Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Economy which sought approval to serve a Repairs Notice pursuant to section 48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and thereafter to make a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 47, to ensure the proper preservation of a listed building within Oldham town Centre, by enabling its redevelopment and improvement by the Council, to bring the heritage asset back into use and to halt its current decline.
It was reported that Cabinet approval was sought to acquire and proceed with the redevelopment of the former Prudential Assurance Building on Union Street, Oldham into a business incubation hub as part of the Future High Street Fund (FHSF) programme.
Confirmation of FHSF funding was received in June 2021. The project aimed to deliver new and additional office accommodation for the digital creative media sector through the conversion of a currently abandoned and dilapidated Grade II Listed building in Oldham town centre and forms a key component of the Creating a Better Place strategic framework and underpinned by the town centre vision.
Cabinet approval was obtained in January 2020 for the Council’s “Creating a Better Place” strategic programme. The programme was reviewed in August 2020 to confirm alignment with the borough’s economic recovery in response to Covid-19 and a renewed focus on building more homes for our residents, creating new jobs through town centre regeneration, and ensuring that Oldham is a great place to visit with lots of family friendly and accessible places to go.
Options/alternatives considered
Option1 – Not to approve
Option 2 – To approve the recommendations within the report
RESOLVED – That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information at Item 12 of the agenda before making a decision.