Decision ref
0048 2025/26
Decision date
22/10/2025
Portfolio
Regeneration
Wards
Newton-le-Willows West
Title
Earlestown Regeneration Programme Investment – Grant Funding Agreement Public Sector Decarbonisation
Summary
On 23 April 2025, Cabinet approved £29.777m investment for Earlestown town centre under the Levelling-Up Round 2 programme. This includes a £1.132m Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant, managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, for Earlestown Town Hall. Approval is now sought to execute the Grant Funding Agreement (Appendix 2) with the Combined Authority for transfer of the grant.
Purpose
Following formal acceptance of grant funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority by Cabinet at its meeting of 23 April 2025, this report now seeks approval to execute the necessary Grant Funding Agreement to enable draw down of the grant as the related works complete.
Background
In 2023, the Council completed a £1m external restoration of the Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall. Works to now transform the internal elements of the property are now underway, creating community meeting rooms, flexible workspaces, event facilities, a courtyard garden, and café. The main hall will reopen as a performance and events venue, boosting Earlestown’s evening economy.
Aligned with the Council’s Climate Emergency declaration (2019) and Climate Response Plan (2021), the scheme incorporates carbon-reduction measures that include insulation, improved air permeability, LED lighting with controls, a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), and upgraded power supply for the provision of Air Source Heat Pumps.
Through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the Council secured £1.132m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, administered by Salix, matched with £0.154m from the Earlestown Regeneration Programme. ECF will deliver the works, via their appointed heritage contractor HH. Smith & Sons, within the main construction contract for the Earlestown Town Hall project, with a Funding Agreement enabling administration of the grant.
Following formal acceptance of grant by Cabinet at its meeting of 23 April 2025, it is now necessary to execute the Grant Funding Agreement to enable drawdown of the grant as related works complete.
Conclusion
This Delegated Executive Decision proposal seeks approval for the Council to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to deliver decarbonisation works within Earlestown Town Hall for the Earlestown Town Centre Levelling-Up Round 2 Programme. This proposal accords with the approval granted by Cabinet on 23 April 2025 to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place (in consultation with the in consultation with the Executive Director for Legal and Governance and Director of Finance) to execute all necessary documentation pursuant to successful delivery of the initiative.
Risk Implications
Risk management is an essential element of ongoing review and project management and is included within the Project Highlight Reports and LUF2 Programme returns to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government as well as commitments to monthly reporting to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as part of the Grant Funding Agreement. Risks are mitigated through regular contact with Project Leads and assurance meetings with partners.
Measures to Redress Risk
A suitable project contingency of 10% for the whole project has been identified and will sit within the client budget.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact Mark Bingley on 01744676789
