Agenda item
Minutes:
The Executive Director provided an update to the Panel. He explained that more detail was available in the Portfolio Holder for Performance’s report to Council for 11th April 2019.
It was explained that the Government had invited bid applications to the £675m scheme, which was a two stage process. If applications were successful at Stage 1 development funding would be awarded to develop the bid to a Stage 2 application.
The Executive Director explained that the bid application which had been submitted for King’s Lynn had flagged up significant challenges facing the town centre, for example vacant units, antisocial behaviour, transport links and visitor levels. He provided detail of the vision and ambition for the town, which included improving the heritage and culture offer and development opportunities.
The Chief Executive commented that the bid application had highlighted issues and challenges that the town centre faced and the importance of planning for the future. He informed the Panel that the King’s Lynn Business Improvement District had been involved in the bid application and approximately 750 individuals had responded to the consultation exercise.
The Chief Executive made reference to the Stronger Towns Fund which would be available for the East of England and explained that a bid application would be submitted for this as appropriate.
The Chairman thanked officers for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.
In response to a question from Councillor Tyler it was explained that al town centres were different, so there were no set guidelines for improvement. The Chief Executive commented that a combination of elements were needed to make a successful town centre, including people living and working in the town centre along with culture, leisure and retail. A unique offer was also required.
The Executive Director commented that the bid application process had highlighted some relatively simple things that could be done to improve connectivity throughout the town centre.
Councillor Bird addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34. He asked if Hunstanton and Downham Market had been considered for a bid application. It was explained that these had been discussed, but development was already planned for Hunstanton and it would be difficult to make a case for Downham Market as growth was already apparent.
Councillor Crofts commented that there were not many companies that offered bus trips to King’s Lynn and he felt that King’s Lynn should be promoted as a destination for coach excursions.
Councillor Mrs Collingham explained that lots of discussions had been held at Panel meetings regarding improvements to King’s Lynn, but she was frustrated that nothing seemed to be moving forward. She commented that there were no facilities available for coach parties to get refreshments.
The Executive Director commented that a lot of improvements had been made to the town centre over the last ten years including the Tuesday Market Place, Saturday Market Place, Town Hall, Bus Station and plans for the redevelopment of the Riverfront were ongoing. He also made reference to the Heritage Action Zone, light projections, events in King’s Lynn and links to the Arts Council.
The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Corporate Assets, Councillor Beales commented that, if the Panel had strong opinions, and wanted action to be taken on an issue, they could make recommendations to Cabinet. Informal Working Groups could be set up to look at issues in depth and make recommendations to be considered by the Panel before being passed onto Cabinet.
The Panel discussed the possibility of establishing an Informal Working Group to look at increasing coach trip visitors to King’s Lynn. It was agreed that further consideration would be given to this at the Chairman’s Sifting Meeting and a report would be brought to the next meeting to consider establishing an Informal Working Group.
RESOLVED: (i) The update was noted.
(ii) A report be presented to the next meeting to consider establishing an Informal Working Group to look at increasing coach trips to King’s Lynn.