Date: July 2018 Version 1.0 Approved by KB 1
ECONOMY AND REGENERATION PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW
Portfolio Summary It is not long since the Portfolio Agreement was signed off and the extent to which the performance of the Portfolio reflects the plans and targets set out on the Agreement will be clearer in the Autumn. There is still significant progress to report this quarter however.
The Get Digital Faster Superfast Broadband programme deployment completed at the end of May 2018. Take-up of service is currently 38.5% in Stockport and will continue to grow. GMCA has accessed £23.9m from the Local Full Fibre Challenge Fund and feasibility work took place this quarter - Stockport has 123 public premises in scope for full fibre.
Work arising from the Stockport Work & Skills Commission has included development of the report and Action Plan. This includes proposals for focused support for young people, in particular to improve work placements and information, advice and guidance for young people. A Partnership Board is being set to drive this work.
GM Working Well programme progressed well during the quarter with local services being integrated with the programme. A Local Integration Plan and Board has been set up to ensure that the programme matches local need as closely as possible. It has now achieved its first job outcomes in Stockport and referral numbers are increasing each month.
Visitor numbers to our Museums and other cultural attractions remain healthy. During the quarter, the Arts Council England granted full museum accreditation status to the Hat Works, Bramall Hall, Air Raid Shelters, Chadkirk Chapel, Staircase House and Stockport Museum. Other work included the launch of a new online museum booking for school parties, award of 2018 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards for Air Raid Shelters, Hat Works, Staircase House and Stockport Museum and a sell-out Shakespeare in the park event at Bramall Hall.
The tender for the operation and management of the market was advertised. The monthly Makers Market is attracting new customers and encouragingly, this has contributed to increased footfall at the Market this quarter.
Cabinet approved a funding package to support the residential and transport elements of the proposed Stockport Interchange scheme. This will enable the scheme to progress to the planning application stage. TfGM held a series of drop-in events to gather views during July and people were also able to tell us what they think about our proposals online.
Cllr Kate Butler, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Regeneration
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Revenue Budget (Forecast) Capital Programme
£000 Cash Limit 2,668 Forecast 2,668 £000 (Surplus)/Deficit 0 2018/19 Capital Budget 71,417 2019/20 Capital Budget 54,482 Approved use of reserves 1,051 2020/21 Capital Budget 30,101 Utilisation of approved use of reserves 614 Balance remaining of approved use of 437 reserves
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National and Regional Policy Drivers
Brexit
GMCA’s monthly “Brexit Monitor” is a useful summary of latest developments relating to the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Key messages from the July edition included:
Government has published a white paper setting out its vision for the UK and EU’s post Brexit relationship. Key points from the white paper include:
o UK would maintain a ‘common rulebook’ with EU regulations on goods, essentially establishing a free trade area for goods, although ending free trade in services. o The European Court of Justice would no longer have jurisdiction in the UK, with any common or harmonised regulation or law upheld by UK courts. o Free movement of people between the UK and EU would end, but there is little information on subsequent arrangements – these will likely be set out in a separate immigration white paper due for publication in the autumn.
Though this goes some way to addressing post-Brexit uncertainties, resistance and resignations from key figures in Government, lack of detail in certain policy areas, and potential push-back from the EU in future make it challenging to untangle how this vision will play out
Latest economic trends are mixed. The warm weather has offset the impact of bad weather earlier in the year and contributed to positive (but slow) growth in services, manufacturing and construction. However, the outlook for most households is still mixed. With increasing living costs tending to outpace wages, spending for many households continues to be squeezed.
UK GDP grew by 0.2% in the three months to May 2018 (up from zero growth in the previous quarter), but this is low in comparison to historic trends. There is evidence however that GM’s economy is growing ahead of UK rates.
Retail sales have grown in recent weeks, driven in part by good weather and Royal Wedding celebrations. Growth is at a slower rate than historic trends however.
In May, numbers claiming employment-related benefits in GM fell for the first time since November 2017. Unemployment rates however are still above national and regional rates, though they have fallen since the referendum. Long-term trends in claimant counts need to be treated with caution however due to changes to benefits, not least the rollout of Universal Credit. GMCA is engaging with DWP on their consultation into the uses of this data.
Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS) GMCA considered the first six-monthly Performance Dashboard in April 2018, reporting on performance between 1st October 2017 and 31st March 2018. This included latest trends relating to a broad range of performance measures that relate to the Strategy’s ten priorities, four of which are particularly relevant to services aligned to this Portfolio:
Priority 3 - Good jobs, with opportunities to progress and develop. Priority 4 - A thriving and productive economy in all parts of Greater Manchester. Priority 5 – World-class connectivity that keeps Greater Manchester moving. Priority 7 – A green city region and a high quality culture and leisure offer for all.
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Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) GMCA has agreed to delay the consultation on the GMSF until October 2018, following the publication in June of new official population projections that forecast slower than expected growth in GM’s population. This lower population growth suggests GM’s household projections will be lower than previous forecasts. These are due for publication in September 2018 and if confirmed, they will influence the spatial framework.
GM Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund GMCA has established a £160m Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (obtained via the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund). Former professional cyclist Chris Boardman has been appointed as GM’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner to lead on promoting these healthier (non- polluting) modes of transport. The fund will focus on strategic walking and cycle connections between/across town and city centres, as well as on improving neighbourhood walking and cycling access from residential areas to local jobs, schools, colleges, health facilities and public transport hubs. Chris Boardman will be visiting the Council to brief members on his work later in the year.
Bus Reform A report is being presented to GMCA on July 27th 2018 that will set out a process for developing an assessment of a proposed bus-franchising scheme for GM. It also suggests next steps regarding carrying out that assessment and undertaking associated consultation.
GM Clean Air Plan TfGM, acting on behalf of GMCA and districts, is undertaking a feasibility study prior to developing a GM Clean Air Plan. This will address areas prone to particularly high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). A national study has identified a number of major urban roads in GM forecast to exceed the NO2 EU Limit Value beyond 2020. In Stockport, this includes the A34 as well as a number of links in the town centre. The study also identifies the part of the M60 in the Borough as exceeding the legal limits (though that falls under Highways England’s remit). A GM Senior Leadership Steering Group will direct the feasibility study, briefing senior officers and elected members within their organisations and securing local approvals. GMCA is likely to approve a public engagement plan relating to this initiative in the summer of 2018.
GM Industrial Strategy Government recently announced that GM (plus West Midlands and Oxford/Cambridge) would be a “trailblazer” in developing a Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) by March 2019. It will reflect the key themes1 and “Grand Challenges”2 of the National Industrial Strategy. A series of research projects (to be scoped in September 2018) will support development of the GM LIS. Meetings with economic development lead officers in each district are planned for July and August to gather district input and priorities. Meetings will also take place with representatives from the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector and other stakeholders with an interest in the strategy.
GM Full Fibre Programme GM has expressed an ambition to be a leading digital city and has secured funding from a range of sources to enhance fibre coverage across GM. Meetings recently took place with local authorities in GM (and with Clinical Commissioning Groups) to finalise the list of sites to be prioritised for fibre connection and identify further opportunities (for example, a review of school sites in Stockport). Given the strong long-term economic benefits, Stockport is “on board” with this work in principle (financial arrangements will be confirmed later in 2018). Stockport Council is particularly keen to minimise the impact on the highway, using the ‘One Dig’ approach wherever possible.
