Date: May 2019 Version 1.0 Approved by KB 1

ECONOMY AND REGENERATION PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW

Portfolio Summary I am pleased to present my Quarter 4 report to the scrutiny committee. It is also my final report to this committee as I take up a new role leading on Citizen Focus & Engagement.

The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Apprentices Grant for was launched in Quarter 4. This will provide support to SMEs to make it easier for them to take on apprentices. We hope that around 40 local companies will take advantage of this scheme.

Delivering the GM-wide Working Well initiative continues to go well in Stockport, and the report sets out how a number of elements of that work are progressing locally. This quarter, I was particularly pleased to see that the Work and Health element of the programme is beginning to bear fruit, with earnings-related outcomes comparing favourably with the rest of GM. The rate of referrals from Stockport is lower than GM however and we will be working to address this in the coming months.

The Council has worked with a number of employers on schemes aimed at helping local unemployed people back into work. This quarter, for example, the operators of the Produce Hall and Blackshaws in the Market Place ran pre-employment training and recruitment processes that resulted in a number of previously unemployed people being offered jobs, including an 18-year-old man, who had been homeless, who is now working as an apprentice chef.

Also at the Marketplace, new operators have taken on responsibility for operating the Market. It’s really encouraging that the number of visitors to the Market has been increasing throughout the quarter, up 10% on the same time last year, reversing a long-standing decline in numbers.

The report also highlights a number of changes at Merseyway, most significantly perhaps, the plans to redevelop the Centre that are now moving forward. A consultation on the first stage of this redevelopment opened on 20th May – this would see the refurbishment of Adlington Walk, the covered area of the centre that links the main mall to Chestergate and the Old Town.

The creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the Town Centre West area moved a step closer during the quarter when Andy Burnham launched a public consultation on an MDC, which generated an overwhelmingly positive response. The next steps will be to establish the MDC formally and to produce a Strategic Regeneration Framework for the area – we expect to consult the public on that during 2019/20.

Following the unprecedented success of the Strawberry Studios exhibition in 2017/18, and the visitor numbers it generated, we did not expect visitor numbers to be sustained in 2018/19. The fact that they increased by 5% during the year is therefore testament to the varied and interesting programme of events held in our museums throughout the year.

It's been a pleasure to lead this portfolio for the last three years and I’m grateful to the committee for their robust and respectful scrutiny of many highly complex issues so important to progressing Stockport’s rejuvenation.

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I’m proud to have overseen plans to completely remodel our aging bus station in a way that extracts maximum value from investment for the people of Stockport. This ambition and vision significantly contributed to the GM Mayor agreeing to establish his first ever MDC here in Stockport and I’m pleased that other local authorities are now hoping to follow our lead. We should all be proud of that. Our unique and treasured Market Place now faces a bright future where there was once decline, joining the Underbanks area as a new haven for independent business in the town centre’s historic core, and making our town centre an even more attractive place to live, work, and enjoy leisure time.

Many challenges still lie ahead but I’m sure that with the continued success of Redrock, Stockport Exchange and significant improvements to Merseyway, our town centre will be fit for the future, generating revenue to help towards bridging the council’s looming funding gap.

With the Work & Skills Board, we’ve taken a pragmatic, partnership-led approach to the Inclusive Growth agenda setting common priorities to better connect communities to opportunity, and I very much look forward to seeing this early work embed and develop.

Finally, I must pay tribute to the many talented, resourceful and dedicated officers working across this portfolio. Through some very tough times for our workforce, their professionalism and resilience as public servants - more often than not behind the scenes - they have offered nothing but steadfast support to me as portfolio holder as I know they will to my successor.

Cllr Kate Butler, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Regeneration

Revenue Budget (Forecast) Capital Programme

£000 £000 2018/19 Capital Budget 58,450 2019/20 Capital Budget 71,570 Cash Limit 2,780 2020/21 Capital Budget 37,576 Outturn 2,776 (Surplus)/Deficit (4)

Approved use of reserves 1,351 Utilisation of approved use of reserves 148 Balance remaining of approved use of 1,203 reserves

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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 included 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 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that support delivery of these priorities include statutory and locally-defined measures and help monitor performance on the Portfolio’s key priorities.

The measures have been 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 or function’s performance in more detail, 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

1.3 Portfolio Risks

Following the review of Portfolio Performance Reporting processes during Quarter 3, it was agreed that risks would be reported “by exception” for the remainder of 2018/19 and the reporting of risks would be removed from the process from 2019/20 (reporting on risks is already undertaken elsewhere).

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1.4 Updates on delivery of Portfolio Priorities

Priority 1: Inclusive growth

Delivery Updates

Business Growth The project to refurbish and convert the remaining space at the Business Innovation Centre at Broadstone Mill was completed. The Centre is now 95% let on the back of strong interest in the new space. The delay in making more space to let, caused by issues with Carillion, has meant that the expected income forecast was not achieved – more information on this is set out below in the section in risk.

SBIC has a broad remit to support new business growth and help stimulate economic development, so measuring its impact is a key element in monitoring its success. The Council will continue to offer support as part of the package for tenants at SBIC and Merchants House in addition to all businesses engaging with events and workshops held at SBIC.

At the end of March 2019, Stockport Business and Innovation Centre (SBIC) was 95% occupied (20,331 square feet) and Merchants House 90% occupied (1,558 square feet). During the year, SBIC has had a significant impact on the businesses it supports. It supported 79 projects, leading to 15 new jobs created, 26 businesses experiencing increased turnover, 21 involved in selling new products/services and 19 entering new markets.

Digital Skills The Council is working with Manchester Digital to deliver a "Digital Her" event in . This aims to inspire up to 120 young female students from Stockport schools to consider future careers in the digital and technology sectors. Several local employer (e.g. Music Magpie, CDL and Thales) and sponsors (such as Sainsbury’s, GCHQ, and MSP) will be taking part.

GMS Priorities • Good jobs, with opportunities to progress and develop. • A thriving and productive economy in all parts of .

Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress

Good 2017/18 2018/19 Status PI Code PI Name perform- Q4 Actual Actual Target ance Actual Partnership Measures % occupied managed workspace and incubator floor space actively E&R1.4 High 83.0% 92.0% 94.0% 91.0% managed for start-up/micro- businesses Average occupancy in Quarter 4 increased to 92% across the quarter as the new units at SBIC were filled. By the end of March 2019, occupancy was at its highest ever (94%). There will be some fluctuation in the coming months due to the movement of tenants on short-term licences, but as demand for units remains high, occupancy is likely to remain above 90%.

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Good 2017/18 2018/19 Status PI Code PI Name perform- Q4 Actual Actual Target ance Actual % of occupied retail, commercial E&R1.6 and business premises within the High 90.9% 93.2% 93.2% - - Borough's district centres.

