To approve the expenditure required to instruct the technical project manager and design team to complete the detailed design stage and works required to develop the full business case of the Maylord Orchard Library and Learning Resource Centre project including seeking planning and all related regulatory approvals.

The cabinet member environment and economy introduced the report. It was noted that this formed the next stage of the project and that while the library was based in the city, these services would be designed to support wider connections across the county.

Cabinet members welcomed the progress on the project but expressed frustration at the process for the stronger towns grant funding as a significant amount of investment was required upfront and this was a challenge for the many small and community groups involved in the Hereford Stronger Towns Partnership.

Group leaders and representatives gave the comments and queries from their groups. It was noted that:

·       The project was widely supported;

·       It was hoped that future capital investment would be spread across the county;

·       It was important to have communities on board;

·       The barriers to smaller groups were a concern but the council had to work with the system as it was.

It was resolved that:

a)             The redevelopment of Maylord Orchards to create a new library and learning resource centre project is approved;

b)             Expenditure of up to £0.45m of the Maylord Orchard Library and Learning Resource Centre project capital programme allocation be approved to complete the detailed design stage of the project including seeking planning permission,; and

c)             The Corporate Director for Community and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Deputy Section 151 Officer and in consultation with the Cabinet member commissioning, procurement and assets, be authorised take all operational decisions necessary to complete the detailed design stage and seek planning approval within the £0.45m approved budget.