Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Growth and Economic Regeneration.

The shareholder committee received a report of the Head of Growth and Regeneration, which presented an update on the current position regarding the establishment of Dorset Innovation Park Ltd.

In presenting the report, the officer noted that progress continued towards the establishment of both a Services Contract – the services the company would be supplying the Council, and a Support Contract – the services that the Council would be supplying to the company to support the delivery of the company business plan. It was planned to bring the two documents to the next meeting of the shareholder committee. In addition, an update was provided regarding the commissioning of expert advice from hotel specialists, to understand the feasibility and viability of a hotel development to service the site and local visitor economy.

Councillors considered the issues covered by the report and during discussion, points were raised in the following areas:

·       In response to a question, the Managing Director noted that as part of the company set up, regular meetings were held with Dorset Council officers, and data was being made available. Further processes needed to be completed for the company to take over a number of operations from June

·       It was confirmed that although the company would manage property on site, property would be retained as council assets

·       A discussion was held regarding travel surveys that had been undertaken in connection with access to the site. Further investigation would be required in terms of the long-term aspiration to improve provision of access to the site

·       A separate discussion would take place with Wool Parish Council in respect of potential transport provision within the locality.

The report was NOTED.