1 Ideas; People; Infrastructure; Business Environment; Places 2 Artificial Intelligence & Data; Mobility; Clean Growth; Ageing Society
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1. ECONOMY & REGENERATION PORTFOLIO DELIVERING OUR PRIORITIES
1.1 Priorities and Delivery Plans
Portfolio priorities are set out in the Council Plan, and progress against those relating to the Economy & Regeneration Portfolio is reported below. These include key objectives and milestones for 2018/19, and are cross-referenced with GMS Priorities and delivery plans.
1.2 Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress
The performance indicators that support delivery of these priorities include statutory and locally-defined measures and help monitor performance against the Portfolio’s key priorities.
The measures were chosen to reflect the impact or outcome of activity that is relevant to achieving the Council’s objectives. They will also reflect inputs, outputs or processes that deliver results that contribute to the wider outcome. Where the measure supports a GMS target, this is highlighted, with the GM-wide target referenced.
The measures included under each priority are those considered most appropriate to include in this document and be reported on a quarterly, six-monthly or annual basis. As has been the case in previous years, should scrutiny members wish to examine a particular service / function’s performance in more detail then specific reports would be produced which include a wide range of measures and other means of assessing performance.
PI Status - Key
2018/19 actual / forecast is significantly below target
2018/19 actual / forecast is below target but within acceptable tolerance range
2018/19 actual / forecast is on or above target or within target range
Measures in bold are included within the Corporate Report.
1.3 Portfolio Risks
Risks to delivering each Portfolio Priority are set out below, including those relating to specific delivery projects and programmes. Operational risks to service delivery are identified, monitored and managed at a service level.
A full update on all risks will be included in the Mid-Year and Annual reports, with the First and Final Update reports containing updates by exception. New and emerging risks identified in-year will be added to the register with the approval of the Portfolio Holder and Corporate Director.
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1.4 Updates on delivery of Portfolio Priorities
Priority 1: Inclusive growth
Delivery Updates
Inclusive Growth (Inclusive growth related activity is also reported in Priority 2 – Tackling youth unemployment)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Social Value The Growth Team is supporting plans by the private and community sectors to develop a CSR matching service, encouraging locally-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undertake meaningful CSR activity within the Borough.
Social value in procurement workshops have been held in partnership with STAR procurement, aimed at guiding officers from across the authority
Gander The Growth team continues to support the Gander initiative, which aims to bring business and 16-18 education providers together to provide realistic opportunities for students to make informed career choices
Start Smart Universal start-up programme (part-funded by European Regional Development Funding, Stockport Council and Stockport Homes) has been promoted across the Borough with drop- ins held in local libraries (Stockport, Brinnington, Cheadle) and workshops in venues such as Houldsworth Mill, Stockport College, Stockport Library and Europa House. There are 92 clients currently registered on the programme seeking to start their own business.
Brownfield First Work has focused on the detailed clarification process with Homes England for securing the Housing Infrastructure Fund funding. This is for Weir Mill, Stockport Interchange and Hopes Carr Phase 3. Associated work continues with GMCA to draw down support funding for further feasibility for Weir Mill and other town centre sites. Wider Brownfield development work continues with priority sites where the Council can have an impact e.g. Adswood Road sites.
Digital infrastructure programmes The Get Digital Faster Superfast Broadband programme deployment was completed at the end of May 2018. Across the programme’s intervention area (eight of the ten GM districts), over 41,000 premises can now access superfast speeds. Take-up of service is currently 38.5% in Stockport and will continue to grow. In March 2018, the Government announced that GMCA has been successful in winning £23.9m from the Local Full Fibre Challenge Fund. This quarter, further feasibility work has been undertaken: Stockport has 123 public premises in scope for full fibre. The new BDUK Gigabit Voucher scheme to businesses was also launched in Quarter 1.
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Business Growth
Events The Growth Team supported Stockport's first Food and Drink Trade Show, which took place on 20th June in the Market Place. The event, aimed at businesses within the sector, included 15 speakers and attracted 175 visitors and 59 exhibitors. Feedback has been positive and stakeholders are considering holding a second event in 2019.
A meeting of the Finance and Professional Services network took place on 18th April and area business group meetings were held with occupiers at Bramhall Moor Lane, Birdhall Lane and Whitehill industrial estates.
Eight local business leaders and a member of the Bank of England Monetary committee took part in a round table discussion in April.
Planning for the 2018 Jobs Fair is underway with a view to securing over 40 employers and 700 job seekers to the event on 25th September.
The Stockport Economic Alliance meeting in April had a digital skills theme. Local employers would like to see improvements to digital skills at all levels.
Graduate Apprentices at Thales developed a Science, Technology, English and Mathematics (STEM) initiative that will seek to inspire primary and secondary school pupils to consider the range of career choices associated with engineering.
Business engagement The Growth Team continued to support local businesses with their development and growth, dealing with enquiries across a range of issues and referring to internal and external partners as appropriate. In Quarter 1, the team engaged on a one-to-one basis with 35 businesses and at least 140 businesses through events it organised.
Digital engagement As part of the GDPR exercise, numbers of recipients of The Business Bulletin have been reduced to 1,832 of which 640 (40%) opened and read the document. Further improvements to the business pages of the Council’s web site were completed including the addition of short videos portraying local businesses and promoting business growth and start-up support.
Economic Information The Growth Team initiated a review of the impact of Stockport's Economic Strategy 2012- 17 and published the 2018 Stockport Economic Overview.
GMS Priorities
Good jobs, with opportunities to progress and develop. A thriving and productive economy in all parts of Greater Manchester.
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Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress
Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target -ance Actual Council Measures
Number of breaches of planning 39.6% 44.0% 44.0% E&R1.1 control discovered as a % of Low 603 C 184 C 736 C 40% complaints received. 239 B 81 B 324 B The number of complaints received, and breaches found within them, continues to rise, with the proportion of complaints that uncovering breaches exceeding levels found in previous years. Number of breaches resolved by 90% 92% 92% E&R1.2 negotiation, and % of total High 80% (217) (81) (324) breaches. The percentage of complaints resolved by negotiation remains well above target. Number of breaches where formal action was taken (including notices except for a Planning Not 4 16 E&R1.3 Contravention Notice and Low 20% Available (5%) (5%) prosecutions that have not resulted from a notice – i.e. trees, listed buildings etc.) Whilst the number of breaches increased, the percentage requiring formal action still sits well below the expected 20%. An increased number were resolved through negotiation. As 2018/19 is the first year this measure has been recorded, outturns from previous years are not available. Partnership Measures % occupied managed workspace and incubator floor E&R1.4 High 83.0% 87.0% 90.0% 91.0% space actively managed for start-up/ micro-businesses The Growth Team is responsible for the provision of small business units in Broadstone Mill (Stockport Business and Innovation Centre) and Merchants House (Market Place). Between them, the centres have 65 tenants, employing over 160 people in total. On-site business support is available to all tenants with over 240 hours of support provided in the year to date. The centres continue to be popular and well occupied. Financially, they are performing better than budget forecasts. Employment-related developments Not E&R1.5 approved on previously developed High - - TBC - Available land (square metres).
This indicator shows the number of square metres of new employment developments that have been approved on brownfield sites. This is reported annually in arrears each autumn. The 2017/18 figure will not be available until autumn 2018 and a target for 2018/19 will be considered then. (The 2016/17 outturn was 17,460 square metres).
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Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target -ance Actual % of occupied retail, commercial E&R1.6 and business premises within the High 90.9% - - 92.0% - Borough's district centres.
Figures are obtained annually during August and will be reported in Quarter 2.
