The Exempt Appendix was noted.

DECISION

1.    To approve the figure of £2.089m to enable the safety works to be undertaken at Watney Market carpark.

2.    To approve the addition of the project to the 2022 – 25 approved HRA capital programme.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Head of Capital Delivery (R. Unegbu)

(Project Manager (K. Rose)

(Head of Facilities Management (S. Brown)

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, introduced the report requesting approval to install sprinklers and emergency lighting at Watney Market Car Park. He explained that the underground car park was in poor condition with, in particular, the sprinkler system being at end of life. There were also lots of other problems such as around egress of water. There was also a significant risk of any fire spreading to the residential block above.

There would be significant benefits from bringing the car park back to general use for businesses and residents. The works were urgent and it was important they started as swiftly as possible. Market traders, residents and businesses would be kept up to date.

The Mayor welcomed the report and noted that the works were significantly overdue and that the health and safety implications meant the Council really needed to take on this work.

He asked that, as part of the works, measures to tackle anti-social behaviour be considered and that car park spaces were opened up for both shop owners and residents. Officers confirmed that the exact usage of the car park was being explored and Members would be kept informed. The Mayor then agreed the recommendations as set out.

The Appendix exempted through Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) was noted.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the figure of £2.089m to enable the safety works to be undertaken at Watney Market carpark.

2.    To approve the addition of the project to the 2022 – 25 approved HRA capital programme.