These figures were previously collected via regular surveys undertaken by the Council. As the Council no longer has the capacity to undertake these surveys, this data was not available in 2018/19. Recently however, the Council subscribed to the service provided by the Local Data Company (LDC). This includes figures on occupancy rates in Stockport Town Centre as well as the District Centres. LDC provides these figures twice a year (in April and October). Occupancy data is based on ground floor units within each defined District Centre. Though the survey methodologies used by the Council and LDC are broadly consistent, data is not identical and comparisons involving data from these two different sources is therefore inappropriate. Targets and RAG ratings have therefore been removed from 2018/19 reports.

Another significant difference between the data sources is that the LDC data excludes Reddish (which was included in the Council survey). The individual occupancy rates for the other seven district centres are: Bramhall – 88.2%; Cheadle – 94.9%; Cheadle Hulme – 88.5%; Edgeley – 100.0%; Hazel Grove – 92.8%; Marple – 92.8%; Romiley – 94.6%.

This Quarter 4 figure will be used as the baseline in the 2019/20 Portfolio Agreement, and it will be used to set an appropriate target. Updated figures will be monitored via the Performance Reports in Quarter 2 and 4, which are published shortly after the LDC data is made available

Square feet of office, retail and E&R1.7 industrial space let or sold to new High 1,034,994 595,853 800,000 occupiers. A total of 595,853 square feet of space was let or sold to new occupiers during 2018/19. Investment appears to have slowed slightly during the year. The number of available, quality units (particularly office and industrial) has also reduced however. Significant lettings in the final quarter included The Range (44,000 square feet at the Peel Centre), Creative Apparel secured new premises on Newby Road Industrial estate, Hazel Grove and Clearance King secured 13,000 square feet of new premises on Heaton Mersey Industrial Estate. Number of FTE jobs created in 1,155 E&R1.8 relation to floor space let or sold to High 2,060 (cumul 1,155 1,500 new occupiers. ative) Job numbers are estimated based on the square feet of space let or sold to new occupiers. As predicted in Quarter 3, numbers of jobs created because of investment did not reach the full year forecast. Contextual Measures

Net number of business start-ups – 490 Aim to E&R 1.9 i.e. business “births” minus High - -145 (2016) maximise “deaths”.

As reported in Quarter 3, data for this measure is obtained annually from a survey undertaken by ONS. The survey indicates more business "deaths" than "births" in Stockport during 2017. However, the total number of registered businesses in Stockport in 2017 was reported as increasing by 100 to 13,250. ONS information also however reports changes in data with respect to 2015 and 2016, reporting the net figures for these years as 300 and 490 respectively.

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Good 2017/18 2018/19 Status PI Code PI Name perform- Q4 Actual Actual Target ance Actual

Business start-up survival rates 61.4% 61.5% Aim to E&R 1.10 High - after 3 years (%). (2016) (2017) maximise

As reported in Quarter 3, data for this measure is obtained annually from a survey undertaken by ONS. The survey shows that 61.5% of businesses that started in 2014 were still trading three years later.

Risk Description (and potential Update on Controls impact on outcome)

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) will be the replacement for ESF. Loss or reduction in Government intends to consult on SPF, but details on that consultation funding via EU (e.g. have yet to emerge. EU funding will either end following a transition European Social period (yet to be determined) or immediately (if the UK leaves the EU Fund (ESF) due to with no deal). More detail on SPF is set out below in the section on impending Brexit. National and Regional Policy Drivers.

During 2018/19, Merchants House performed better than budget, achieving a profit of £15,286 against a budgeted profit of £13,813.

SBIC lost projected income from the new units between August and December 2018 however, due to the delay in delivering the new units. Managed workspaces The delay occurred because of Carillion's collapse in early 2018 and and business handover of project management responsibilities. The new units were incubator facilities are delivered six months behind schedule, but were fully let within three financially weeks of completion. The centre, however, ended the year with losses unsustainable. of £56,321 against a forecast loss of £24,691 (£31,630 behind budget). Across the two centres, losses totalled £41,035 against a budgeted loss of £10,878.

Projections for SBIC and Merchants House combined forecast an overall profit of £21,900 will be generated in 2019/20.

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Priority 2: Tackling youth unemployment

Delivery Updates

Work with employers The Council brokered a relationship between the Produce Hall & Blackshaws operators and Stockport Homes to deliver pre-employment training for local unemployed people, three of whom were employed within the six positions available at Blackshaws (including an 18 year old who was homeless and is now doing a chef apprenticeship). For the Produce Hall:

• 60 people attended an open day about the employment opportunities. • 23 people attended the pre-employment training programme. • 20 people progressed to interviews. • 12 people were successful at interview, with half of the vacancies going to people who came through the pre-employment support scheme. • 2 of the successful applicants from the pre-employment scheme are in temporary accommodation and one is an armed forces veteran.

Good progress was also made against the benchmark outcomes on the employment and skills agreements for the LSH Mercedes development, Stockport Exchange Phase 3 and Elisabeth Mill. A proposed employment and skills agreement has also been provided to TfGM to support the procurement process for the Transport Interchange. Advice on an employment and skills agreement has also been provided to Stockport's Project Lead for the GM Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) development.

Apprenticeships The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Apprenticeships Grant for Stockport was launched during the quarter. This will provide grants of £3,000 for around 40 SME employers over the next year to support them taking on apprentices if they have not done so in the previous two years.

Stockport Steps to Work Work continued during Quarter 4 to develop the “Stockport Steps to Work” approach. This will support individuals who are Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET), particularly young people who are, or have been “Looked After” and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Support will be enabled through the provision of financial assistance for employers and “wraparound” support for the individuals and employers. This initiative will enhance, and integrate with, existing support for the NEET Group.

Working Well Delivery of the GM Working Well programmes continues to go well in Stockport. The Work & Health Programme is the main DWP funded employment support programme for long-term unemployed people, particularly those with a health condition. InWork GM delivers the programme and to date it has supported 176 people in Stockport, 35 of whom have since started employment.

The Early Help programme began in March 2019. Its focus is on supporting people who have been off work sick for at least 2 weeks to help them to return to work. People who have been unemployed for less than 6 months, and who have a health condition or disability, are also eligible. Maximus Healthworks will deliver the programme and we expect around 1,300 referrals from Stockport by early 2022.

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The Working Well Specialist Employment Service is currently in the design phase of its commissioning within GM. This will support people with learning disabilities, autism and severe mental health conditions to access supported employment placements. Officers from both Adult Social Care (as lead) and Economy, Work & Skills have been involved in supporting this.

Further information on the Working Well programmes is set out below in the table relating to KPIs E&R2.3 and E&R2.4.

Jobs Fair 2019 The date for the Stockport Jobs Fair 2019 date has been confirmed. As usual, it will take place in September. A “Working Disability Confident” event for employers will take place in July 2019.