Square feet of office, retail and
industrial space (across all E&R1.7 High 1,034,994 124,956 800,000 800,000 sectors) let or sold to new occupiers. Investment during the quarter included the letting of a 35,694 square foot warehouse unit on Horsefield Way on Bredbury Industrial Estate, and a commitment to creating 20 jobs in Cheadle by new logistics company, Smart Freight. Pure Offices, a national 'serviced office' provider, also announced the purchase of Lakeside 3400 on Cheadle Royal as their first facility in GM. The business will convert the 36,479 square foot office building to provide flexible workspace and hopes to open in autumn 2018.
Number of FTE jobs created in E&R1.8 relation to floor space let or sold High 2060 274 1500 1500 to new occupiers.
Job numbers are estimated based on the square feet of space let or sold to new occupiers. New units at Bredbury will be released during the year, potentially affecting job numbers, but unlikely to be as high as 2017/18 with nothing as substantial as Stockport Exchange, Aurora or Redrock becoming available this quarter. Contextual Measures
Net number of business start- Aim to N/A - - - E&R 1.9 ups – i.e. business “births” High maximise minus “deaths”.
Figures are obtained annually from an ONS Survey published late each calendar year and relate to the previous calendar year. The next data is therefore due in late 2018 and will relate to 2017. It is likely therefore that this data will be reported in Quarter 3.
E&R Business start-up survival rates Aim to High N/A - - - 1.10 after 3 years (%). maximise
As above, figures are obtained annually from an ONS Survey published late each calendar year and relate to the previous calendar year. The next data is therefore due in late 2018 and will relate to 2017. It is likely therefore that this data will be reported in Quarter 3.
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Risk Description (and potential Update on Controls impact on outcome) There is a commitment from Government to replace Loss or reduction in funding via EU European funding following Brexit. There are no details at this (e.g. European Social Fund (ESF) stage but we will keep up to date with progress on this due to impending Brexit. through the Council’s links to the GMCA. The Growth Team is responsible for overseeing management of two serviced office/incubation centres (SBIC and Merchants House). Merchants House, in the town centre, has 10 small units, totalling 1,872 square feet net lettable space. SBIC in Broadstone Mill, Reddish, contains 55 businesses in 21,440 square feet of net lettable space in addition to virtual office customers and meeting room customers.
Monthly management meetings are held with business Managed workspaces and managers at which financial and operational reports are business incubator facilities are reviewed. All activity is monitored against the agreed financially unsustainable. business plan and financial forecast, and both income and overall budget performance for the two centres is ahead of projections to date, partly a reflection of occupancy rates remaining higher than forecast.
A vacant 2,400 square feet currently unlettable unit at SBIC is awaiting fit out - project now at least 3 months behind schedule due to loss of Carillion (project managing the build). Whilst the unit remains unlettable, the centre is losing almost £5,000 per month income and further delay will continue to impact budget management.
Priority 2: Tackling youth unemployment
Delivery Updates
Inclusive Growth
The importance of securing employment and skills benefits through Public Sector investment has recently been emphasised in a series of training workshops to staff to help secure Social Value objectives from procurement activity undertaken by the Council, Stockport Homes and the Totally Local Company.
The LSH3 development on Brighton Road is the latest development that has had an Employment & Skills Agreement developed to cover construction and end user jobs4 at LSH. Work to ensure employment and skills agreements are developed for all major commercial developments that generate new employment, whether public or private sector led, is ongoing. These agreements ensure employment and skills commitments are agreed and tracked.
3 Part of the Lei Shing Hong Group, one of the world’s largest Mercedes-Benz retailers. 4 End user jobs relate to the businesses that operate at the development following construction.
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The success of achieving employment and skills commitments through social value in the Redrock development is to be highlighted as good practice in a seminar later this year that . Wates Construction and the North West Construction Hub are organising as a “continuous professional development” event for construction companies and other potential public sector bodies procuring construction projects, in order to demonstrate good practice in achieving social value outcomes in construction. Planning started in Quarter 1 to ensure a range of stakeholders learn from the positive outcomes, which include for example, apprenticeships, projects with schools, training opportunities for the contractors workforce, and recruitment of unemployed people.
The Light Cinema at Redrock will also be doing a further pre-employment recruitment course for unemployed residents. The need to ensure employment and skills outcomes in Stockport Exchange Phase 3 has also been highlighted to Muse (as the Council's development partner, who are procuring the contractors to build Phase 3).
Work and Skills Commission Following the Stockport Work & Skills Commission, a report and action plan were produced. This includes proposals for focused support for young people, in particular to improve work placements and information, advice & guidance for young people. Work is now underway to bring together a Partnership Board to take forward ownership of this. This work has identified the key issues for local people, employers and providers, and has started to set out the priorities for work and skills support in Stockport. It will also ensure Stockport plays a key role in contributing to the GM Strategy and its initiatives such as the GM Good Employment Strategy. Establishing stronger links between schools and employers has also been identified as crucial to preventing people leaving education and becoming unemployed.
Development of the Economy, Work & Skills Team during Quarter 1 will also lead to more focused relationships with employers to support their recruitment and skills needs, and enable them to contribute to apprenticeships development and programmes such as Working Well to tackle unemployment, particularly among young people.
Work is currently ongoing within GM to identify opportunities for use of underspend in the GM AGE grant, with a view to increasing apprenticeship starts, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Working Well “Working Well” is the GM-branded employment support initiative (and includes the Work & Health Programme). Activity has developed quickly this quarter, in particular in terms of the integration of local services with the Work & Health Programme. A Local Integration Plan and Board is now in place to ensure that the provider (InWorkGM) offer is fully complemented by the range of services likely to be needed by local people on the programme, e.g. skills, public health, mental health, debt advice, family support services. The programme has now achieved its first job outcomes in Stockport, and referral numbers are increasing each month.
The commissioning of the Working Well Early Help Programme started in Quarter 1, with Stockport involved evaluating submissions from of potential providers. This programme will support individuals at risk of leaving the labour market and becoming unemployed because they fall ill. In particular, referrals through one pilot GP cluster area in each of GM district (Tame Valley in Stockport), along with referrals from SMEs (who tend not to have occupational health support), and signposting of recently unemployed people with health conditions via Jobcentre Plus will be crucial. The procurement of this programme will
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continue in various stages until early November 2018. A Stockport 'Ask & Offer' to potential providers has been included in the tender documentation, along with similar 'Ask & Offers' from the other 9 GM Councils.
Social Value in Procurement The importance of maximising local employment and skills outcomes for out-of-work people, as part of social value in procurement within the public sector, was emphasised recently in a series of workshops held for key staff involved in managing commissioning of services in the Council, Stockport Homes and the Totally Local Company.
Work Clubs The Council is continuing to work with local partners to expand the Work Clubs offer, in particular at present, RE:Dish in Reddish are one of the community groups the Council is looking to support to set up a Work Club.
Employer engagement Employer engagement regarding employment and skills issues has primarily been through the Work & Skills Commission in Quarter 1. There have also been one-to-one meetings however to offer support for expanding employers such as CAF Rail, Aeroco, Creative Apparel and Smart Freight, and with those affected by redundancies such as Landis & Gyr and RBS.
GMS Priorities
Good jobs, with opportunities to progress and develop. A thriving and productive economy in all parts of Greater Manchester. Young people equipped for life.
Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress
Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target ance Actual Council Measures Numbers of new clients supported E&R2.1 High 70 28 70 70 by Council-run Work Clubs. The Council currently operates permanent Work Clubs in Brideghall, Lancashire Hill and Offerton. It also provides start-up staffing support for a Work Club in Bredbury at Moss Care Housing's Community Hub. The benefits of the Work Clubs as a drop-in facility for any jobseekers were recently highlighted again to JCP, in particular with regard to in-work Universal Credit claimants who are expected to undertake activity to support them to increase earnings. Discussions are ongoing with RE:Dish regarding supporting them as a community organisation to run a Work Club. Jobs Fair: (a) Number of employers (a) 40 (a) 40 (a) 40 E&R2.2 High - - attending. (b) 720 (b) 600 (b) 600 (b) Number of attendees. The Stockport Jobs Fair takes place annually. Planning for the event on September 25th began in Quarter 1. There was an unusually high number of attendee last year, as the Jobs Fair coincided with recruitment for the end-user businesses at the new Redrock development - hence there was great interest in the opportunities there. This year’s attendance will likely be lower than in 2017/18, but still higher than in 2016/17. Initial invitations were sent to employers and by the end of June, 15 had signed up.
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Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target ance Actual Working Well (Work & Health Programme) – % of forecasted Not E&R2.3 High - - 100% - work-related outcomes in Applicable Stockport to date achieved. The GM Work & Health Programme (part of the Working Well branding) started with the first referrals in February 2018, hence there is no comparable actual figure from 2017/18. The target relates to performance against expected job (earnings related) outcomes at each point in time. A figure of 100% reflects achieved outcomes against the initial forecasts at each point in time.
Partnership Measures Number of GP Practices engaged Not E&R2.4 High - - 4 - in Working Well Early Help Applicable GMCA and the GM Health & Social Care Partnership are currently commissioning the Working Well Early Help Programme, with support from the 10 GM districts. It is due to start in February 2019. One of the key referral routes to the programme will be from GPs, with a neighbourhood cluster identified in each of GM district. The Stockport cluster contains 7 GP Practices, with a Lead GP identified. The target is to have 4 of those practices actively engaged in the programme by the end of the financial year. Number of customers supported E&R2.5 by Troubled Families Employment High 14 4 15 15 Advisers starting employment The Troubled Families Employment Advisers are two Jobcentre Plus staff co-located within the MASSH (Public Service hub). They engage and raise awareness with frontline staff within Stockport Family to identify worklessness issues to address for customers of Stockport Family. They provide caseload support and enable access to appropriate support such as skills courses, volunteering & work experience. Contextual Measures % of unemployed 18-24 year E&R2.6 Low 3.3% 3.2% 3.2% 3.3% olds in the Borough. This data is provided via NOMIS and captures JSA and Universal Credit out-of-work claimants. This is currently the most accurate reflection of the claimant count for jobseekers, until the DWP concludes its consultation on new statistical measurement of the claimant count (to reflect the introduction of Universal Credit) later this year. Making forecasts and comparisons with previous year’s unemployment data will prove difficult as the claimant count is likely to rise and fluctuate due to expectations on Universal Credit claimants. This indicator has been changed to 18-24 year olds, as there are no 16-17 year olds claiming, as young people should now be in some form of education until reaching 18. The comparative rate for the NW is 3.8% and for GB is 3.0%.
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Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target ance Actual
Percentage of unemployed 18-24 year olds 6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 (Forecast)
5 Aim to E&R2.7 % unemployed overall (18-64). Low 2.0% 1.9% 1.9% minimise This data is provided via NOMIS and captures JSA and Universal Credit out-of-work claimants and the limitations of the data associated with E&R2.6 outlined above apply to this measure. The comparative NW rate is 2.8% and the GB rate is 2.2%. Number of Stockport residents Not E&R2.8 High - - TBC - starting Apprenticeships Available Data for 2017/18 Apprenticeships starts of Stockport residents will not be available until late 2018 and a target for 2018/19 will be set then. In line with the known national picture, a significant drop in the starts in 2017/18 is expected.
Risk Description (and potential Update on Controls impact on outcome) The Local Integration Board that has been set up for Government and GM employment Working Well is doing a good job of targeting services and programmes do not effectively support to reach those most in need. Stockport is performing reach those in most need of support well in these programmes and there is data to show that the (e.g. people in priority Continuing Education Service is reaching more people in neighbourhoods). priority areas.
5 The figure quoted in the 2018/19 Portfolio Agreement (4.3%) was based on the Annual Population Survey (APS) of those unemployed, which is regarded as the most reliable measure of the national unemployment rate. It is not however statistically reliable at local authority level. In addition, the APS does not enable comparison between age bands. Claimant count was used in the Portfolio Agreement for 18-24 year olds, but APS was used for the overall unemployment total. Claimant count should be used for both measures. It was used above and will continue to be used in future Portfolio Performance and Resources Reports. Note however that claimant count numbers do not necessarily reflect the numbers of people seeking work, as not all job seekers are claimants.
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Priority 3 - Cultural Improvement Plan
Delivery Update
Museums Total combined visitor numbers for Quarter 1 for all museums was 33,908. This represents a decrease of 3,261 overall visitors compared with the same quarter last year (Quarter 1 in 17/18 was 37,169). Largely, this is attributable to the uncharacteristically warm weather in late May and throughout June that has tended to reduce the total number of visitors to our museums. Combined income from retail, events and admissions across the service in Quarter 1 was low for the time of the year at £51,750 (compared to £67,518 in 17/18). This represents a drop in income of £15,768. Fewer visitors has meant less income generated through admissions/events and secondary retail spend. Income from school bookings has generated a total of £26,161 in income in Quarter 1.
The most notable achievement in Quarter 1 was Arts Council England granting full museum accreditation status to Hat Works, Bramall Hall, Air Raid Shelters, Chadkirk Chapel, Staircase House and Stockport Museum. This was a major achievement for the service and acknowledges the progress made in collections management and good practice around audience engagement. Other highlights from Quarter 1 included, the launch of a new online booking system for processing the high volume of museum school bookings, 2018 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards for Air Raid Shelters, Hat Works, Staircase House and Stockport Museum, a sell-out Shakespeare in the park event at Bramall Hall and the launch of a new look What’s On Guide.
Rediscovering the Underbanks Townscape Heritage The detailed Stage 2 heritage lottery bid was uploaded on 14th June. Feedback is awaited in advance of the Heritage Lottery Fund's National Board's decision in September 2018. Meanwhile webpages are being developed, owners engaged and plans are being made for an Underbanks Heritage Open Day in September 2018.
GMS Priorities
A green city region and a high quality culture and leisure offer for all
Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress
Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target -ance Actual Council Measures Number of visits to Stockport E&R3.1 High 131,379 33,908 132,000 130,000 museums. Despite lower than anticipated visitor numbers to Stockport Museums in Quarter 1 (33,908 compared to 37,169 in Quarter 1 2017/18), the aim is to attract increased visitor numbers throughout the remainder of the year through a continued programme of events, activities, talks and exhibitions. Quarter 3 will see Stockport Museums hold a series of events to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War and a substantial increase in visitors is likely, particularly to Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery, where a number of events to mark the centenary will be taking place.
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Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target -ance Actual
Number of visitors to Stockport’s museums 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 (Forecast)
Risk Description (and Update on Controls potential impact on outcome) Income generated Museums income is broadly as expected. Markets income continues through charges falls to be below targets due to the poor performance of the outdoor short of levels required market. to maintain current service. Provision of services Contract management continues to take place with external providers from third parties does - Life Leisure and Market Place Management. not fulfil expectations.
Priority 4 - Stockport Town Centre regeneration
Delivery Update
Stockport Exchange Demolition of the former Cineworld site began in April and has progress to schedule, while the planning application for the temporary car park was submitted in May in line with the overall timescales for Phase 3.
Aurora The formal opening ceremony for Baumüller took place in early June and work to secure lettings on the two remaining units has continued throughout the last few months.
