The Regeneration and Economy Programme Director has submitted a  report to approve the selection of a preferred development partner.

Recommendations :That the City Executive Board resolves to:

1.    Approve the selection of the preferred Development Partner;

2.    Delegate authority to the Regeneration and Economy Programme Director and the Head of Law and Governance, to finalise and enter into a Development Agreement with the preferred Development Partner; and

3.    Delegate authority to the Head of Financial Services and the Head of Law and Governance, to agree external grant funding arrangements to support this project; including the current Housing and Infrastructure Fund opportunity with Homes England.

The Regeneration and Economy Programme Director had submitted a reportto approve the selection of a preferred development partner.

Cllr Rowley  introduced the report, and was pleased to note that, through the use of an appropriate methodology, a developer had been identified which would be responsive to the needs and aspirations  of both the community in Blackbird Leys and the Council.

It was agreed that thorough and meaningful consultation with the local community would be critical to the success of the project.  The recommended developer recognised the importance of this. It would also be important to be clear  about what would be done with the information collected as a result of consultation as would the importance of being  explicit about the constraints which would inevitably surround the project.  Communication with other landowners was also critical and should start sooner rather than later.   While not so easy to achieve, thought might also be given to engaging with those residents not currently living in Blackbird Leys who might live there in the future.

Overall it was agreed that this was an exciting and transformative project.

Following a discussion in confidential session the City Executive Board resolved to:

1.    Approve the selection of the preferred Development Partner;

2.    Delegate authority to the Regeneration and Economy Programme Director and the Head of Law and Governance, to finalise and enter into a Development Agreement with the preferred Development Partner; and

3.    Delegate authority to the Regeneration and Economy Programme Director and the Head of Law and Governance, to agree external grant funding arrangements to support this project; including the current Housing and Infrastructure Fund opportunity with Homes England.