Issue - meetings

Report DRR16/065

Members received an update on progress made in delivering the Town Centres Development and Growth Programme.

In order to supplement the New Homes Bonus project in Orpington, approval was sought for the release of £81,512 from Section 106 funds in relation to the former Orpington Police Station site development.  A further £24,500 Section 106 monies relating to the Premier Inn Hotel Development Agreement was sought to contribute towards the implementation costs of physical improvements to the Walnuts Shopping Centre area as part of the Orpington capital scheme.

Visiting Member Councillor Huntington-Thresher reported feedback from the BID Company regarding the consultation surrounding the scheme design.  Stakeholders were concerned that the dilapidated external fire escape to the leisure centre should be replaced as part of the first phase of improvements.  On the whole residents and businesses alike were very pleased with the initial regeneration results.

Communication with stakeholders was important to ensure the smooth-running of future events and activities planned for The Square.

Councillor Huntington-Thresher suggested that part of the S106 monies relating to the former Orpington Police Station and the Premier Inn Hotel could contribute towards improved signage and the installation of lighting to make visitors feel safe and secure. 

Members were reminded that The Walnuts Shopping Centre was run and operated by a private company.  Therefore, whilst there were public rights of ways across the centre, the Council needed to work in co-operation with the leaseholders to undertake the improvement works and secure long-term public access for events to be operated by the BID Company.  S106 payments had been negotiated with the regeneration scheme in mind which would be delivered in two phases with a much as possible being completed in phase 1.

Referring to the Penge Town Centre Improvements (page 79), the Head of Renewal confirmed that further funding for the bus priority scheme had been incorporated into the work plan and he assured Members that no work would be undertaken during the Christmas period.  A further update would be submitted at future meetings of the PDS Committee.

Detailed plans had been drawn up for the Beckenham Town Centre Improvements Scheme (page 76).  TfL had allocated additional funding of up to £950k, delegated to officers which was now in the approval process.  A business case was submitted in March and was being rigorously scrutinised.  Detailed planning was being prepared and a site identified for work to begin.  Councillor Tickner reported that having been shown three samples of paving, for comments, the Head of Renewal confirmed that the implementation team would look to hire a liaison officer to assist residents and businesses in the period of disruption during the building works.  A cleaning regime for the paving was being discussed with officers in Environmental Services. 

It was unlikely that work would commence in September as officers were waiting for materials to arrive from abroad and until such time as final clearance was given and a phasing plan put into motion.

It was confirmed that a draft letter had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8