Decision details

To note and approve the revised Hastings and Bexhill Movement and Access Package in line with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership Accountability Board decisions.

58.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

58.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) Note the South East Local Enterprise Partnership Accountability Board decision to proceed with a revised delivery package for the Hastings and Bexhill Movement and Access Package;

(2) Approve the revised package moving forward to construction in 2024/25 to be included in the forthcoming Capital Programme for Local Transport Improvements 2024/25; and

(3) Delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer and Assistant Chief Executive, to negotiate and agree the financial package development costs with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership as covered in paragraphs 2.15 to 2.18 of the report.

REASONS

58.3     Since the County Council secured £9m of Local Growth Fund monies from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) towards the development and delivery of the Hastings and Bexhill Movement and Access Package in 2018, significant progress has been made in progressing each of the schemes towards delivering cycling, walking, bus infrastructure, traffic management and public realm improvements, aimed at supporting economic growth across Hastings and Bexhill.

58.4     Due to sharp increases in costs across the construction sector because of high inflation, the war in Ukraine and delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost to deliver the remaining schemes now exceeds the £3.84m remaining funding.

58.5     Following a comprehensive cost estimate and business case review exercise undertaken by transport consultants, and in consultation with key stakeholders as set out in paragraphs 2.9 of the report, a revised scheme package was approved by the SELEP Accountability Board in September 2023 to deliver the following remaining schemes by March 2026:

·       Albert Road, Hastings

·       Station Approach, Hastings and

·       Bexhill Cycle Route A.