Agenda item

Report DRR17/058

In relation to ongoing Bromley Town Centre improvements, Members considered detailed designs and costing for the proposed market kiosks. The report also contained an update on progress achieved to date with plans to reorganise, rebrand and relocate the existing market.

Councillor Michael was concerned that part of the structure of the proposed kiosks would consist of timber and could be a fire risk.  She emphasised the need for flameproof material to be used and sufficient coverage of CCTV be installed to monitor the market area.  The Head of Renewal reported that the manufacturer of the materials confirmed that all cladding would be fire retardant and the design and manufacture of all kiosks would be as robust as possible.  He also reported that the area was already sufficiently covered by CCTV.

In response to the Chairman’s queries regarding the amount of consultation undertaken, Members were informed that market traders, Primark, Ward Councillors and shop keepers had all been previously consulted.  In 2015, a series of meetings were held with stakeholders and businesses and separate meetings took place with traders.  Market specialist, Quarterbridge, had engaged in consultations on changes to the market and would now consult on the plans for moving it to Market Square and on its future and branding.  Primark had been consulted throughout the process so far.  They recognised that activities do take place on the square and the Council had done its best not to unduly hinder the shop front in any way. 

The Head of Renewal confirmed that a fire path with cleared access ran through the pedestrianised area from North to South.  This path was always kept clear to allow emergency services to access Market Square. 

It was noted that as Quarterbridge were engaged by Environment and Community Services, its contract was not included in the Renewal and Recreation Contract Register.

The estimated income of £100k from rental of the 8 additional kiosks was based on Quarterbridge’s comparison with an area similar to Bromley Market Square. 

The Chairman was dissatisfied with the level of consultation undertaken to date and reported that the consultation requested in March did not even take place.  Having spoken with three traders who all declared that certain aspects were ‘off the table’ in terms of consultation, he emphasised the need for the design element of the proposals to be discussed with traders and requested that additional consultation be carried out with Bromley Town Ward Members.  The Chairman therefore moved (seconded by Councillor Tickner), that amendments to the recommendations to the Executive be made.  Members unanimously voted in favour of the amendments which are set out in the recommendations below.  The Director of Regeneration reminded Members that there was a timetable of works to be met and whilst consultation must be meaningful, the planning application could not be left open-ended.  The application was due to be submitted in December 2017.

Councillor Morgan confirmed he would report Members’ comments to the Executive.  He also raised concerns about the lack of consultation with traders such as the owner of the haberdashery store who was concerned his shop would have to close although this was not in fact true.  Councillor Morgan suggested the key design principle for the layout of the market could be retained by adding further units to the single line of kiosks and stalls.

It was agreed that the market operators be invited to the next meeting of the R&R PDS.

As Design Heritage Champion, Councillor Bennett requested he be included in any future consultation.  He reported his satisfaction with the proposed lighting scheme(s).

RESOLVED that Members’ comments be provided to the Executive for consideration and that the recommendations for the Executive be amended to read:-

1)  Agree that £580k be allocated from the Growth Fund to meet the costs and is added to the Bromley High Street Improvement Capital Scheme.

2)  Delegate to the Director of Regeneration and the Portfolio for Renewal and Recreation approval of any minor amendments to the kiosk design and market layout.

3)  Seek authority to submit a planning application(s) for the development of the relocated market infrastructure, including kiosks.

4)  Approve the allocation of additional S106 funding of £152k for a programme of architectural lighting improvements and add to the Bromley High Street Improvement Capital Scheme.

5)  To note that there will be an overall increase of £732k for the Bromley High Street Improvement Scheme within the Capital Programme, resulting in a total scheme cost of £3.576m.

6)  Note the progress to date on implementing the agreed option for relocating, reorganising and relaunching the weekly market in Bromley, as outlined in paragraphs 3.11-3.17.

It was further resolved that officers and the Portfolio Holder for Renewal and Recreation:-

7)  Change the terms of reference for the Bromley Market Consultative Panel, to encourage it to input to the detailed design of the market.  It should identify key priorities market traders have for the design.

8)  Return to the PDS Committee in January to outline how they have consulted with market traders and the Consultative Panel, the changes to the detailed design that has occurred as a result and to seek comments from PDS Committee Members prior to approval of the detailed design.