Social Value in Procurement The Social Value review of Council procurement concluded. It has generated a series of recommendations that the Council will discuss with STAR Procurement. STAR will use the Social Value Portal to help track and report on social value outcomes.

GMS Priorities • Good jobs, with opportunities to progress and develop. • Young people equipped for life.

Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress

Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q4 Status Actual Actual Target ance Actual Council Measures Numbers of new clients supported E&R2.1 High 70 97 97 70 by Council-run Work Clubs. Thirty new clients started using the three permanent Council managed Work Clubs during Quarter 4, bringing the cumulative total for the year to 97 new clients. The Council is also continuing to provide Officer support to run the Bredbury Work Club hosted by Moss Care Housing. Jobs Fair: (a) Number of employers (a) 40 (a) 40 (a) 40 E&R2.2 High - attending. (b) 720 (b) 500 (b) 600 (b) Number of attendees.

This year's Jobs Fair took place on September 25th. The target number of employers was met, with all stands occupied on the day, and 500 jobseekers attended, which was a little lower than last year – this was expected however, given the high profile recruitment relating to Redrock the previous year and fewer jobseeker claimants. Overall, employers and jobseekers both provided very positive feedback about the event in terms of the opportunities (from the jobseeker perspective) and the quality of jobseekers (from the employer perspective). Comments on the event will also help to shape future Jobs Fairs. Follow-up activity will take place to gauge the numbers of vacancies filled through attending the Fair.

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Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q4 Status Actual Actual Target ance Actual Working Well (Work & Health Programme) – % of forecasted E&R2.3 High N/A 99.0%* 99.0%* 100% work-related outcomes in Stockport to date achieved

Whilst the actual levels of work earnings outcomes is down on the initial forecast based on the expected flows onto the programme, this is due to the much lower than expected referrals to the Work & Health Programme across the country.

* Due to changes in DWP and hence GMCA reporting, to reflect the lower referrals, the earnings outcomes from Quarter 4 2018/19 onwards are now being measured against the forecast outcomes relating to actual starts on the programme. The figure has therefore changed significantly in Stockport during Quarter 4, to 99%. The comparable figure for GM is 87%.

Twenty first earnings outcomes, and 14 higher earnings outcomes, have now been achieved in Stockport and the Borough has the 3rd highest proportion of participants achieving a first earnings outcome in GM (and the 4th highest job start rate - 48 job starts). Stockport has had 249 starts on the programme. This is from 328 referrals against an original forecast of 620, which at 56% is the lowest proportion of actual referrals against forecast in GM. Recent referral and start numbers have though seen an improvement, following the local lead and the provider holding a group session with Jobcentre Plus (JCP) Work Coaches working with Universal Credit claimants, to reiterate and stress the importance of the programme and the need to refer customers who would benefit from the opportunity.

Partnership Measures Number of GP Practices engaged E&R2.4 High N/A 6 6 4 in Working Well Early Help The programme started in March, with the first programme referral made in Stockport. Six of the seven GP Practices in the Stockport pilot area have actively engaged. A drop-in event has also been arranged for small businesses based at SBIC to find out more. A local induction session for key services in Stockport took place in January 2019 before the programme went live. Stockport GPs made eight referrals in March against a target of two. Number of customers supported by E&R2.5 Troubled Families Employment High 14 36 36 15 Advisers starting employment A further 13 people have been supported into employment during Quarter 4, bringing the final total for the year to 36. There were also a number of referrals this quarter to the Work Clubs, skills courses, Smart Works, ARC1, mental health support services and to volunteering opportunities. Contextual Measures % of unemployed 18-24 year olds Aim to E&R2.6 Low 3.3% 3.5% 3.5% in the Borough. minimise The year-end figure for Stockport is 3.5% (680 people). This compares to 4.6% for the North West and 3.6% nationally. All areas are therefore showing an upward trend. This is likely to relate to the roll out of Universal Credit, which requires a greater range of people to look for work. This impact is particularly noticeable for the rate in Stockport, as the Universal Credit full service started in November 2018. Its impact is reflected in the claimant count for Quarter 4, and is likely to continue to rise in 2019/20.

1 Arts for Recovery in the Community – a creative arts organisation based in Stockport that specialises in public workshops, events, wellbeing and community development.

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Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q4 Status Actual Actual Target ance Actual Aim to E&R2.7 % unemployed overall (18-64). Low 3.9% 2.2% 2.2% minimise The year-end figure for Stockport is 2.2% (3,945 people). This compares to 3.3% for the North West and 2.7% nationally. All areas are therefore showing an upward trend. Again, this is likely to relate to the roll out of Universal Credit. Number of Stockport residents Not Not E&R2.8 High 2,550 2,600 starting Apprenticeships Available Available Figures relating to 2017/18 were published in December 2018. In Stockport, there were 2,550 new starts during the year, a decrease of 8.6% compared to 2016/17. Given anticipated national trends, a decrease was expected, however the Stockport decrease was much lower than the 24% drop seen nationally.

Recent or imminent developments are expected to stabilise levels of apprenticeship starts. These include more flexibility in use of the Apprenticeship Levy to encourage SME starts, a wage incentive scheme in GM and greater promotion of apprenticeships among employers, young people, parents & schools. A small target increase (2%) has therefore been set for 2018/19 and the outturn for the year is due for publication in December 2019.

A grants scheme for SMEs to encourage Apprenticeship recruitment was launched across GM. The Council manages this in Stockport.

Risk Description (and potential Update on Controls impact on outcome) Government and GM employment programmes do not effectively See commentary on E&R2.3 (Working Well - Work & reach those in most need of support Health Programme) above. (e.g. people in priority neighbourhoods).

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Priority 3 - Cultural Improvement Plan

Delivery Update

Stockport Cultural Network The Stockport Cultural Network has continued to attract new members and sustain good attendance from a diverse range of groups, including performing arts, visual arts and writing groups. The network has developed a vision and is now engaged in developing values for the network that will inform development of an action plan for collaborative projects.

Development work continues with the Arts Council on ideas that the network has identified, including the legacy of the Strawberry Studios exhibition.

Museums As reported below, the service exceeded its annual visitor target of 130,000 visitors, with total annual visitor numbers of 138,413. Combined income from admissions, retail and events was £41,227. Despite increases in income from school bookings and from alternative uses, income from general admissions and retail (except for ) have been lower than anticipated.

Combined income from admissions, retail and events was £48,627, a decrease of around £5,000. School visit income rose by £5,700 to £52,200. February half-term visitor numbers were strong at paying sites. However, ongoing structural investigation works have continued to impact on visitor numbers and income at during the quarter.

