Agenda item

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 been issued from Highways indicating that the works to Rectory Road/Albermarle Road, Beckenham would take place between 11 July and 5 September 2016.

The Head of Renewal reported that he and the Director of Commissioning had met with a well-known industrial developer to discuss the options for joint working on promoting employment growth in the industrial areas of the borough.  They had looked at the Cray Corridor to give feedback on a joint venture/investment opportunities.

Referring to paragraph 3.21, Councillor Benington suggested a fine dining restaurant could be established on the top two floors of Central Library Tower as the view from that particular vantage point was spectacular.  The Head of Renewal agreed to look into this suggestion.

The Head of Renewal confirmed that viability work was continuing in regard to the number of units to be provided at Site A: Bromley North Station (page 76).  The impact on residents and the townscape would be taken into consideration.  The Council would seek to provide 35% affordable housing at Site A.

In relation to Bromley Central Area High Street Improvements (page 76), the proposed eight semi-permanent bespoke kiosks for the sale of hot food or food produce would tie-in with the current market and would be a valuable asset to the Town Centre and complementary to existing food offers.

RESOLVED that:-

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

2)  the Portfolio Holder be recommended to agree that Section 106 funds of £81.512 relating to the former Orpington Police Station site development and £24,500 relating to the Premier Inn Hotel development be spent towards the implementation costs of physical improvements to the Walnuts Shopping Centre area as part of the Orpington capital scheme.