Agenda item

Report DRR18/005

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

Regarding the Beckenham Town Centre Public Realm Improvements, it was noted that a section of the High Street was still not opened and buses were still diverted. This had been discussed the previous week at the Beckenham Town Centre Working Group. Officers confirmed that re-opening of the road was under active consideration. Members were pleased with the quality of the many designs submitted in the architectural competition for the Beckenham Green Canopy.

The Portfolio Holder reported that he understood that the new development at Bromley South was now expected to open in June.

A planning application had been received for 6-10 Sherman Road next to Bromley North Station, part of Site A. The scheme involved a 23 storey tower.

Cushman and Wakefield, the Council’s real estate advisors, had been commissioned to prepare a review of development opportunities in Orpington Town Centre. A report was due to come to the Committee’s next meeting, in March. Councillor William Huntington-Thresher, ward Councillor for Orpington, proposed that the review be developed into a supplementary planning document and urged that the Council should be proactive in pursuing a vision for Orpington.     

Councillor Nicholas Bennett proposed that a working group be set up by the Committee in the new Council year to drive improvement in West Wickham, the borough’s fourth largest town centre. He acknowledged that an improvement scheme for the junction of Red Lodge Road, Station Road, Beckenham Road and Ravenswood Crescent was planned, and that a report on the future of the Leisure Centre and Library was due to be completed on March. Officers reported that proposals for a Business Improvement District (BID) for West Wickham would be considered, subject to resources being agreed to support this work. Councillor William Huntington-Thresher commented that TfL funding was being reduced, though there might be opportunities for funding through the new Liveable Neighbourhoods Scheme.

The Committee noted the Victoria Cross commemorative ceremony for Lieutenant Commander Geoffrey S White at Bromley War Memorial, St Martin’s Hill, on 29^th January. Some Members commented that they were not aware of any publicity for this event; officers stated that there had been a press release, and the Committee requested that details of the event be circulated to all Members.

Councillor Hannah Gray, Renewal and Recreation Executive Assistant, updated the Committee on her work to improve broadband internet provision across the borough. She intended to provide a more detailed report to the Committee in due course, and she hoped to be able to examine 5G in time.

The Mayor of London had established a Night Time Commission to provide him with independent advice on the night time economy in London (meaning all activities across the whole of London between 6pm and 6am.) The Commission was carrying out a consultation to gather evidence and views on six questions related to the night time economy. The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Safety was intending to provide a response from Bromley. The Committee was concerned that the response should not just be about crime and anti-social behaviour, and officers undertook to ensure that the response addressed positive aspects of the night time economy such as employment and entertainment.        

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