On the 7th March, prominent business and public-sector leaders will come together in Preston for the Lancashire Development Plans Conference – one of the region’s largest business events of the year within the property and construction industry. The conference will see some of the region’s biggest names in business lead a regional discussion including presentations of ongoing or proposed development plans in the area and plans for the region’s future.

One of the speakers confirmed is Andrew Bond; Programme Manager for Lancashire at One Public Estate. But what is One Public Estate – and how are they helping to support Lancashire’s Combined Authority?

What is The One Public Estate?

It’s a pioneering initiative delivered in partnership by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Cabinet Office Government Property Unit (GPU). Around £3.6m has been allocated to councils across new and existing partnerships on the programme which help support local authorities and partnerships across England in unlocking development by rationalising public sector land and buildings.

What areas does One Public Estate cover?

The One Public Estate programme was launched in 2013 with 12 different areas – and that has now increased massively to support 312 local authorities, which is 90% of the country’s councils. Within Lancashire they include:

  • Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
  • Blackpool Council
  • Burnley Borough Council
  • Chorley Council
  • Fylde Borough Council
  • Lancashire County Council
  • Lancaster City Council
  • Pendle Borough Council
  • Rossendale Borough Council
  • South Ribble Borough Council
  • Hyndburn Borough Council
  • West Lancashire Borough Council

What is the One Public Estate project set to deliver?

In October 2016 One Public Estate set out their 5 year plan for what they expected to deliver through their collaborative approach and funding. This included:

  • £96m reduction in public sector running costs.
  • £415m generated in capital receipts.
  • Over 44,000 new jobs created.
  • 25,000 new homes

We’re excited to hear more from Andrew Bond, Programme Manager for Lancashire, at the Lancashire Development Plans Conference next month.