Update on council progress with major projects

Leasing windfarm lands at the Port of Ramsgate, acquiring three major properties in Cliftonville and work on the Margate flood defence scheme are just some of the successes set out in a report, looking at the council’s progress against its main business plan.

The report looks at the council’s 14 key projects set out in its Interim Corporate Plan for 2011/12.

One of the priorities is to support the expansion of windfarms at the Port of Ramsgate and all of the new land created in the port’s commercial zone for the windfarm industry has now been leased to support these operations. The Ramsgate Port Master Plan is moving forward, with the first meeting having taken place of the Cabinet Advisory Group on this issue.

Another priority is to acquire at least two properties in Cliftonville with either a private sector partner or a registered social landlord. To date, the council has acquired the Hotel Leslie and Embassy Hotel in Surrey Road and 1 Godwin Road.

Work is progressing well on the Margate flood defences, with work programmed to end in November 2012. Elsewhere in the town, the Public Inquiry into the council’s bid to compulsorily purchase the  Dreamland site is underway, while discussions are looking at how to develop the Queens Arm Yard site in the Old Town.

Other priorities include:

• Improving the rail journey time to and from London
• Cost effective works services (including street cleansing, waste and recycling and grounds maintenance)
• Developing the new Ramsgate pool and spa
• Delivering a balanced budget for 2012/13 and delivering a medium term financial plan for 2012-16 that balances the books.

Cllr. Michelle Fenner, Cabinet Member for Business Services, said: “This report sets out some of the excellent work that council officers are doing on the key projects that matter to local people. Anyone who’s seen the Port of Ramsgate recently will have seen the various new windfarm buildings there, a sign of how the area is benefiting from this new industry. Equally, things are moving forward in Margate with the sea defence work and the work we’re doing to improve housing conditions in Cliftonville.”

A new Corporate Plan for 2012-16 is currently being developed and will be considered by Cabinet in late March.