Merseyway Site investigation works relating to the structural works are now underway while negotiations to attract new tenants and retain existing ones are ongoing. In recent months, deals have been struck to retain WH Smith, TUI, Thorntons, and H Samuel.
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Redrock Gourmet Burger Kitchen signed their lease at the end of May, but have not started to fit out the unit. The Mangobean franchisee signed his lease on Unit 5 and fit out began on 11/06/18.
Stockport Market During Quarter 1, the tender for the operation and management of the market from 1st September 2018 until 31st August 2023 has been advertised. The Makers Market, which takes place on the second of each month, continues to attract new customers to the Market.
Market Place & Underbanks Refurbishment works on The White Lion have progressed on schedule and negotiations for letting Winter’s to a fine dining operator have progressed to Heads of Terms. The notice for procurement of a new markets operator went out in May with appointment expected by September.
Town Centre Living Cabinet approved the Town Centre Living Development Framework in June. Demolition works on Covent Garden were completed in May in time for construction works to begin on schedule. Work on Weir Mill, Interchange, and Hopes Carr has progressed in line with the timescales for allocating the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) award - the Council's HIF Marginal Viability Fund bids were all successful and detailed work is now underway with Homes England and Deloitte's to determine the practicalities of the funding. Other Town Centre developments on site include White Lion and 30-32 Little Underbank (as well as St Thomas' Hospital in Shaw Heath).
Stockport Interchange The Council’s investment in a funding package to support the residential and transport elements has received Cabinet approval and will enable the scheme to proceed to submission of a planning application.
GMS Priorities
Good jobs, with opportunities to progress and develop. A thriving and productive economy in all parts of Greater Manchester.
Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress
Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target ance Actual Council Measures % of occupied retail, commercial E&R4.1 and business premises within the High 91.0% 91.0% 93.0% 91.0% Merseyway Shopping Centre. Ten units in Merseyway were vacant at the end of Quarter 1 - occupancy as a percentage of the total number of units is therefore 91%. Occupancy as a percentage of total floor space is 86.6%. The former Next and Metro Gyms units account for the majority of the void floor space. There is active interest in the former Next unit and deals with occupiers should be finalised in the coming months. During Quarter 1, the Council made significant progress in retaining a number of key national retailers and therefore anticipates the full-year occupancy rate being 93%.
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Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q1 Status Actual Forecast Target ance Actual Partnership Measures Footfall in Market Area: Change from Previous Year in Footfall High E&R4.2 (quarterly figure will reflect change (and -3.0% 1.9% 5.0% 5.0% compared to the equivalent Quarter in positive) 2017/18). Footfall to the Market Area has improved by almost 2% on the same quarter last year. The most significant improvements have been on the Saturdays when the Makers Market is in the Market Place. There has also been some improvement in weekday footfall to the regular market, though this is not yet consistent. Procurement is currently taking place for a long-term operator for the market and a key performance indicator will be to continue to improve footfall. It is anticipated that the Produce Hall will open in autumn 2018 and that related food and beverage developments will increase footfall. % of occupied retail, commercial E&R4.3 and business premises in High 77.0% 75.3% 78.0% 78.0% Stockport Town Centre. The latest quarterly visual survey (June 2018) identified 170 vacant units (24.7% of the total) in Stockport Town Centre. Survey results are based on numbers of units and not floor space and do not take account of the size of the unit (so the opening of a small shop - say 1,000 square metres - coinciding with the opening of a large 50,000 square metre unit, would result in no change). The measure therefore is, by itself, not an ideal indicator of town centre health. As part of a wider monitoring initiative the Council is currently investigating ways of capturing reliable floor space data that, together with E&R4.3, would help provide a more ‘rounded’ statement of on the health of the Town Centre. Note that data collection methods relating to this measure were reviewed in the final quarter of 2017/18 and are now being more rigorously applied. Targets set in the Portfolio Agreement have therefore been adjusted to reflect a more accurate dataset. Number of independent E&R4.4 businesses in Stockport Town High 325 316 318 318 Centre. In general, the Council defines "independent businesses" according to the classification provided by the UK footfall counter, Springboard. That is, "retailers that have 5 or less units under the same fascia". There are however a few exceptions to this (e.g. Rhode Island Coffee, which currently has 6 outlets in the North West but clearly are an independent high street offer). As at the survey in June 2019, such units accounted for 45.9% of all relevant units in the Town Centre. For the purposes of the monitoring of independent shops in Stockport Town Centre, the Council will include the numbers of businesses occupying 27 Market Place (20th Century Stores). Note that data collection methods were reviewed in the final quarter of 2017/18 and are now being more rigorously applied. Targets set in the Portfolio Agreement have therefore been adjusted to reflect a more accurate dataset. Square feet of office, retail and industrial space let or sold to new E&R4.5 High 182,776 6,376 100,000 100,000 occupiers in Stockport Town Centre. Three retail premises and two small office units are known to have been let in Stockport Town Centre during Quarter 1. Although there are several smaller office facilities available to let, there is currently no office space of above 10,000 square feet available in the SK1 postcode area, limiting the scope for increasing the number of new office occupiers. There is interest in the town centre but lead times for refurbishment and lease negotiations may delay occupancies. Examples include 1 St Peters Square, currently being refurbished for commercial use, and premises in the Market Place and Underbanks. A full year forecast however is difficult to predict.
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Priority 5: Transport priorities to 2040
Delivery Update Delivery of Phase 1 of the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) is complete and Phase 2 is currently underway. In addition, proposals for Stockport Interchange are currently out to public consultation prior to a planning application being submitted in the summer. The SEMMM Strategy Refresh sets out the priorities for transport in Stockport with an emphasis on sustainable and active travel, and work continues to lobby for and secure funding for the identified investments (including Metrolink/ tram train, new and improved train stations, bus rapid transit, and the redevelopment of Stockport Station).
GMS Priorities World class connectivity that keeps Greater Manchester moving. A green city region and a high quality culture and leisure offer for all.
Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress
Good 2015 2016 PI Code PI Name perform- Status ance Actual Actual Target Partnership Measures
CO2 emissions (metric tonnes per E&R5.1 capita) within the scope of Low 4.1 - Aim to minimise - influence of local authorities. This is reported annually, and two years retrospectively. The latest data was released in Autumn 2017 and relates to 2015. Stockport’s figure of 4.1 in 2015 compares with 5.0 in England. Data for 2016 will be available in autumn 2018.
Risk Description (and potential Update on Controls impact on outcome) The draft SEMMM Strategy Refresh has now been out to public consultation and the strategy will be reviewed in light of the feedback received, prior to being adopted Failure to integrate Stockport’s by Stockport and Cheshire East Councils by the end of transport priorities (as identified the year. The draft Strategy sets out Stockport’s through SEMMMS Refresh) into transport priorities up until 2040, and has already been policymaking at the Greater used to pursue funding for some schemes, including the Manchester level, resulting in a proposed Bus Rapid Transit scheme from Stockport to failure to secure funding and Manchester Airport, which has been successful in the necessary commitment to deliver first stage of bidding for the Housing Infrastructure Fund. the priorities. Formal adoption of the final Strategy will further assist in securing funding and commitment to deliver the priorities.
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2. ECONOMY & REGENERATION PORTFOLIO FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MONITORING
2.1 Revenue – Cash limit
Previously Increase Reported (Reduction) Revised
£000’s £000’s £000’s Cash Limit 2,562 106 2,668
2.1.1 The Portfolio cash limit has increased by £0.106m. This is due to the additional pay award budget.
The Economy & Regeneration Portfolio contains pressures relating to income generation, but forecast surpluses in other areas of the portfolio means that the portfolio is expected to balance overall.
