Agenda item

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The Assistant Director introduced the consultants from BDP who had been commissioned to carry out design work for Baxter’s Plain.  The brief for the project considered the Highways layout, open space and public realm opportunities to improve the profile of the area, complement the design of the Multi User Community Hub and other development in the area.

Members received information from external consultants on the Baxter’s Plain Public Realm Feasibility Study.  A copy of the presentation is attached.  Members were informed of the consultation process that had been carried out and the drop in sessions which had been arranged.  It was noted that the work was currently unfunded, but by having the design details in place would mean that the project could be submitted for future funding opportunities.

The Chair thanked officers and the Consultants for the information provided and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Colwell referred to the use of a temporary covered area and asked that this be considered as the Spinney in Hunstanton had proved successful.  The consultants explained that this option had been explored, but the area was not big enough to have an engineered structure similar to the Spinney.  However there were options for a flexible small temporary covered space.

Councillor Bone welcomed the use of greenery and planting in the area.  He commented that it would be good if consideration could be given to improving the area around the Multi Storey Car Park.  He also asked what would happen to the catering van that was often sited on Baxter’s Plain and it was explained that alternative locations could be considered if required.

Councillor Blunt supported development of the area and asked if it would be possible to remove cars entirely from the area and consider using the multi storey car park to replace the free on street parking provision.

In response to questions from Councillor Collingham, the Assistant Director explained that the scheme was currently unfunded, but would be ready as a package to submit for future funding opportunities.  He explained that the Council was in discussion and dialogue with the owners of the Old Post Office Building, but as it was a privately owned building, it was not within the Council’s gift to take any action.

Councillor Collingham commented that the Post Office provision across the Borough needed consideration, with so many Post Offices closing.

Councillor Rust asked for clarification on ‘wayfinding’ and it was explained that this would be a combination of signage and natural movement across sites. 

Councillor Bubb commented that the car park outside of the Swimming Pool often got flooded and an additional free parking provision was required, closer to the area than the Multi Storey Car Park.  He also asked if the Council had any powers to intervene to encourage development of the Old Post Office Building.  The Assistant Director explained that dialogue was open with the owners of the building and opportunities to work together could be explored if appropriate.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Heneghan commented that this was a good scheme for a currently under used area and asked if local businesses had been consulted.  It was explained that their views had been sought and feedback generally related to car parking in the area, and that is why the proposal was to maintain some on street car parking provision in the area.  Local businesses would be kept up to date on the proposals.

Councillor Colwell commented that it would be good to remove car parking from the area, but acknowledged the needs of the local businesses.  He asked for consideration to be given to enhancing Blackfriars Street parking area and introduce some twenty minute free car parking bays.  He also commented that he supported the introduction of tree planting and green spaces in the area.

In response to a question from Councillor Blunt, the Assistant Director explained that there were funding opportunities that could be explored once the project design had been finalised.

Councillor Bone commented that consideration needed to be given to the proposed materials to ensure that they were available to complete the work.

The Chair, Councillor Bearshaw asked if there was enough cycle rack provision and the consultants commented that there was a lack of this within the Town Centre and work would be carried out to determine the need as it was thought that the Multi User Community Hub would also increase the amount of cycles in the area.

RESOLVED: The Panel commented on the proposals and noted the information.