Issue - meetings
Progress update on Town Centres review
Meeting: 01/09/2016 - Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Item 13)
13 Progress update on Town Centres review PDF 134 KB
Additional documents:
- APPENDIX ONE - Supporting thriving town centres REPORT, item 13 PDF 432 KB
- App2 - TC scrutiny - annual update - 06-16 MA1 v3, item 13 PDF 245 KB
- Town Centres Map, item 13 PDF 989 KB
Minutes:
The Committee received and noted a report that was a follow up from the scrutiny challenge session on supporting the delivery of successful town centres (high streets and markets). The report and recommendations were agreed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in July 2015. An action plan was developed to address the recommendations. The report and accompanying action plan was endorsed by Cabinet in December 2015. This report reviews the progress against the original recommendations. The main points of the discussion maybe outlined as follows:
The Committee:
· Noted that town centres, high streets and markets are vital in supporting opportunities in employment, social capital and economic growth in the area. However, there are many challenges facing town centres including changes in the way people shop, changes in the population demographic, strategic competition and national legislation. The population demographic of people who live and work in the Borough has changed over recent years, becoming more ethnically diverse with more households with an income of above £60,000. Therefore evolving the offer and encouraging new businesses which can capitalise on the needs of new consumers is an essential part of ensuring town centres can thrive;
· Noted the that Resident/Business lead partnerships had been established to develop a meaningful and positive dialogue;
· Was informed that Canary Whalf provides employment for local residents and assists in supporting retail development across the borough;
· Noted that a briefing would be provided at a future meeting as the strategy is developed;
· Noted that CIL and S106 monies would be utilised to fund various infrastructure projects e.g. neighbourhood and retails centres; and
· Wished to see the expansion of betting shops being addressed.