inclusion. The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee High-Level Work Programme – 2025/2026 outlines the topics the committee plans to review in the coming months, including:

• Community Safety and Crime Prevention
• Signs / Banners
• Waterways and River quality, Flood Resilience and Surface Water Management
• 20 mph speed limits
• Economic Growth
• Shrewsbury Riverside development
• Town Centre regeneration schemes / Sustainable Transport / High Streets / Empty Homes
• Adoption of Estates / S38/278 Agreements and Road Adoption
• Playpark Upkeep / Youth Engagement
• Tourism
• Bus Services
• Short-Term Lets and Housing Market Impact
• Green Economy
• Pyrolysis
• Reporting Frameworks

Leisure Service Contract Retendering

The committee received a report and update on the background to the procurement of a replacement contract to operate Shropshire Council Leisure centres, commencing when the current contract expires in July 2027.