Councillor Coxshall introduced the report and stated that the Council were currently waiting on the green light from the government to move forward with the business case, which should be received shortly. He explained that post-Brexit the government had offered £25m in investment to the 100 most in need towns, which included Tilbury and Grays. He explained that the money would be used in Grays to fund: a new jetty, which would capitalise on tourists travelling to the area for the London Resort; a new river activity centre; a new promenade; and development of Grays beach park to include a new restaurant and outdoor entertainment area. He described how the new river activity centre would become a new home for the Thurrock Sea Cadets and would include areas for canoeing and kayaking. He explained that the money would be used in Tilbury to fund: an £8m new youth centre; a new community centre; a new jetty; and new play equipment and sports pitches in parks. He added that these projects had to be delivered by 2025 otherwise the money would need to be returned to the government.

Councillor Mayes felt it was good to see regeneration in Tilbury, including the new youth centre. He stated that he had spoken to local residents who were excited for the centre and felt it would transform young people’s lives in Tilbury. Councillor Coxshall echoed these comments and thanked the regeneration team for their hard work on the Towns Fund. The Leader felt that these projects would benefit both towns, particularly with the development of beaches, and would make them destinations. He also felt it was good to see a new river activity centre, which would help young people and adults in Thurrock.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. Noted the opportunity, risks, obligations and implications outlined the report and its appendices. Delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources and Place Delivery, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and External Relationships, and the Assistant Director of Legal Services, to agree the final terms of the Town Deal and to subsequently enter into any agreements required to secure the grant funding, including committing the Council to becoming the Accountable Body.

2. Confirmed support for the projects proposed in the TIPs and approved in principle the commitment of the Council assets and resources set out in Appendix 4, subject to viable business cases being developed and formal consideration once this has been completed.

3. Approved the proposed governance structure for the future stages of the Town Deal.

4. Delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources and Place Delivery, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and External Relationships, and the Assistant Director of Legal Services, to commence procurement exercises and award tenders to secure external support to develop and deliver the projects.

Reason for decision: as outlined in the report
This decision is subject to call-in