The service has generated significant income through hosting alternative events. The is becoming known as a venue for live bands - a Frank Turner gig in January generated £2,100 in ticket sales. Hat Works also welcomed the Manchester Print Fair in February, attracting 1,135 visitors in one day and generating healthy shop sales. Evening Ghost Tours at the Air Raid Shelters also attracted income of £1,665 in Quarter 4.

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- Q4 Status Actual Actual Target ance Actual Council Measures Number of visits to Stockport E&R3.1 High 131,379 34,364 138,413 130,000 museums. Quarter 4 is historically the quietest quarter due to the cold weather, reduced opening hours in winter at some sites and fewer events taking place. Combined visitor numbers for the service were 34,364 (a reduction of 2,376 visitors compared with the same period last year). The annual target number of visitors across the sites however was exceeded.

Risk Description (and potential Update on Controls impact on outcome) Provision of services from third Contract management continues with external providers parties does not fulfil expectations. (Life Leisure and Market Place Management)

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Priority 4 - Stockport Town Centre regeneration

Delivery Update

Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) The GM Mayor launched a public consultation on creating an MDC for Stockport's Town Centre West in January. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the GM Mayor has now asked the Secretary of State to take the formal steps to create the MDC by Parliamentary Order. Production of a Strategic Regeneration Framework for the Town Centre West area progressed in Quarter 4, with public consultation due in Quarter 1 of 2019/20.

Stockport Exchange During Quarter 4, the Council made significant progress on a first pre-let of Stockport Exchange Phase Three (approximately 20,000 square feet) to a major international blue chip firm. Legal documentation is under preparation and it is expected that Council will be able to announce the deal early in Quarter 1 2019/20.

The construction work at Stockport Exchange progressed at pace during the quarter with the structural steelworks and deck flooring now in place. Construction is progressing in line with the overall programme and budget. The Council procured a contractor for the temporary car park during Quarter 4 and construction work started on site.

Aurora There was significant progress in Quarter 4 with letting the remaining vacant units at Aurora. Two deals are currently being finalised, with a view to announcements in Quarter 1 2019/20.

Merseyway Plans to redevelop Merseyway Shopping Centre are moving forward and a public consultation opened on 20th May about the first stage of the centre’s redevelopment - the refurbishment of Adlington Walk. The consultation is open until 16th June.

Work to acquire the former BHS site, subject to pre-lets with retail occupiers, progressed well during Quarter 4 culminating in a Cabinet decision to proceed in April. At the same time, redevelopment proposals for the former M&S store have progressed with the Council working to facilitate redevelopment by a private developer.

In line with the strategy of diversifying the centre and increasing its attractiveness to families, feasibility and viability work is underway with a family-friendly leisure user for the upper floor of the Next unit and the vacant former Metro Gym unit. In addition, letting of the rear ground floor of the former Next unit to X-Gen Virtual Reality is now secured and they are expected to open in Quarter 1 2019/20. Lease renewals were also secured during Quarter 4 with high-profile tenants including EE, TUI, Thorntons and WH Smith.

Redrock A planning application was submitted in Quarter 4 to change the use of Unit 7 from retail to leisure in support of The Light Cinema creating two new screens in the vacant unit. Legal negotiations for the letting are progressing well.

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Interchange Planning consent, along with TfGM and GMCA approvals, were granted for the Interchange scheme in Quarter 4 that has allowed the procurement of a main construction contractor and investment partners to proceed. Design work on the temporary bus facility at Heaton Lane car park has begun with construction work expected to start in Quarter 3 2019/20.

Market Place & Underbanks The Produce Hall opened during Quarter 4 and has already established itself as a food and beverage destination that significantly enhances the Market Place offer.

A development partner has now been procured for four key properties in the area (29-35 Little Underbanks, 1-3 Lower Hillgate, Russell Morley House, 6-16 Lower Hillgate) and legal agreements were progressed during Quarter 4, which has enabled redevelopment works to begin. This work will lead to the provision of 50 new homes.

During Quarter 4, the Council and Trafford Housing Trust progressed the marketing of the ground floor of The White Lion to potential food and beverage operators with a view to letting the unit towards the end of 2019. Construction work on The White Lion site progressed in Quarter 4 with completion anticipated in June 2019.

Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) works to the terrace on the west side of the Market Place progressed well in Quarter 4. This will provide access for people with disabilities and create a more appropriate area for tables and chairs along the terrace. New electricity points are incorporated into the design to assist the Markets team with delivering outdoor events.

Market The new market operator, Market Place Management have now taken responsibility for the operation of the Market. They are working to develop a new specialist and themed outdoor market offer, building on the success of the Makers Market and Foodie Friday.

GMS Priorities • Good jobs, with opportunities to progress and develop. • A thriving and productive economy in all parts of Greater Manchester. • A green city region and a high quality culture and leisure offer for all. • World-class connectivity that keeps Greater Manchester moving.

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Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress

Good 2017/18 2018/19 PI Code PI Name perform- Q4 Status Actual Actual Target ance Actual Council Measures % of occupied retail, commercial and E&R4.1 business premises within the High 91.0% 93.0% 92.0% 91.0% Merseyway Shopping Centre. The occupancy rate at Merseyway has remained constant from Quarter 3 to Quarter 4 with the majority of activity in the quarter focusing on securing new leases with existing occupiers and regearing existing leases. Twenty-five deals covering 23% of the centre's units either have been completed or have progressed to legals, including forthcoming lettings of the former Granger Games and Metro Gym units.

The retail sector remains challenging and a number of recent announcements - including the impending closure of Topman and Topshop - will also will have an impact on the occupancy rate in Quarter 1 2019/ 20. Christy and Mothercare have both vacated their units in the centre but these remain under lease. HMV however, despite its well-publicised challenges, have agreed a new lease. Partnership Measures Footfall in Market Area: Change from High Previous Year in Footfall (quarterly E&R4.2 (and -3.0% 10.0% 2.8% 5.0% figure will reflect change compared to positive) the equivalent Quarter in 2017/18). Footfall to the Market Area increased by 10% on the same period last year (319,346 people movements past counters in comparison to 290,279 such movements last year). Levels of footfall increased consistently across January, February and March, as well as on market days. As with Quarter 3, increases chiefly related to the regular market with a more modest 3% increase to Foodie Friday. This suggests that the improved food & beverage offer in the Market Place is bringing new audiences into the Covered Market Hall and reversing the long-term decline in footfall to the area. % of occupied retail, commercial and E&R4.3 business premises in Stockport Town High 77.0% 73.3% 73.3% 80.0% - Centre. Number of independent businesses in E&R4.4 High 325 291 291 330 - Stockport Town Centre. As stated in Quarter 3, data is now supplied by the Local Data Company. Though the methodologies used by the Council and LDC for undertaking the surveys are broadly consistent, data is not equivalent and comparisons involving data from these two different sources is not appropriate. Targets and RAG ratings have therefore been removed from 2018/19 reports. Further work will be undertaken to fully understand and cleanse the data and to ensure baselines are set for 2018/19 and that they enable consistently reliable and valid quarterly comparisons from 2019/20 onwards. Square feet of office, retail and 126,916 E&R4.5 industrial space let or sold to new High 182,776 (cumula 126,916 100,000 occupiers in Stockport Town Centre. tive) Town centre lettings during Jan - March 19 included the 44,000 square foot former Toys R Us premises at the Peel Centre, which The Range will occupy late in 2019, and the former Da Vinci's bar/restaurant on St Petersgate by new restaurant, Se7en.

