Decision details

The Executive received the Economic Development Strategy Annual Report 2017-18 which provided activity updates on the recommendations set out in the Strategy.  It was noted that the Economic Development Task Group had considered the report at its meeting on 28 March 2018.  The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Davis, advised the Executive that 325 prospective employees had attended the Careers Fair and the Fair had received positive feedback on social media.  It was confirmed that the Council owned 55% of retail space in the Borough, which predominantly included the freehold of Peacocks and Wolsey Place Shopping Centres.

Following a question regarding Victoria Gate, Officers advised that discussions had taken place with the owner and Officers were optimistic that a tenant would be announced shortly.  Regarding Woking One (Albion House), Officers reported that the developer had secured a tenant for all of the office space and that the retail space was under discussion.

It was noted that ED 8 on page 22 of the agenda pack referred to an Enterprise M3 (EM3) bid for funds for a Sustainable Transport Improvement scheme which would be discussed later on the agenda.  The Executive was informed that the bid had been given the go ahead to proceed to the next stage of the bidding process.

Regarding ES 8 on page 25 of the agenda pack concerning investigating why Woking was below Surrey and the South East for certain size of companies, Councillor Barker asked whether it could be a suitable research project for a student placement.  The Executive was advised that Officers could look to facilitate with Surrey University should an opportunity arise.

The Executive thanked the Business Liaison Team for producing the Borough’s new inward investment guide ‘Choose Woking’.

RESOLVED

That  (i)    Officers continue to carry out the recommendations identified in the Economic Development Strategy 2017-22; and

          (ii)   the Economic Development Task Group continues to monitor the Economic Development Strategy on a bi-annual basis.

Reason:   To ensure successful delivery of the Economic Development Strategy 2017-22 and to agree that the activities that are ongoing are supported.

Economic Regeneration Task Group,
Cllr Davis, Portfolio Holder.