[COMMENT1]                                                                                                                           PAPER D

 

 

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE – 16 DECEMBER 2003

UPDATE ON THE REGENERATION OF COWES

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

 

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

 

This report is a brief overview of the current position with respect of Cowes Waterfront Initiative.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Executive of 30th July 2003 approved the overall vision and spatial zoning of uses and the questions to guide development proposals as Supplementary Planning Guidance. The Council have received a claim for judicial review of the SPG which is being rebutted as it is not considered to be well founded. No decision to date on this. I do not intend commenting further on this at this time.

 

The original ‘Project Cowes’ has been renamed for the next phase as ‘Cowes Waterfront’ and a new web site ‘www.coweswaterfront.co.uk’  has been established. Cowes Waterfront along with Skandia has also sponsored Ellen McArthur’s successful yacht Kingfisher which was renamed at the Southampton Boat Show as ‘Team Cowes’ for a series of high profile long distance races being crewed by Nick Maloney and Sam Davis.

 

Since the adoption of the SPG SEEDA have progressed negotiations with key land owners and have to date purchased the whole of the GKN Northworks site and part of the Three Gates Road site allocated for employment development in the UDP. 

 

SEEDA are currently seeking expressions of interest from consultants with a view to preparing a master plan for the GKN site in the context of East Cowes Town centre and Red Funnel land.

The brochure produced for this is appended to this report. The proposed process is set out in that document. Initial responses are sought by 15th December. Later the final selection process  will include presentations to a panel comprising representatives from SEEDA, Isle of Wight Council, Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, English Partnerships and South East Regional Design Panel.

 

The partners in Cowes Waterfront ;- IW Council, IW Economic Partnership and SEEDA are currently exploring opportunities for establishing a special purpose vehicle to ensure ongoing delivery of the initiative and that the spin off benefits arising from Cowes Waterfront can benefit the Island as a whole.

 

CONSULTATIONS

 

The development of a master plan by the chosen design consultants will include consultation with local partners and the community.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Ongoing staff involvement with Cowes Waterfront.

Unknown in relation to potential Judicial Review

 

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

 

None at this time

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the current position be noted.

 

BACKGROUND PAPERS

 

Project Cowes Strategic Development Framework.

Cowes Waterfront SPG.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

SEEDA Brochure attached

 

Contact Point : Dave Moore, ( 4558

 

 

 

 

                                                                                      D ROWELL

                                                     STRATEGIC DIRECTOR  ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

 [COMMENT1]Appendices to be filed with report with consecutive page numbering.  Insert Paper Number as part of page numbers.

Insert appropriate blank pages.