Decision details

This report seeks Cabinet approval to develop a community enterprise centre at Watermill Wharf, Canal Road, Strood, to provide business accommodation and community facilities.

267/2006 The Cabinet agreed that the proposed Watermill Wharf development be progressed as part of the Strood Riverside development.
268/2006 The Cabinet agreed that up to £300,000 be made available from the existing capital programme allocation for the Watermill Wharf development.
269/2006 The Cabinet agreed that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services and the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth: a) to develop the scheme within the funding limits identified at paragraphs 9.1 and 9.2 of the report, reducing aspects of the project if any of the funding does not materialise. b) to acquire the necessary interests in Network Rail's land. c) to negotiate and grant a leasehold interest in the Council's site or the combined site to Hubco upon the best terms reasonably obtainable for use as a community enterprise hub, if necessary, exercising any powers available under the General Consent (Local Government Act 1972: General Disposal Consent (England) 2003. d) to deal with any related issues, including entering into any related agreements.

A decision to support development of the Watermill Wharf Community Enterprise Hub in Medway will: provide a mixed-use balance of facilities to the residential development already planned for Strood Riverside; allow physical improvements to be made to the public realm by developing the railway arches at the entrance to Canal Road, significantly enhancing the environmental appeal of the area; cause social improvements to be made as community facilities are established to serve local residents, provide employment and increase the vibrancy of Canal Road in Strood; and support key strategies within the Council's Regeneration Framework, Economic Development Statement, the Strood Riverside Development Brief (now adopted as a supplementary planning document), as well as wider strategies such as SEEDA's Regional Economic Strategy 2006-16.