Agenda item

Report DRR14/080

Members considered the progress achieved in delivering the Town Centres Development Programme and were asked to endorse the submission of project proposals under the New Homes Bonus Top Slice programme. 

The Portfolio Holder’s agreement was sought for Section 106 funds to be used for the proposed Town Centre Management Initiatives as set out in the report.

With regard to Site C: Town Hall (paragraph 3.3, page 35), it was reported that a positive meeting between the developer and the Council's Management Team had taken place.  The applicant was mindful of the comments and advice given in relation to listed buildings and also agreed to undergo a CABE design review as part of the application process.

On-site operational hours for the works at Bromley North had been extended during the summer months and as anticipated, the programme remained on schedule.

The Chairman alluded to several reported trip accidents (including one of a serious nature), as a result of the design of the steps in Market Square.  Members were informed that several options to rectify the problem were currently being considered and whilst officers were confident in the design itself, this must be weighed against any potential trip hazard.  One suggested solution was to remove the feathered edge of the steps and install planters.  The designer had been consulted and the steps were, at present, only partially opened however, the situation would be monitored if it was decided to open them fully.

The waste bins currently in situ had a tendency to leak and would be replaced by a more robust version.

Councillor Michael stated that the effort to improve Bromley North Village had been worthwhile and the improvements would meet the Council's aim to create a vibrant town centre.  On the subject of permitted traffic through the village, Councillor Michael was informed that the scheme was designed to allow traffic to flow through the area but at a modified pace thereby controlling the speed of vehicles.  A survey had been undertaken and as a result, numerous requests had been received requesting that the area be partly or fully pedestrianised however, this was not supported by traders.

With regard to the future of the Priory site (paragraph 3.8, page 36), the Assistant Director for Culture, Renewal and Recreation reported that he had met with the Orpington 1^st BID on 21 August and discussed the possibility of setting up a Community Development Trust.  Consultations with local organisations were currently taking place and a report on progress achieved would be submitted to Members in the New Year.

It was anticipated that further designs for the proposed new stage cover for Beckenham Green (paragraph 3.13, page 36), would be available in November.  The Chairman emphasised the need for the design to be of a robust nature.

Referring to the New Homes Bonus Topslice (paragraph 3.23, page 38), Members agreed that the London Councils request for submission of bid proposals in August (in what was, essentially, the peak holiday season), was unjust.  This was an important project and the Authority had only been given 3 or 4 days in which to respond.  The Chairman commended officers in their efforts to ensure proposals were submitted on time.

Visiting Member Councillor William Huntington-Thresher welcomed the proposed bid for Orpington Town Centre and suggested that a forum be set up to bring developers and landlords together to identify opportunity sites within the town centre and to establish schemes that would benefit all.  It was reported that elements of the feasibility of proposed schemes were included in the bids for Orpington and Penge.  The Head of Town Centre Management and Business Support agreed to examine the possibility of establishing a database of landlords.

The Head of Renewal agreed to send Councillor Wilkins details of how Ward Members for Penge and Crystal Palace could become involved in the Crystal Palace and Penge Renewal Strategy (paragraph 3.20, page 38).

Discussions regarding proposals for the rebuilding of Crystal Palace (paragraph 3.22, page 38) were on-going.  A meeting between the GLA and the Zhong Rong Group was scheduled.

The sum of £233k referred to in paragraph 5.1 (page 41) was residual funding from the LPSA and allocated by the Executive to support the Town Centre Development Programme.  The majority of funds was spent on consultancy work and the employment of specialist agents.

RESOLVED that:-

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

2)  the Portfolio Holder be recommended to agree that the Town Centre Management Initiatives set out in paragraphs 3.12-3.15 be adopted and that £50,000 of Section 106 funds from the Tesco Croydon Road, Beckenham development be used to fund Town Centre Management Initiatives in Beckenham, West Wickham, Penge and Elmers End; and

3)  the project proposals submitted as part of the call for bids under the New Homes Bonus Top Slice programme be endorsed and a further report be brought back to the Committee for full scrutiny once detailed project plans have been prepared.