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Priority 5: Transport priorities to 2040

Delivery Update The Council's strategic priorities for transport (as set out in draft SEMMM Strategy Refresh) continue to be progressed, including through such activities as the delivery of Stockport Interchange (which recently received planning permission) and continued work to deliver Phase 2 of TCAP. The strategic priorities identified in the draft SEMMMS Refresh document are incorporated in the GM Draft Transport Delivery Plan.

GMS Priorities • World-class connectivity that keeps Greater Manchester moving.

Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress

Good 2015 2016 PI Code PI Name Status performance Actual Actual Target Partnership Measures CO2 emissions (metric tonnes per Aim to E&R5.1 capita) within the scope of influence of Low 4.1 3.8 minimise local authorities. This is reported annually, and two years retrospectively. The latest data was released in late 2018 and relates to 2016. Stockport’s figure of 3.8 in 2016 compares with 4.2 for other English metropolitan boroughs, 4.7 in the North West and 4.6 in England. Data for 2017 will be available in late 2019.

Risk Description (and potential impact on Update on Controls outcome) Failure to integrate Stockport’s transport priorities The draft GM Transport delivery plan was (as identified through SEMMMS Refresh) into published at the same time as the latest policymaking at the GM level, resulting in a failure draft of the GMSF and contains the to secure funding and necessary commitment to priorities identified in the SEMMMS deliver the priorities. Refresh document.

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National and Regional Policy Drivers

GM White Paper The GM White Paper on Unified Public Services describes a service model that responds to the “people focused” recommendations of GM’s Independent Prosperity Review (IPR) and the GM Local Industrial Strategy (LIS – see below), in particular those relating to inclusive growth, the spatial framework and transport development. It will be a key vehicle for delivering priorities in the GM Strategy (GMS). It will sit alongside, and connect with, the GM Health Prospectus (see below), the LIS and the IPR’s recommendations and will inform the 2019 spending review. The principles that underpin the model of service provision it sets out are:

• Individual public service organisations in GM are responsible for leading the delivery of improved outcomes for people in their area. • Implementation of the GM Model of Unified Public Services does not require transfer of statutory responsibilities from public bodies up to the GMCA. • Individual public service organisations in GM should consider themselves accountable locally for the implementation of the GM Model of Unified Public Services. • There is collective responsibility for the implementation of model across GM. • Role of the GMCA family is to provide tools and horizontal support to facilitate implementation.

Significant engagement has already taken place throughout the development of the White Paper. Further consultation however will take place with all localities, key stakeholders and appropriate scrutiny groups up to 21st June 2019, with a view to final sign-off through the GMCA in July 2019. The 2019/20 Portfolio Performance Reports will provide updates on progress with developing, adopting and implementing the White Paper.

Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) At an event on 7th January 2019, Mayor Andy Burnham and the Leaders of GM councils presented the revised draft of the GMSF. It is radically different from the original draft in that it places far more emphasis on use of brownfield sites, prioritising redevelopment of town centres and other sustainable locations. This revision proposes a net loss of green belt which is less than half that proposed in the original draft. The plan has a minimum target of 50,000 additional affordable homes, 30,000 of which will be social housing, over the next 20 years. The draft includes a summary of proposed developments in each of the GM districts. Stockport has eight allocations, providing land for 3,700 homes and 90,000 square metres of industrial and warehouse floor space. These are:

• Bredbury Park Industrial Estate expansion. • Former Offerton High School. • Gravel Bank Road / Unity Mill. • Heald Green. • High Lane. • Hyde Bank Meadows / Oak Wood Hall. • Griffin Farm, Stanley Green. • Woodford Aerodrome.

Consultation on the latest draft of the GMSF closed on 18th March 2019. Responses are currently being reviewed, after which a further draft plan will be produced for consultation in the autumn of 2019. This will be subject to approval by GMCA and all 10 GM Councils. GMCA expects to submit the final GMSF for examination in early 2020 and adopt the plan in late 2020 or early 2021.

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GM Clean Air Plan - Tackling Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside An Outline Business Case (OBC) was submitted to Government on 31 March 2019 and it is expected to respond in May 2019. All 10 GM districts are affected - predictions suggest that there will be 250 “points of exceedance” across 152 road links. The Strategic Road Network is not covered in the OBC however, as Highways England is responsible for reducing NO2 concentrations on that network. This is a particular issue for Stockport as the M60 is close to Stockport Town Centre. Continued engagement with Highways England prior to submission of the Full Business Case is therefore necessary.

A six-week “public conversation” will take place between early May and mid-June to help further inform the work. This will supplement the more targeted stakeholder engagement with affected businesses. Further deliberations took place during March and April. These engagement exercises will inform the further development and detailed design of the measures identified in the OBC, to refine the proposals that will comprise the Full Business Case to be submitted to Government in late 2019.

A statutory consultation relating to the proposed introduction of a charging Clean Air Zone is proposed to run between August and October 2019.

Opportunity Pass The Opportunity Pass scheme aims to reverse an ongoing decline in bus use by young people. Removing barriers to travel for young people will help them to access education, employment, leisure and social activities, which will support the future prosperity of GM. It also sets out the link between Andy Burnham’s key manifesto pledge to provide free bus travel to young people (16-18 year olds) in GM. GMCA is currently consulting a range of stakeholders regarding the opportunities and experiences associated with the Pass and GMCA will consider a report on the scheme in June 2019. The current proposal is to pilot the initiative during the 2019/2020 and 2020/21 academic years. Stockport Council welcomes the proposals, but has asked for clarification on how the initiative would work with journeys that cross the GM border (e.g. into Derbyshire or Cheshire East). The Council has also emphasised that promotion of the scheme should start well in advance of the launch to ensure young people have sufficient time to obtain a pass before the academic year starts.

GM Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) As reported in previous quarterly reports, work has been undertaken across GM to develop an LIS that responds to the national Industrial Strategy White Paper published in November 2017. The emerging LIS aims to build on opportunities relating to: health innovation; advanced materials & manufacturing; digital & creative media; clean growth.

The LIS will also support the “foundations of productivity”, which it identifies as: people, infrastructure, ideas, business environment and place.

