FIT FOR PURPOSE

Over the last year, the context in which we operate has seen significant change and this has impacted both on how we deliver and what we deliver. Undoubtedly more change and challenge lies ahead and to ensure that we remain fit for purpose we have completed a root and branch review of Renaissance Bedford.

Jane Hamilton of Hamilton Consulting (UK) Ltd was commissioned to provide an expert, third party and objective Renaissance Bedford Review that included interviewing partners and key stakeholders. The overall view of those interviewed is that Renaissance Bedford provides both a value for money and genuinely added value service. Amongst the successes highlighted in the review were;

• The capacity to influence and unblock important projects via the establishment of the Project Management Protocol. This has enabled a very constructive working relationship between the Council and lead developers, where Renaissance Bedford RB) has acted as "honest broker". The growth area now has in the region of 11,000 planning permissions with signed Section 106 Agreements and a total of 14,000 new homes in the supply chain.

• The ability to unblock important projects such as, the expansion of Colworth Science Park (250 new jobs), Wyboston Lakes (500 new jobs), Center Parcs (1,500 new jobs),the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway and Twinwoods Business Park (fifty IT based jobs).

• The Water Cycle Strategy, which has enabled Anglian Water to submit its business plans to OFWAT in time for Asset Management Plan 5 (AMP5), without which there was the possibility of a development embargo being imposed.

• Preparation of the Programme of Development and securing of funds for key projects - £23 Million during 2008-11.

• Housing market intelligence at a local level.

• The current preparation of an Infrastructure Delivery Programme (IDP) which will dovetail into a Local Investment Plan.

• A well informed top class source of information, where the RB team are strong, open and very enthusiastic.

• The formation of stakeholder groups where key information is shared on an open basis.

Following the presentation of the "Fit for Purpose" review document to the Board on 24th September 2009, the Board agreed to the Partnerships Business Plan and Memorandum of Understanding should be refreshed following the outcomes of the review.

In addition to the work required by the Department of Communities and Local Government(DCLG) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), agreement was reached that Renaissance Bedford should be commissioned to deliver particular work streams including marketing, specific projects in each local authority as well as projects relating to cross boarder issues. Furthermore, the Board agreed to expand the sphere of influence of Renaissance Bedford to include the Northern Central Bedfordshire area (formerly the area known as Mid Bedfordshire District). Accordingly, the Core Strategies numbers quoted in the refreshed business plan relate to the wider adopted area.