Agenda item

Report DRR16/077

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

Beckenham Town Centre Improvements

Details were being drawn up with Environmental colleagues for introducing a seasonal deep clean (including jet washing) for the whole of Beckenham Town Centre.  It was suggested that the income derived from letting out the two vacant shops in the town centre could contribute to the cleaning regime which needed to be implemented quickly.

Penge Town Centre Improvements

The improvements to Empire Square and Arpley Square and the creation of sociable spaces for cultural events and activity were welcomed.  In discussing the hazards caused by wet leaves on pavements, Members were informed that York Stone would be used which was non-slip.  It was noted that fallen leaves should not really cause a problem as the high street was swept every day.  The tree species was confirmed as Scotts Pine, Pinus Sylvestris.

Members also welcomed the Shop Front Improvement and Refurbishment Programme to be commenced in autumn 2016.

Orpington Walnut Centre

Of the two suggested market layouts on page 154, Councillor Benington preferred Option 1b.  Although an oasis area would result in a reduced number of market stalls, the area would be more attractive and open.  Councillor Benington also advised that the main tree in the Centre should, of course, be a walnut tree.

Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Huntington-Thresher raised a number of issues.  Further development was needed in relation to market stalls and there was an underlying issue with regard to further development of the college i.e. an increase and improvement to the outdoor seating area.  It was necessary to ensure that the arrangement of stalls did not interfere with this.

The Orpington BID had requested Councillor Huntington-Thresher to inform Members that S106 monies were being put towards improvement of the square and it should, therefore, be maintained on a regular basis.  The Head of Renewal reported that full maintenance was carried out by the head leaseholder of the Walnuts Shopping Centre.

The Chairman referred to several trees planted in Bromley North Village which were either in very poor condition or dead.  The Head of Renewal acknowledged this but stated that as the trees could not be planted in the ground, they had been planted in containers where there was always a risk that they may perish.  Discussions were taking place with Tree Officers to replace the existing trees with a species which was more tolerant and the cost for this would be provided from the existing maintenance contingency fund.  The current tree had been maintained and watered by Conways for the first year after which the onus fell to the Council’s Tree Team.  It was suggested that a specialist tree contract relating to the health of trees could be drawn up for a longer period of time in future.  This issue would be further discussed at the PDS meeting in January 2017.  It was suggested that this matter also be considered by the Environment PDS.

Bromley Central Library Building

Councillor Benington suggested better use could be made of the 8^th and 9^th floors.  The 9^th floor in particular possessed a brilliant view across Bromley and would benefit from becoming an upmarket restaurant which would make more profit than the current proposal.  The Head of Renewal agreed to add this suggestion to the feasibility study.  Councillor Tickner opposed this suggestion, referring to the Council’s aim of encouraging much needed start-up businesses and providing business space in the Borough. The Chairman encouraged officers to consider possible ways of accommodating both a restaurant and an enterprise centre.

RESOLVED that progress achieved on the delivery of the Town Centres Development and Growth Programme be noted.