Issue - meetings

Ahead of approval of the recommendations in the report, Councillor Quesir Mahmood advised that due to the recent announcement of the General Election, the funding would not be available as soon as hoped, but requested that the recommendations be approved on the assumption that the next Government confirmed the funding.

That the Executive Board approves: -

·       The acceptance of the £500,000 DLUHC High Street Accelerator Green Spaces Funding as the accountable body for the King William Street High Street Accelerator Partnership; -

·       Agrees a supplementary capital estimate of £450,000 and supplementary revenue estimate of £50,000 funded from the grant referred to the above; -

·       The commencement for the delivery of environmental improvements and initiatives to enhance the King William Street area, subject to consultation on the detailed designs; and –

·       The procurement of any services required for the delivery of the initiatives outlined in the report, in accordance with procurement law and the Contracts and Procurement Procedure Rules.

A report was submitted which detailed the award of £500,000 of Green Spaces Funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). The report detailed the key elements of the proposal to include:

·       Creating a more flexible, open and safe space.

·       More sustainable planting.

·       Introduction of an architectural play feature.

·       Greening of the three main entrances to the Mall to enhance visibility and encourage footfall.

·       Repair or replacement of old planters, benches and removal of obsolete street clutter.

·       Creative use of street furniture to better manage hostile vehicle risks and unauthorised parking.

·       Creative lighting to provide a safer and more welcoming space in the evening.

·       Improvements to pavement cafes.

·       New planting to link streets - New Market Street, Town Hall Street and Lord Street.

·       Maintenance to existing large trees to ensure their future health.

·       Volunteer programme to encourage active engagement in the green space and to support maintenance, biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental education and wellbeing.

Ahead of approval of the recommendations in the report, Councillor Quesir Mahmood advised that due to the recent announcement of the General Election, the funding would not be available as soon as hoped, but requested that the recommendations be approved subject to the next Government confirming the funding.

RESOLVED -

That the Executive Board approves: -

·       The acceptance of the £500,000 DLUHC High Street Accelerator Green Spaces Funding as the accountable body for the King William Street High Street Accelerator Partnership; -

·       Agrees a supplementary capital estimate of £450,000 and supplementary revenue estimate of £50,000 funded from the grant referred to the above; -

·       The commencement for the delivery of environmental improvements and initiatives to enhance the King William Street area, subject to consultation on the detailed designs; and –

·       The procurement of any services required for the delivery of the initiatives outlined in the report, in accordance with procurement law and the Contracts and Procurement Procedure Rules.