To seek approval to enter into a funding agreement with Advantage West Midlands (AWM) in order to progress the Rotherwas Futures Project.

THAT

(a)        negotiations on a joint venture agreement with Advantage West Midlands in order to deliver the Rotherwas Futures Project be commenced; and

(b)        a further report be made to Cabinet setting out the details of the final agreement for approval.

Rotherwas Industrial Estate is the principal industrial area of Hereford.  Formerly a wartime munitions depot the Estate comprises approximately 123 hectares which over time has been subject to piecemeal redevelopment.  The majority of existing buildings were built pre-war and immediately post war, although significant development did occur during the late 70’s early 80’s.

The Estate is home to over 125 companies but further development is restricted by poor access, flooding, contamination and some parts are in a poor environmental state.

Do Nothing

Under this Option, the current access arrangements and Estate constraints remain unchanged with the resultant underdevelopment of this key industrial site.

The study and its recommendations are the result of consultation with local businesses, the officer steering group and the Corporate Management Board