Issue - meetings

Report DRR15/025

The report contained an update on the activities of the Town Centre Management and Business Support Team and outlined the proposed Town Centre Management events and activities planned for the 2015/16 financial year.  Members’ approval was sought for utilisation of the Town Centre Management Initiative Fund to support Christmas lights funding and town centre events during the coming financial year.

A formal grant had been agreed with the Bromley BID Working Group.  The Group were required to show that each phase of the development of the BID had been completed satisfactorily.  An updating report, including a final Business Plan would be submitted to the PDS meeting in June.

An invitation was extended to Members to attend the Open Day for Businesses which would take place at the Churchill Theatre on 25 March 2015. 

Councillor Tickner reported residents’ disappointment that surrounding roads in Beckenham had not been closed for the switch on of the Christmas lights in 2014 and that the lantern procession had been rather disorganised.  This year's switch on would take place on 5 December and the possibility of road closures would be looked into.

In regard to the Local Parades Improvement Initiative Fund (para. 1.2, page 94), it was reported that Keston residents had hoped for a Christmas Tree in 2014 but were given lights instead.  Officers had worked with Keston Village Association in this regard but no suitable location could be found in which to plant a tree.  This year however, the Head of Town Centre Management and Business Support confirmed a memorial tree (not a Christmas Tree), would be planted along the verge of Heathfield Road in memory of a local resident.

Officers were congratulated on the success of the Bromley North Village public realm improvements which met the Council's aim of a vibrant and thriving night time economy. 

Members' attention was drawn to the development of the Purple Flag project which promoted improvements to safety in the evening economy in partnership with colleagues in Public Protection, licensed premises and other partners.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:-

1)  note the range of activities which took place during the last quarter of 2014/15;

(2)  note the amendments to the current Christmas lights policy;

(3)  agree that up to £27k be set aside from the Town Centre Initiatives Fund 2015/16 for use on Town Centre Christmas Lights schemes as set out in the report; and

(4)  agree the schedule of Town Centre Management events and activities for 2015/16 with a total net cost of £33k being funded from the Town Centre Initiative Fund.