Issue - meetings

Report DRR17/060

Members considered an update on the progress achieved in delivering the Town Centres Development and Growth Programme.

In regard to the Walnuts Public Realm Improvement project, it was reported that Berkeley Homes had made a further Section 106 contribution of £163k and Executive approval was sought to add this to the Orpington Scheme in the Capital Programme.

The Chairman enquired about progress to date on achieving the Masterplan outlined for the AAP’s opportunity site A.  The Head of Renewal reported that a previous planning application had been challenged and quashed. 

Discussions had taken place with Network Rail and London Buses to consider possible options for re-provision of the bus station and an upgrade to the railway station.  Officers would recommend what they considered to be an appropriate provision of units however, to date no further work had been progressed. 

A Development Agreement for the Sherman Road portion of the site had been signed.  A large tower had been proposed for future consideration.

Referring to the Beckenham Town Centre Public Realm Improvements, Councillor Tickner informed Members that residents were pleased with the standard of work undertaken.  As the two-way traffic system would re-open on 2 December, Councillor Tickner asked whether FM Conway would consider organising an opening ceremony and suggested a cutting of tape.  The Head of Renewal confirmed there would be plenty of pre-publicity prior to the re-opening. 

The Beckenham Christmas Candlelit Parade would also take place on 2 December.

RESOVLED that:-

1)  the progress on the delivery of the Town Centres Development and Growth Programme be noted; and

2)  the addition of a further £163k of Section 106 funding from the Old Orpington Policy Station Development towards the Walnut Shopping Centre Public Realm Improvements project (subject to Executive approval), be noted.