2.2 Earmarked Reserves The majority of earmarked reserves are now kept at corporate level. The table below sets out the commitments of this portfolio that have been approved for 2018/19.
Use of Balance of Reserve / Reserves / Reserve / Reserve Approved Use “Approved Reserve Narration To be used for “Approved Category Balance at Q1 Use” Use” £000 2018/19 £000 £000 Directorate Reserves Directorate Directorate Flexibility Town Centre 69 69 0 Reserve Reserve - Place Living F&B Sector Directorate Directorate Flexibility Development 23 23 0 Reserve Reserve - Place Support Corporate Reserves Legislative and Development of a Corporate Statutory new Local Plan 228 228 0 Reserves Requirements approved by the Reserve Executive Reserve Transformation - Markets Linked to Invest to Save 53 53 0 Consultation Budget Reserve Reserve Transformation - Regeneration Linked to Invest to Save 26 26 0 Projects Budget Reserve
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Reserve Transformation - Linked to Invest to Save HLF Bramall Hall 163 72 91 Budget Reserve Strategic Capital Programme Walking & Cycling Priority 18 18 0 Investment Reserve Projects Reserve Strategic Stockport Place Capital Programme Priority Marketing and 75 75 0 Investment Reserve Reserve Communications Strategic Capital Programme Interchange and Priority 299 299 Investment Reserve College Feasibility Reserve Strategic Capital Programme Stockport Priority 97 50 47 Investment Reserve Exchange Phase 3 Reserve TOTAL 1,051 614 437
2.3 Portfolio Savings Programme The Council’s savings programme was agreed by the Council Meeting as part of the 2018/19 Budget on 22 February 2018. The Portfolio contributed £0.010m to the Council’s savings for 2018/19.
The portfolio savings within the Council’s overall approved programme, a risk assessment on progress to date and a progress commentary are set out below.
2018/19 Project Progress at Q1 £m Risk Rating Building Control Fees & Charges 0.010 Green The forecast suggests this will be achieved. Savings TOTAL 0.010
Risk rating Green – good confidence (90% plus) the saving is/will be delivered or minor variances (<£0.050m) that will be contained within the portfolio. Amber – progressing at a reasonable pace, action plan being pursued may be some slippage across years and/or the final position may also be a little unclear. Red – Significant issues arising or further detailed consultation required which may be complex/contentious
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2.4 Capital Programme
The table below highlights the key schemes in the programme:
*Expenditure 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 as at Scheme Programme Programme Programme 30 Jun 2018 £000 £000 £000 £000 Highways Capital Asset Maintenance 136 Street Lighting 582 560 560 1,057 Highways Investment Programme 11,690 12,282 12,551 5 Highways Drainage 294 250 250 10 Pot Hole Programme 1,344 0 0 42 Highways Structures 808 688 788 208 Town Centre Structures A6 Viaduct 890 0 0 73 Town Centre Structures Merseyway 2,578 2,162 0 23 Flood Risk Management 292 300 300 76 Flood Damage Infrastructure Programme 76 0 0
Asset Development & Improvement
Schemes 7,679 SEMMMS Relief Road 15,056 3,988 6,083 2,335 Town Centre Access Plan 14,119 8,725 3,959 439 Interchange Bridge 2,191 555 0 35 Roscoe Roundabout 878 2,943 0 864 LTP and SEMMMS Integrated Transport 3,988 30 30 0 District Centres 430 300 300 22 Road Safety Near Schools 372 100 100 0 Road Safety 50 50 50 2 PROW 119 100 100
Planning-related Schemes 249 Section 278 and Section 106 schemes 2,252 2,000 2,000
Other Highway Programmes 0 Studies and Transport Minor Schemes 54 30 30 0 Air Quality Grant 101 0 0 Car Parking 102 0 0 13,255 Highways sub-total 58,266 35,063 27,101
Non-highways 0 Stockport Exchange (Phase 3) 4,000 13,919 0 0 Redrock Development Scheme 3,934 0 0 0 Aurora Stockport (formerly Gorsey Bank) 619 0 0 68 Markets and Underbanks 2,596 2,500 0 0 Brownfield Site Schemes 1,002 0 0 0 Merseyway Redevelopment 1,000 3,000 3,000 68 Non-highways sub-total 13,151 19,419 3,000 13,323 TOTAL 71,417 54,482 30,101 * This relates to expenditure on SAP and accruals for goods received or work performed up to the period end. 23
2.4.1 Capital Finance Update and Outlook
2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Resources £000 £000 £000 Capital Grants 42,793 18,293 9,144 Directly Funded Borrowing 12,118 20,444 3,000 Unsupported Borrowing 12,173 12,008 13,981 Capital Receipts 1,033 0 0 Commuted Sums 2,252 2,000 2,000 Revenue Contributions (RCCO) 1,048 1,737 1,946 TOTAL 71,417 54,482 30,071
2.4.2 Capital Programme Amendments
2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Funding Scheme Reason £000 £000 £000 Source Capital Street Lighting 0 0 560 New LTP allocation Grant Merseyway (2,500) (500) 3,000 DFB Scheme rephasings Redevelopment Recategorisation of HIP Drainage, adjustment to Highways Investment (344) (423) 56 USB Roscoe Roundabout Programme categorisation, and rephasing of programmed work Recategorisation of HIP Highways Drainage 294 250 250 USB Drainage RCCO/ Additional reserves funding Pot Hole Programme 946 0 0 Grant and allocation of DfT grant Capital Highway Structures 0 0 788 New LTP allocation Grant Rephasing of programmed Town Centre Structures Capital 978 (1,271) 0 work & reclassification of Merseyway Grant match funding allocation Capital Flood Risk Management 0 0 300 New LTP allocation Grant Flood Damage Additional funding to meet Capital Infrastructure 30 0 0 scheme overspend (£960k Grant Programme programme overall) Capital SEMMMS Relief Road (2,273) (12,406) (5,623) Scheme rephasings Grant Scheme rephasings & local Town Centre Access USB and 0 (2,962) 2,013 contribution accounting Plan RCCO adjustment to allocation USB/ LTP and SEMMMS Adjustment to Roscoe (892) (678) 0 Capital Integrated Transport Roundabout recategorisation Grant LTP and SEMMMS Capital 0 0 30 New LTP allocation Integrated Transport Grant Capital District Centres 0 0 300 New LTP allocation Grant Road Safety Near Capital 0 0 100 New LTP allocation Schools Grant Capital Road Safety 0 0 50 New LTP allocation Grant 24
Capital PROW 0 0 100 New LTP allocation Grant Section 278 and section Commuted 0 0 2,000 New allocation 106 schemes Sums Studies and Transport Capital 0 0 30 New LTP allocation Minor Schemes Grant Car Parking 102 0 0 RCCO New Scheme TOTAL (3,659) (17,990) 3,954
2.4.3 Progress with Individual Schemes
Street Lighting Planned Programme This programme includes the structural replacement or repair of columns that are reaching the end of their life. Columns are identified for replacement or repair following routine structural assessment and testing. All lighting columns on the network have been structurally assessed and a programme of illuminated sign pole testing is ongoing. The information is being used to develop whole-life modelling of street lighting assets across the network. The programme has commenced and is approximately 25% complete.
Highway Investment Programme (HIP) 2018/19 constitutes Year 5 of the £100m HIP (total 9 year delivery programme). All sites have been scoped in the targeted ward areas and schemes are progressing well. The preventative footway and carriageway work started early in the financial year. Overall, approximately 25% of the programme is now complete.
