Issue - meetings

(i)       Notes the outcome of the bidding process and the decision not to award the North East of Scotland green freeport status;

(ii)       Notes the government’s feedback on the unsuccessful NESGF bid;

(iii)      Notes that the Chief Officer – City Growth will continue discussions with regional partners and Scottish Government and UK Government officials on any alternative plans to secure inward investment to the North East; and

(iv)      Instructs Chief Officer - City Growth to continue to work with regional partners and officials in both governments and report back to this Committee with an update on Investment Zones and how they can be delivered in the North East.

With reference to article 14 of the minute of meeting of the City Growth and Resources Committee of 11 May 2021, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided information on the development and outcome of the Green Freeport Proposals and in the event of an unsuccessful bid, provided the Council with the planned next steps to ensure the region attracted the investment required to meet the region’s ambitions.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the outcome of the bidding process and the decision not to award the North East of Scotland green freeport status;

(b)      note the government’s feedback on the unsuccessful NESGF bid;

(c)      note that the Chief Officer – City Growth will continue discussions with regional partners and Scottish Government and UK Government officials on any alternative plans to secure inward investment to the North East; and

(d)      instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to continue to work with regional partners and officials in both governments and report back to this Committee with an update on Investment Zones and how they can be delivered in the North East.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.