Negotiations with government on the LIS are at an advanced stage and it is expected that the strategy will be launched in summer 2019.

Stockport Council has been involved in the development of the LIS and promoted the consultation on it to local businesses and partners to seek their engagement. In addition, the Council has aligned its approaches to Inclusive Growth and the wider work and skills agenda in Stockport to the GM LIS.

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Five-Year Environment Plan The Five-Year Environment Plan was presented to the Green Summit on 25th March 2019. It is intended as a high-level document, with further detail provided in related thematic reports, developed through workshops with local and national experts. The Natural Capital Investment Plan has already been released and further thematic reports on Building Retrofit, Smart Energy and Sustainable Consumption & Production will follow in the coming months.

Stockport Council will be working to put the right resources in place within the Council to support this work and will establish a task and finish group to ensure the Council plays its part in achieving carbon neutrality across GM by 2038. An officer at director level officer will have overall responsibility for work to reduce carbon emissions resulting from the Council’s activities. The Council will equip all staff, particularly those involved with buildings, energy and transport management and procurement, with an awareness of the CO2 costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions.

GM HM Treasury Skills Pilots This programme is designed to address digital skills gap across the GM and Lancashire areas. It responds to the challenges set out in the LIS (see above) in exploring new models of skills development and delivery to meet employer need. Three pilot projects within the programme are planned and activity for each of these is currently under development. The Council will ensure that Stockport businesses and residents are well positioned to access the benefits of this funding and activity. The three pilots relate to:

• Digital skills. • Self-employment. • Future Workforce Fund.

GM Careers Application Platform The aim of the Platform is to create a single digital space that helps GM’s young people to make appropriate and informed decisions about their future careers in a way that makes it simple for them and their parents/families to choose between, and apply for, an academic or technical pathway. It will also provide access to other opportunities such as work shadowing. A project team is currently seeking an appropriate provider and following procurement, a phased rollout is expected to take place over the 2019/20 and 2020/21 academic years.

In Stockport, the Work and Skills Commission has identified that improving careers information, advice and guidance for young people is a priority for addressing some of the work and skills issues that are present. The Platform will support improved access for young people interested in vocational pathways as well as supporting employers and businesses to get involved in shaping and influencing skills training provision and delivery.

GM Full Fibre Programme GM has expressed an ambition to be a leading digital city and has secured funding to enhance fibre coverage across GM. This programme will see over 1,300 public sector premises across GM connected with full fibre, including around 600 Local Authority sites. A procurement exercise to identify a provider to deliver the programme started in March 2019.

TfGM and local authorities are currently working together to develop common processes and criteria relating to utilities infrastructure delivery. This has the potential to reduce the cost of fibre roll-out significantly and should be in place by July 2019.

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Good Employer Charter A range of stakeholders, including employers from all sectors, employees, local authorities and other experts are currently working together to develop a GM Good Employment Charter. It will help to deliver GMS priorities relating to “good jobs with opportunities for people to progress and develop” and “a thriving and productive economy in all parts of GM”. The Charter will engage a wide range of businesses, public service providers and voluntary and community sector organisations, encouraging them to work towards higher employment standards and thereby improving productivity and service quality. The intention is to establish a GM Charter Unit working with The Growth Company to liaise with employers and link them to required support, involving employers, employees and others in the process of designing the Charter and in its ongoing governance.

Working Well (Specialist Employment Support) On March 1st 2019, GMCA approved procurement of the Working Well: Specialist Employment Service for people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with severe mental illness. This service sits within the Care and Support strand of the Working Well system. The timetable for the process is subject to final confirmation, but provisionally, contract start and service mobilisation is scheduled for September to December 2019.

Stakeholders in Stockport are developing local arrangements to improve the identification, engagement and support offered to unemployed people in the target group. Those local arrangements will support and enhance the GM scheme. Under Inclusive Growth, the scheme will provide an opportunity to integrate the offer into education and support for local employers to encourage them to employ people who often face more significant barriers to entering work than the general population.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) The SPF will replace the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). These funds will stop after the UK has left the EU, either following a transition period (to be determined), or immediately, if the UK leaves with no deal.

Government intends that administration of the SPF should be simpler than for EU funds, and that the emerging Local Industrial Strategies should be a key mechanism for identifying and prioritising funding needs. A number of organisations have commented on the possible design of SPF and these indicate a degree of consensus on the following:

• SPF allocation should largely be based on need. • Councils and their partners should be closely involved. • Funding should be maintained at its current level at least.

Formal consultation on the SPF had been expected to take place during 2018, but details of this consultation are still awaited. The House of Commons Library however published an SPF Briefing Paper on 8th May 2019.

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2. ECONOMY & REGENERATION PORTFOLIO FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MONITORING

2.1 Revenue – Cash limit

Previously Increase Reported (Reduction) Revised (PPRR) £000’s £000’s £000’s Cash Limit 2,668 112 2,780

2.1.1 The Portfolio cash limit has increased by £0.112m. This is due to Corporate Redundancy budgetary support.

The Economy & Regeneration Portfolio has achieved a slight surplus of £0.004m, which is 0.15% of the budget. There was a pressure in the portfolio in relation to Market income generation; this has been offset by surpluses in other areas of the portfolio.

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 Reserve / Balance of Reserves / Approved Reserve / Reserve “Approved Reserve Narration To be used for Use Balance “Approved Category Use” at Q3 Use” 2018/19 £000 £000 £000 Directorate Reserves Directorate Directorate Town Centre Flexibility Reserve - 69 39 30 Reserve Living Place Directorate F&B Sector Directorate Flexibility Reserve - Development 23 23 0 Reserve Place Support Corporate Reserves Legislative and Development of Corporate Statutory a new Local 228 228 Reserves Requirements Plan approved Reserve by the Executive

Reserve Transformation - Markets Linked to Invest to Save 53 53 Consultation Budget Reserve

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Reserve Transformation - Regeneration Linked to Invest to Save 26 26 0 Projects Budget Reserve

Reserve Transformation - Linked to Invest to Save HLF Bramall Hall 163 163 Budget Reserve

Strategic Capital Programme Walking & Priority 18 18 0 Investment Reserve Cycling Projects Reserve

Strategic Stockport Place Capital Programme Priority Marketing and 75 16 59 Investment Reserve Reserve Communications

Strategic Interchange and Capital Programme Priority College 299 -119 418 Investment Reserve Reserve Feasibility

Strategic Stockport Capital Programme Priority Exchange Phase 97 97 0 Investment Reserve Reserve 3 Budget Demand Changes Resilience 300 48 252 Reserve Reserve TOTAL 1,351 148 1,203

2.3 Portfolio Savings Programme The Council’s savings programme was agreed by Council as part of the 2018/19 Budget. The Portfolio contributed £0.010m to the Council’s savings for 2018/19.

