Issue - meetings

1.               That the action taken to deliver the Town Centre Strategy as detailed in the Cabinet report be noted.

2.               The approach to future Town Centre Management post March 2016 be agreed

3.               The draft Pavement Strategy for outdoor trading as set out in the Cabinet report be agreed

1.               That the action taken to deliver the Town Centre Strategy as detailed in the Cabinet report be noted.

2.               The approach to future Town Centre Management post March 2016 be agreed

3.               The draft Pavement Strategy for outdoor trading as set out in the Cabinet report be agreed

Reason for Decision

To update Cabinet on the work that has been undertaken on the Town Centre Strategy since it was adopted in October 2014, approve the approach to be taken to the management of the town centre post March 2016 and to approve draft pavement strategy.

Implications

Financial

Two members of staff were revenue funded for a two year period over 2014-2016. In this time it was investigated as to how town centre management could be funded externally through the form of a BID (Business Improvement District).  This is a lengthy process, and whilst steps are being taken to seek a BID for the town centre, Officers have investigated potential additional sources of revenue income. This report highlights a ‘Pavement Strategy’ to achieve income through consents for street trading. It is estimated that the net impact of these will generate around £38,000 of additional revenue generated.

Value for Money

This project has enhanced both how we use and maintain assets within the town centre by either prolonging the life of the assets though improved maintenance or by bringing in additional income by making better use of the assets. There have also been more events held, bringing in large numbers of people and significant increases in trade on the days of the events.

Risk Implications

With the additional funding for the town centre soon to be finished certain services/activities will have to be resourced if they are wanted to continue or will have to cease from happening.

Equalities Implications

None identified.

Health And Safety Implications

None identified.

Corporate Objectives

The regeneration of Hemel Hempstead Town Centre forms a key part of the “Regeneration” & “Dacorum Delivers” corporate objectives.

The Town Centre Strategy details the plans for the town centre until 2017.  It delivers the potential to maintain and grow the economy of the town centre by enabling opportunities to come forward, attracting new inward investment, continuing and enhancing business support services and looking to maximise the financial contributions of council assets within the town centre.

Advice

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration thanked the team for the excellent report. He explained that regeneration in the town was now well underway. The Clean, Safe and Green teams were involved with the town and market management. He added that part of the report focussed on the pavement strategy and monitoring businesses conducting trade on the pavements. If this was adopted it would bring in more revenue to the borough. He felt this was a strong, robust policy which he was happy to recommend to Cabinet.

The Assistant Director for Planning, Development & Regeneration noted that resources are in place to continue working on the action plan set out in the Town Centre Strategy until  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12