A video survey identifies treated areas of highway (HIP delivered work) and provides an indication of the level of deterioration on the remaining part of the network. The condition data is used to compare the delivery outcome against the agreed target. Recent performance figures show that the footway and carriageway network is improving in line with the investment.
The funding for this programme comes from the GM Local Transport Plan 3 (GMLTP3) and prudential borrowing. The aim is to maintain and improve transport networks and facilities in accordance with the GM Local Transport Plan and SEMMM Strategies.
Pot Hole Programme Highway safety inspections have identified roads with higher numbers of actionable defects that are in need of programmed repair. This programme was developed to attend to these sites by patching/resurfacing stretches of highway. The recent winter period has had an impact on condition and this has resulted in an increase in the number of potholes. While some early work has taken place, the majority of the spend will occur later in 2018/19.
Drainage Planned Programme Drainage investigations/repairs continue to take place ahead of carriageway resurfacing work in the HIP programme. Highway culverts are inspected routinely, trash screens cleared and repairs arranged on a priority basis. Recent work has taken place on Etchells Road culvert to assist with flow and improve access to the site. The drainage system on Belmont Way has also been repaired.
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Highways Structures The funding for the Highway Structures programme comes from the GMLTP3 maintenance allocation and its aim is to inspect, maintain and replace highways structures including bridges, retaining walls, culverts and steps as necessary.
437 General Inspections are programmed for completion out of a total of 609 structures with 38 completed in Quarter 1. 63 Principal Inspections are programmed for completion out of a total of 262 structures.
Eight capital projects have been programmed: CLC Railway Bridge - Parapet Repairs completed; Bunkers Hill Culvert No.4 - Training Wall Repairs; Manchester Road Culvert No.2 - Feasibility Study; Manchester Road Culvert - Headwall Repairs; Welkin Mill Subway - Refurbishment; Cheadle Lane Culvert - Watercourse Diversion works; Hollywood Way Bridge – Joint Repairs; Whelmar Footbridge – Refurbishment.
Stockport Town Centre Structures There are two main structures in this programme, shown below with their current status:
Wellington Road (A6) Viaduct Parapet works to Daw Bank have been completed; Foundations have been constructed and steelwork installed to support the east footway; Investigation works have been completed to the west side steps; Installation of a mezzanine floor to the Daw Bank arch has commenced.
Merseyway Structure Feasibility design is progressing with inspections, investigations, surveys, access considerations (air quality/lighting/guarding/surfacing) and repairs for works below ground.
Flood Risk Management The scheme incorporates a number of elements including: The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) statutory role for major planning applications is ongoing and standardised advice has been provided to assist this process; The flood asset management system is continuing to be developed; Flood Mitigation Plans have been completed for the June, September and November 2016 Flood events and review and implementation of the recommendations is continuing with the relevant Risk Management Authorities; A hydrogeological study into ground water based flooding around the University Estate in Romiley and hydrological study into surface water based flooding for the Glossop Road/Devil’s Elbow area have been completed; The Greater Manchester Strategic Flood Risk Assessment report has been reviewed and comments provided to GMCA.
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A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road The Carillion/Morgan Sindall joint venture is now into its third year of the construction programme for the delivery of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road, with works having commenced on site in spring 2015.
Morgan Sindall continues to deliver the works following the cessation of Carillion’s involvement. There has been notable progress at various locations along the length of the scheme with the road surfacing and finishing works near completion at various locations. Works are also progressing on highways and on major and minor structures at locations along the length of the scheme, with the scheme opening scheduled for late summer 2018. The project team continues to respond to any queries and concerns submitted by the public, as part of the ongoing communication programme.
Further work is being undertaken by each of the three local authorities to develop and deliver a package of mitigation and complementary measures for the A6MARR – see “LTP and SEMMMS Integrated Transport Programme” scheme below.
Stockport Town Centre Access Plan This programme of works is part of the Investing in Stockport Programme and is to address the difficulties of navigating to and around the town centre. The scheme was awarded funding as part of Greater Manchester Growth Plan.
The scheme is comprised of two phases of delivery 2015-2017 and 2017-2020. Full Business Cases for all phases of works have been approved by TfGM and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and associated Delivery Agreements are signed-off.
Construction works are progressing well with major highways improvements completed at St Mary’s Way and Great Egerton Street.
Further major highways improvements are ongoing at:
Travis Brow (new link road between the A6 and M60 Junction 1); Hollywood Way Junction 1 (improved access to the motorway junction); Brighton Road/Didsbury Road (access into a new development); King Street West Gyratory (improved north-south flows west of the town centre); and Knightsbridge (major junction capacity improvements).
Stockport Interchange Bridge & Highway The Stockport Interchange Bridge crossing provides a new road link across the River Mersey between Astley Street on the north side and Swaine Street on the south side. The purpose of the bridge is to provide a two-way link for buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians with access to and from the A6 to the Interchange via Heaton Lane.
Bridge The Approval in Principle and Design of the bridge is complete and construction has started on site by the Principal Contractor, Osborne Construction. - Statutory Undertaker diversions have been completed; - The bridge steel superstructure has been fabricated and is ready for installation; - Continuous Flight Auger piles have been installed to the south and north abutments; - Works to the pile cap are to start in the near future.
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Highway - Feasibility design has been completed; - Detailed design has been completed; - Drainage design incorporating the bridge has been completed.
Roscoe’s Roundabout Funding has been awarded from the DfT’s National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) for improvements to the M60 Junction 2 (Roscoe’s) roundabout, Manchester Road/High Street junction (Cheadle), and paths in Abney Park.
Consultation is being undertaken in July 2018, with works to commence in Quarter 3 of 2018/19. The scheme is due for completion in March 2020.
LTP and SEMMMS Integrated Transport Programme The funding for this programme comes from the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan 3 (GMLTP3), developer-funded schemes and successful individual scheme bids. It aims to improve transport networks and facilities in accordance with the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan and South East Manchester Multi Modal Strategy (SEMMMS).
Funding has also been secured as part of Transport for Greater Manchester bids to the Growth Fund 3 and Cycle City Ambition Grant (CCAG) 2.
Cycling, Walking and Safety Schemes
Most of the £2.2m CCAG 2 schemes have progressed into detailed design. Work is almost complete in the Ladybrook Valley between Demmings Road and Ladybridge Road, and a zebra crossing has been brought into operation on Demmings Road. The design has been completed for the remainder of this scheme, with works to be undertaken on Ladybridge Road, and in Bramhall Park this summer; A consultation exercise has been undertaken for crossing and cycling improvements on Station Road, Cheadle Hulme; GMCRP safety related works on Crookilley Way have been completed; Improvements to walking and cycling facilities in the Goyt Valley have been implemented, and works on Otterspool Road are now complete. Remedial work has been undertaken on Dark Lane following drainage problems; A funding allocation has been made from the Mayor’s Walking and Cycling Challenge Fund for improvements on Gillbent Road and Welkin Road.
SEMMMS A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Work is ongoing to develop and deliver a package of mitigation and complementary measures for the A6MARR, with the package of mitigation measures to be implemented prior to the road opening. Priority has been given to a significant package of mitigation measures for High Lane, which are all either complete or under construction. These include:
A new pedestrian crossing of the A6 near the Church, which has been completed; Traffic calming on Andrew Lane, which has been completed; Weight and speed limit changes, which have become operational; Traffic Calming on Windlehurst Road, which is being completed subject to some remedial works required in Quarter 2; Quiet lane measures on Threaphurst Lane and Torkington Lane/Road are under construction - these works have been delayed by utility works in the area;
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Improvements to the A6/Windlehurst Road junction which are operationally complete, with accommodation and landscaping works to be completed in Quarter 2.
