Issue - meetings

To provide Cabinet with a monthly update regarding ongoing construction work at 24 High Street and progress regarding the options for 11-12 High Street, Wisbech, and to highlight additional costs incurred for the construction of 24 High Street.

Members considered the Wisbech High Street update report presented by Councillor Seaton.

·         Councillor Tierney said he is pleased to see this project still moving on; eight years is a long time, but the Council had encountered many complications during that time. He expressed concern that whilst these buildings are gradually being brought back into decent repair, other buildings in Wisbech are now falling into disrepair and said it is time to act on these to prevent the same situation occurring. Whilst it is not the direct responsibility of this authority, the residents of Wisbech are asking the Council to do something so he has asked officers to look at this and consider what can be done.

·         Councillor Seaton said he appreciated Councillor Tierney’s view and is waiting for officer reports as to how the Council can proceed on these.

·         Councillor Miscandlon agreed with Councillor Tierney that older buildings are deteriorating over time, saying owners need to be encouraged to bring them up to a better standard. He added it is deplorable that they do not until it is too late but then expect the Council to bail them out.

·         Councillor Boden said it is important and appropriate to do something now given that this authority will cease to exist after March 2028. Because of this, he is keen to see a tight timeline for improvement and the requisite finance in place virtually immediately to be able to provide a far better outlook for Wisbech High Street and this will form part of a project to be announced called Fenland Inspire.

Proposed by Councillor Seaton, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED to note:

·         the current anticipated overspend on 24 High Street and that Cabinet is to anticipate a further report in February.

·         that until the building is completed there may be other additional costs, albeit these are anticipated to be more minor in nature, as the complex part of the building works are completed. It is anticipated that further costs will be addressed by way of a Portfolio or Officer Decision Notice

·         that officers are seeking further information with regards the funding mechanism for the building and a further report regarding this will be submitted to Cabinet in February.