The portfolio savings within the Council’s overall approved programme are detailed in the table below with a risk assessment on progress to date and a progress commentary.

2018/19 Project Progress at Q3 £m Risk Rating Building Control Fees & Charges 0.010 Green 2018/19 Savings 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 22

2.4 Capital Programme

The table below highlights the key schemes in the programme: *Expenditure as at 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 31 Mar 2019 Scheme Programme Programme Programme £000 £000 £000 £000 Highways Capital Asset Maintenance 557 Street Lighting 557 525 510 11,669 Highways Investment Programme 11,669 12,522 12,551 303 Highways Drainage 303 617 325 981 Pot Hole Programme 981 58 0 1,011 Highways Structures 1,011 638 738 493 Town Centre Structures A6 Viaduct 493 9 0 564 Town Centre Structures Merseyway 564 4,026 150 486 Flood Risk Management 486 332 225 Flood Damage Infrastructure 79 79 50 0 Programme

Asset Development & Improvement

Schemes 13,028 SEMMMS Relief Road 13,028 7,844 3,287 15,745 Town Centre Access Plan 15,745 8,325 2,306 1,691 Interchange Bridge 1,691 747 308 875 Roscoe Roundabout 875 2,996 0 Mayoral Walking & Cycling Challenge 96 96 3,215 8,951 Fund LTP and SEMMMS Integrated 2,605 2,605 1,630 30 Transport 181 District Centres 181 419 250 102 Road Safety Near Schools 102 370 100 6 Road Safety 6 142 50 14 PROW 14 202 100

Planning-related Schemes 1,542 Section 278 and Section 106 schemes 1,542 2,000 2,000

Other Highway Programmes 169 Studies and Transport Minor Schemes 169 236 30 5 Air Quality Grant 5 96 0 288 Car Parking 288 0 0 52,490 Highways sub-total 52,490 46,999 31,911

Non-highways 3,595 Stockport Exchange (Phase 3) 3,595 13,659 665 529 Redrock Development Scheme 529 3,405 0 Aurora Stockport (formerly Gorsey (33) (33) 652 0 Bank) 1,028 Markets and Underbanks 1,028 2,068 2,000 14 Brownfield Site Schemes 14 1,002 0 201 Merseyway Redevelopment 201 3,799 3,000

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626 Daw Bank - Stagecoach Building 626 0 0 5 Other 6 0 0 5,965 Non-highways sub-total 5,966 24,585 5,665

58,455 TOTAL 58,456 71,584 37,576

* Relates to expenditure on SAP and accruals for goods received or work performed up to the period end.

2.4.1 Capital Finance Update and Outlook

Resources 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 £000 £000 £000

Capital Grants 38,721 30,154 17,943 Directly Funded Borrowing 5,952 23,552 5,665 Unsupported Borrowing 11,164 12,991 11,968 Capital Receipts 0 1,033 0 External Contributions 151 8 0 Commuted Sums 1,570 2,000 2,000 Revenue Contributions (RCCO) 898 1,846 0

TOTAL 58,456 71,584 37,576

2.4.2 Capital Programme Amendments Scheme Funding Reason 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Source £000 £000 £000 Street Lighting (25) (35) (50) Grant Re-profiling of LTP funding Highways Investment (21) 40 0 Grant/ USB Re-phasing and Programme additional developer monies Highways Drainage (91) 367 75 Grant/ USB Re-phasing& Additional Allocation Pot Hole Programme (113) 58 0 Grant/ Re-phasing& Additional RCCO Allocation Highways Structures 3 (50) (50) Grant Re-profiling of LTP funding Town Centre Structures A6 (9) 9 0 Grant/ USB Programme/ re-phasing Viaduct amends Town Centre Structures (56) (94) 150 Grant Programme/ re-phasing Merseyway amends Flood Risk Management (56) 32 (75) Grant Re-phasing and re- profiling of LTP funding Flood Damage Infrastructure 0 50 0 RCCO Allocation of additional Programme pothole monies SEMMMS Relief Road (6,308) 3,296 (2,129) Grant Programme/ re-phasing amends Town Centre Access Plan 1,626 (400) (849) Grant Programme/ re-phasing amends Interchange Bridge (91) 91 0 Grant Programme/ re-phasing amends

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Roscoe Roundabout 175 (175) 0 Grant Programme/ re-phasing amends Mayoral Walking & Cycling (4) 2,189 8,951 Grant Re-phasing& Additional Challenge Fund Allocation LTP and SEMMMS (1,738) 1,600 0 Grant Programme/ re-phasing Integrated Transport amends District Centres & Local (119) 119 (50) Grant Programme/ re-phasing Centres amends Road Safety Near Schools (270) 270 0 Grant/ Programme/ re-phasing RCCO amends Road Safety (44) 92 0 Grant/ Programme/ re-phasing RCCO amends PROW (102) 102 0 Grant Programme/ re-phasing amends Section 278 and Section 106 (735) 0 0 Comm. sums Adjustment for change schemes in anticipated demand Studies and Transport Minor 115 206 0 Grant/RCCO Re-phasing& Additional Schemes Allocation Car Parking 186 0 0 RCCO Funding for new works Stockport Exchange (Phase 951 (951) 0 DFB Scheme Rephasing 3) Redrock Development (2,612) 2,612 0 DFB Scheme Rephasing Scheme Aurora Stockport (formerly (33) 33 0 DFB Scheme Rephasing Gorsey Bank) Markets and Underbanks 228 (228) 0 DFB Scheme Rephasing Swann Lane (The Coach (10) 10 0 Capital Scheme Rephasing House) Receipts Swann Lane (The Coach 14 0 0 USB Additional Allocation House) Merseyway Redevelopment (299) 299 0 DFB Scheme Rephasing Daw Bank - Stagecoach 30 0 0 DFB Additional Allocation Building Other 6 0 0 DFB Additional Allocation Total (9,402) 9,542 5,973

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. A programme of structural assessment and testing is ongoing for columns and sign poles. The information is being used to develop whole-life modelling of street lighting assets across the network. All the scheduled replacements and repairs have been completed with just a small number of sites awaiting electrical transfer or connection from an external provider.

• Highway Investment Programme (HIP): This is year five of the nine-year, £100m, HIP. All sites were scoped in the targeted ward areas last financial year and delivered during 2018- 19. An annual 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 plan and monitor the programme.

A mid-term review of the HIP programme highlighted that claims and claim costs have reduced while footway and carriageway condition is improving in line with the investment and model forecasts. Reactive maintenance costs have also reduced.

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• Drainage Planned Programme: Drainage investigations and repairs continues to take place ahead of carriageway resurfacing work in the HIP programme. Work has taken place this financial year on Etchells Road culvert, on Belmont Way, and on sections of London Road, Hazel Grove where new manhole construction and removal of gully units for kerb drainage have been carried out.