Mitigation measures for Gilbent Road, Cheadle have been constructed and will be operational in Quarter 2.
Complementary measures for Hawk Green, Hazel Grove, Bramhall and Heald Green have been developed.
Poynton Relief Road Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures for Moss Lane and Acre Lane Bramhall have been consulted over.
Centre Improvements Centre improvements are proposed for Bramhall and Heald Green, to be delivered in coordination with the A6MARR complementary measures package.
The first phase of a study to identify appropriate improvements to the operation of the highways and public realm in Marple Centre has been completed.
Road Safety Near Schools Forty school sites have been identified for road safety improvement assessments.
Work on the first twenty schools began in late 2017/18 with reviews of signage and lining, footways, paths, crossing points, parking issues, disabled access, lighting, cycle routes and parking.
Recommendations have been made about, but not limited to, new crossing facilities, access points and widening footways. As each school site is different, a solution at one location may not be appropriate for another and consequently a bespoke approach is being taken for each site.
Following consultation and design work, four improvement packages have been completed, and six are due to go to site in the near future. The remaining schools in the first phase of works are either in consultation or in detailed design.
Another sixteen school sites, and four reserve list sites, have been added to the programme for 2018/19. Initial audits are being undertaken, with consultation and design work to follow.
Public Rights of Way A programme of improvements to Public Rights of Way has been agreed, and it is expected that detailed design of these schemes will be undertaken and works programmed during Quarter 2.
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Section 278 Schemes Funding is obtained from developers as part of a planning consent either as a commuted sum under Section 106 of the Planning Act or for defined off-site highway works under Section 278 of the Highways Act. Schemes include: S106 Public Rights of Way improvement schemes for Redrow at Woodford and Bellway on the former Mirlees site are being developed; Construction has been programmed for highway alterations to facilitate development of residential units off Hibbert Lane, Marple; Construction has been programmed for highway alterations to facilitate a residential development by Stockport Homes off Stockport Road East, Bredbury; Construction is in progress for highway alterations to facilitate a development off Brighton Road, Heaton Mersey; Construction has been completed to mitigate traffic impact from the Stockport Sports Village at Hyde Road/Mill Lane; Construction works for the Barnes Hospital redevelopment are almost finished with just surfacing and lining to be completed; Detailed design for the access to Stanley Green Retail Park has been completed with the construction works being completed by the A6MARR Contractor, CMS; Detailed design for alterations to the highway network to facilitate the development of Cheadle & Marple College has been undertaken for construction in Quarter 2; Design of footpaths improvements in the vicinity of the former Mirlees Diesels site in Hazel Grove have progressed; Traffic calming works to Moor Lane, Blossoms Lane, Hall Moss Lane, Church Lane and Jenny Lane in Woodford have begun; Design for associated highway improvement works for development works at Albion Mills, Manchester Road, Heaton Chapel have begun; Alterations to the highway network to mitigate the impact of development on local roads in association with redevelopment of the former BAE site, Woodford by Redrow Homes have been completed; The Council has been commissioned to undertake feasibility design for improvements to the A34 to mitigate the impact of the Garden Village at Handforth.
Studies and Transport Minor Schemes A studies programme for 2018-19 is currently being developed.
Air Quality Grant Stockport is participating in the development of a Greater Manchester approach to resolving the air quality issues identified in the latest government strategy.
Street Lighting Investment Programme (C&H Portfolio) Upgrade of illuminated equipment with LED technology continues with the following projects:-
A6 Town Centre column and lantern changes; Woodley and Offerton Local Centre lantern changes;
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LED lantern retrofit work Borough-wide (phase 1) & associated column adjustments / installs to achieve adequate lighting levels.
Work to replace traffic island bollards on main routes continues.
The re-design work is underway and lantern retrofits are scheduled to begin in October 2018.
Stockport Exchange (Phase 3) Phase 3 of the Stockport Exchange scheme (incorporating Cineworld demolition, Office building and neighbouring public realm) was granted Cabinet Approval on 15/08/17 (E&R13), with a maximum expected cost of £18.226m, which will be funded by Prudential Borrowing.
The demolition of the cinema is almost complete and Phase 3 should start on site in September 2018, with anticipated completion of Spring 2020
The phasing of the programme will be reviewed once the contract has been awarded and the programme of works finalised.
Redrock Stockport Development Scheme The scheme is trading well, with The Gym Group joining the Light Cinema, Pizza Express, Zizzi, and Berretto Lounge, which are already open. Mangobean is now fitting out and should open later in the summer, whilst discussions are to be held with GBK, as the tenant is unwilling to fit out its unit.
Lettings on the casual dining market continue to be challenging, but there is interest in two further units upon which heads of terms have been exchanged.
The remaining allocation in 2018/19 relates to outstanding construction payments and retention monies.
Aurora Stockport (formerly Gorsey Bank) As previously stated there has been an increase in the anticipated cost of the scheme, which has led to further funding of £2.362m being required to fund the scheme. However, due to the successful letting of the scheme to date and improvements in the investment yield, this increase in funding has not affected the viability of the scheme, and its anticipated financial performance is very much in line with prior expectations.
With the scheme completing in 2017/18, the remaining allocation of £0.652m available in 2018/19 will cover outstanding payments and retention.
Markets and Underbanks Market Place and Underbanks is Stockport Town Centre’s unique selling point. The regeneration strategy and capital funding will support the successful redevelopment, promotion, and repurposing of the area to bring in a critical mass of people, uses, and activity as part of our overall approach to the Town Centre.
The phasing of the expenditure is at this time the best estimate and will be regularly updated to reflect the rolling programme of investment opportunities.
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Working in partnership with a wide number of partners, developers, landlords, agents and businesses a comprehensive action plan is in place to co-ordinate the programme and support a range of projects and initiatives. The programme is now well underway with progress on a range of Council-owned sites including:
Former White Lion: o Listed Building and Planning consent secured for conversion of the White Lion to apartments and ground floor A3 use (food and drink); o Legal Agreements are now complete; o Start on site commenced in February 2018; o Completion of apartments expected in April 2019; o Completion of restaurant expected in Summer 2019; 29-35 Little Underbank - acquisitions secured through negotiations; 1-3 Lower Hillgate acquired in November 2017, with discussions ongoing with a third party to clear the site and acquire the completed development; Winters o acquired in January 2018; o discussions ongoing with a prospective tenant seeking to open a fine dining restaurant; 29-35 Little Underbanks, 1-3 Lower Hillgate, 6-16 Lower Hillgate and land on Churchgate to be marketed over the Summer 2018 to secure their redevelopment; Preferred Operator selected and announced for Produce Hall and Blackshaws; Discussions commenced with MMU to secure an active use for the ground floor; Discussions commenced with a bar seeking to let 16a Market Place; Discussions commenced with a bar seeking to let units on Bridge Street Brow.
A complimentary scheme involving the Heritage Lottery Fund is being progressed with the Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 2 application having been submitted in June 2018. The project will involve investing in the built heritage of the area (sensitive repair, reinstatement) alongside public engagement.
Brownfield Site Schemes A range of Brownfield sites are being progressed.
As redevelopment proposals are still being worked up, expenditure on each scheme has been rephased to 2018/19.
Merseyway Redevelopment On 19/12/17, Cabinet approved in principal (and subject to further feasibility works) a first package of works to redevelop Merseyway Shopping Centre, comprising (decision E&R21).
With the scheme being subject to further feasibility works and a changing retail climate, the strategy is continuing to evolve and the £7.000m allocation is likely to be expended across the financial years 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21. Phasing of the programme will be monitored going forward and updated as necessary.
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