Agenda item

Town Centre Improvement Plan update

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement – To provide an update on the Town Centre Improvement Plan.

Minutes:

The Chairman asked the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement to provide an update on the Town Centre Improvement Plan.

 

 

The Portfolio Holder briefed the Forum:

  • Following the update from the previous Forum meeting, Spalding town centre had received an investment of £20million from the Long-Term Plan for Towns Programme, supported by the government. This was a welcome boost and unexpected as Spalding had not been included in the previous round of funding. 
  • This was a ground-breaking amount of funding which would change the nature of how the Council could champion various different activities for strategic investment. 
  • Spalding In Bloom hanging baskets did not fit the criteria, although the Business Improvement District could initiate this, as planting was one of their main priorities.
  • A Town Board was being put in situ with stakeholders to provide guidance on how to utilize the investment, enabling the delivery of some major projects which would embrace all generations.
  • Principal theme would concentrate on safety and security, high streets, heritage, and regeneration along with transport and connectivity. 
  • Further detailed guidance from government departments would be accessible over the next few months – additional updates would be provided to the Forum.

 

 

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement informed the Forum that the Public Realm consultation had now concluded.

  • Key elements from the feedback, encompassed broad support for the Spalding riverside plans, with green spaces included in this.
  • Hall Place received support to retain seating for residents less mobile - the view was that the proposed seating should be of higher quality, preferably not a circle. 
  • There was a need to remove anti-social behaviour so that the seating could be used more widely by all, and with respect.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement informed the Forum:

  • The Markets Team secured £50,000 of funding to upgrade the look and feel of the market. This would include branded gazebos to enhance the appearance and improve footfall.
  • This would provide an ideal opportunity for new and unique traders to join the markets across the district.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement concluded,

  • Work was under way with Spalding Reconnected, with progress taking place on the Heritage Trail and improvements to the riverside green spaces. 
  • Further details on the £20 million investment would be forthcoming.

 

The members asked the Portfolio Holder the following questions;

 

  • What were the time scales for commencement and completion for the strategic investment projects?
  • The Public Realm consultation had concluded in its entirety- feedback had been received, along with quotes from the designers and contractors. The financial plan would presently be confirmed, alongside the timetable for the launch date. 

 

  • Would the recommendation be to remove the seating circle in its entirety?
  • Based on the feedback from the wider public consultation, listening to “what the public want”, a seated area would be retained as part of the planned design. 
  • Essentially the seating area must be a safe and secure place for the public to enjoy.

 

  • Would the primary issue of the anti-social behaviour be addressed?
    • With the scope to remove the current seating circle, and look into different opportunities, design, and locations, it was hopeful that the outcome would deter anti-social behaviour.

 

  • Would the Public Realm consultation results be published in full.
  • A formal decision would be published in due course, when the project was finalised, this would involve details of the feedback received.
  • Would Red Lion Street be included in the consultation?
  • The main priority was to enhance the riverside green spaces, along with earmarked improvements for Red Lion Street.  
  • The public feedback was more ambivalent towards Red Lion Street, the purpose for expenditure would be to improve the appearance and environment.
  • Environmental Wardens had been introduced to provide clearer, safer streets.

 

  • With the public consultation completed, was there a solid plan of what the public wanted to see implemented?
  • If produced, could options be looked at?
  • Designs would be produced and circulated to councillors for critique.

 

  • Would the new planned seating area be in situ for the Good Friday Morning Event 2024?
  • The location of the new seating area site would be expected to be in place for next year and future years but would not be a circle.

 

  • The Chairman mentioned that Lincolnshire County Council were collaborating with Red Lion Street with regard to providing additional disabled parking. Were the planters in Red Lion Street council assets? Would these be replaced?
  • Plans had been scheduled to inspect the planters and make improvements.

 

  • The Chairman had spoken to the current market stall holders, with regard to the branded style gazebos.
  • Would those be sufficient in high winds? Could gazebos that clipped to the ground offer more security? What types of gazebo were being looked at?
  • The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing had been liaising with the officer responsible for markets, engaging, and working in unison with market traders to ensure the branded gazebos were fit for purpose to withstand all weather conditions, and to avoid future disruption to the markets.