• Pothole Programme: Highway safety inspections have identified roads with higher numbers of actionable defects that are in need of larger scale patch repair. The pothole programme was developed to attend to the sites that are beyond the scope of reactive repair. The on- highway work for this financial year has been substantially completed.

• Highways Structures: 54 Principal Inspections and 164 General Inspections were completed over the year. Cheadle Lane Culvert watercourse diversion works are programmed for completion in June 2019. Bunkers Hill Culvert No.4 and Welkin Mill Subways have been repaired. Whelmar and Grange Avenue Footbridge replacements have been designed and are being fabricated with installation programmed for July 2019. Low bridge surveys to mitigate strikes are being developed in collaboration with Network Rail. Suicide prevention guidance is being developed in collaboration with Highways England.

• Stockport Town Centre Structures:

o A6 Viaduct - refurbishment of the steps and a BIM Level 2, 3D point-cloud survey of the structure has been completed.

o Merseyway - principal inspection of the 54 portal frames has been completed and access improvements/air quality monitoring design have progressed

• Flood risk management:

o Lead Local Flood Authority review of major developments is continuing and during 2018/19, the Council was consulted on 80 major and 83 minor planning applications.

o Guidance documents on flood risk and drainage requirements for developers and riparian owners has been completed.

o Flood risk mitigation plans have continued to be developed and actioned for the 2016 floods. Areas where work has been undertaken are: Adswood, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Heald Green, , Marple and Woodley.

• A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road: The road opened to traffic on 15/10/18. Post- construction activities are progressing including contract completion work, snagging, Compulsory Purchase Order and land issues, utility diversion accounts, noise insulation works, and post-completion surveys. The package of mitigation measures is complete, and some funding has been confirmed for complementary measures in Hazel Grove, Bramhall and Heald Green.

• Stockport Town Centre Access Plan: Construction works are progressing well with major highways improvements completed at St Mary’s Way, Great Egerton Street, Knightsbridge, Hollywood Way Junction 1 (improved access to the motorway junction) and Brighton Road / Didsbury Road (access into a new development). Further major highways improvements are nearing completion at:

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o Travis Brow (new link road between the A6 and M60 Junction 1); and o King Street West Gyratory (improved north-south flows west of the town centre).

A new cycle/footway/bridleway at Woodbank Park is ongoing; public realm improvements are scheduled to start shortly on A6 Wellington Road North and extension of the public realm at Stockport Exchange.

• Stockport Interchange Bridge: The Interchange Bridge has been substantially completed and the highway works linking Heaton Lane with Chestergate have progressed.

• Cycling, Walking and Safety Schemes: An upgrade to the signal crossing and footway works at Cheadle Hulme Station has been constructed. Path improvements were built in Bramhall Park. Programme entry approval has been received for the Mayor’s Walking and Cycling Challenge Fund for improvements to A6MARR links, a cycle path from the A6 to Bramhall Park, in the Ladybrook Valley, for Heatons cycle links and for crossing improvements in Cheadle.

• National Productivity Investment Fund (Roscoe Roundabout): Work continued in Quarter 4 in Park, and started at Manchester Road/High Street Cheadle. Work at Roscoes Roundabout will start in Quarter 1.

• District and Local Centres: Paving works have been undertaken in Bramhall District Centre.

• Road safety near schools: To date, 40 schools have been identified for investigation of which 35 have had site visits undertaken (with a further two scheduled). Nine schools have been completed in terms of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and measures installed on site; and 13 have had feasibility designs drawn up and are in the initial consultation phase with schools and Council Members. Five are currently within (or will be imminently within) a public consultation process; five are currently going through Legal TRO process; and three schools have works ordered and are awaiting works on site.

• Public Rights of Way: An improvement programme began in Quarter 4, for completion in 2019/20 Quarter 1. These include works at Green Pastures, Gib Lane, Reddish Vale Road and Rollins Lane.

• Section 278 Schemes: In Quarter 4, access junctions for the Brighton Road, Hibbert Lane and Bredbury Curve developments were completed.

• Studies and Transport Minor Schemes: Three areas of work are underway (SEMMMS Refresh, Stockport Station Growth Strategy and SEMMMS Bus Rapid Transit business case) and the Council is contributing to a number of TfGM-led studies. Bids were submitted for two DfT Major Road Network (MRN) schemes on the A34 and A560, and a Large Local Major (LLM) bid submitted for development funding for A6-M60.

• Air Quality Grant: The Council is using some of the Air Quality Grant to support pilot projects looking at ways to improve local air quality e.g. relating to the uptake of electric vehicles in the taxi trade and the impact of green infrastructure on air quality around schools.

• Car Parking: In Quarter 4, work has progressed on improvements to various car parks, including Beech Avenue in Hazel Grove, and structural improvements at Heaton Lane.

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• 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 15th August 2017 (E&R13), with a maximum expected cost of £18.226m, which will be funded by Prudential Borrowing. GMI continues to deliver the construction at pace, with structural steel frame erected and completion of the office build anticipated February 2020. Alongside the office development, the delivery of the temporary car park will start in May and complete September 2019, delivering 106 parking bays. Design work is also underway to deliver additional public realm works through TCAP. This will extend the public realm from those completed in Phase 2 broadly to the edge of the boundary of the temporary car park, with works expected to start in summer 2019.

• Redrock Development Scheme: The Cinema and food & beverage led scheme completed in 2017/18. Costs incurred in 2018/19 include retention payments and incidental construction costs on units to better attract potential tenants. The Light Cinema is in the process of letting unit 7, which is expected to complete in 2019/20 Quarter 1, with further deals for units 3 & 4 in the pipeline, which will hopefully be completed in 2019/20 Quarter 2.

• Aurora Stockport: In Quarter 4, the last two remaining units (G & K) are both under offer and currently in legals. Upon completion, this will see the letting of around another 25,000 square feet of space and mean that Aurora will be fully let. CBRE has been appointed to manage the estate; the service charge budget for 2019/20 has been set and tenants notified.

• Markets & Underbanks: Regeneration strategy to support the redevelopment, promotion and repurposing of the area to increase footfall. The Produce Hall recently opened and the Council will launch other restaurant/bar opportunities in May 2019. The Council promoted four sites across Market Place and Underbanks, and is currently in legals with one party to bring forward their comprehensive redevelopment.

• Merseyway Development: £0.201m was spent on fees in 2018/19. Going forward, the phasing of the programme will be updated as necessary with the focus going forward likely to be on Mersey Square, Adlington Walk and the former BHS building.

• Daw Bank – Stagecoach Building: The purchase of the building acquired as part of the Stagecoach letting on Stockport Exchange Phase 2 has now been completed.

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