Agenda item

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager presented the update.  A copy of the presentation is attached.  It was explained that the West Norfolk Transport and Infrastructure Group would be asked to endorse the Final Report in February 2024.  The next stage would be to look at the detailed design required and explore funding options.  There was currently no funding allocated to take forward the project.

The Chair thanked the Regeneration Programmes Manager for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Heneghan, commended the scheme as improvement was needed in the area and would complement the MUCH and library project.  She asked about indicative costs and the Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that indicative costs had been looked at, based on current market conditions, but would be firmed up in the detailed design stage.

Councillor Crofts referred to the market and events area and asked if there was a plan in place for its use.  The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that the use of the space would be driven by the buildings and property owners surrounding the area and could be used to supplement activities at the MUCH.  Councillor Crofts asked Councillor Beal how well used the Spinney area was, which was a similar multi user space in Hunstanton and Councillor Beal stated that it had been used a couple of times in the past year.  Councillor Crofts explained that licences would need to be in place for live or recorded music.

Councillor Colwell referred to resident engagement in the consultation and how residents had wanted more greenery and seating in the area.  He felt that this would be achieved through out the project and welcomed the improvements to the area but was disappointed that one of the existing trees would need to be removed.  Councillor Colwell also commented that the improvements in the area could make it more attractive to potential developers and the owners of the old Post Office building hopefully encourage investment in the area. 

The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that they had tried to engage with the owner of the old Post Office Building and looked at previous consents for the site to ensure that the improvements complemented potential future development opportunities.

The Assistant Director commented that the improvements would enhance the space and hopefully attract investment in the area.  He felt that the outside flexible use space would be well used.

The Chair, Councillor Bearshaw, was concerned that the outside space would be filled with seating and planting which would reduce the space available for events.  He hoped that adequate space would be available for events to make the area attractive.

Councillor Spikings commented that it would be a benefit to the town centre if the old Post Office Building was brought back into use.  She also cautioned the type of greenery proposed for the area and asked that consideration be given to non-toxic trees which did not produce sap.  She also asked for consideration to be given to using trees which could provide a canopy and therefore keep the area cool in the summer.  Councillor Spikings commented that a living wall was a good idea, but cautioned the use of Ivy.  She welcomed the proposals for an outside events area, but did not want to see the existing trees removed as they were established and an asset to the area.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager confirmed that there would be a net gain of trees overall in the area.  Councillor Spikings questioned what standard and size the new planting would be as it needed to be suitable for the area.

Councillor Bone welcomed the café culture feel that the proposals would provide, but echoed the concerns of Councillor Spikings in that planting and greenery needed careful consideration and he did not want to lose the existing trees in the area.

The Chair commented that it would be good to have a space that could be covered so that events could take place in the Winter.

Councillor Bubb referred to the Museum which was just outside of the plan area and referred to the cut through to the Museum, which was currently unwelcoming.  He asked if any plans were in place to enhance the route from Baxters Plain to the Museum.  The Regeneration Programmes Manager commented that this could be looked into, but access through the rear of service yards was not encouraged, and some of the area was not in the Borough Council’s ownership.

Councillor Blunt welcomed the report and how comments received as part of the consultation had been considered.  He asked if any future development of the Old Post Office Building could detrimentally affect the project and the Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that any redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building would have to be managed at that point in time and organisations could work together to get the best out of both schemes.

In response to a question from Councillor Colwell, it was explained that cycle parking provision was included in the scheme.

In response to a question from Councillor Blunt, it was confirmed that the project was currently unfunded, however officers would be looking at funding options and the opportunity to phase the scheme to make use of different sources of funding.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Heneghan asked if H&M had been engaged in the consultation process and the Regeneration Programmes Manager confirmed that they had.  She explained that corporately H&M had set rules on their buildings, therefore two options had been included and more work would be carried out during the detailed design phase.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Councillor Beales, welcomed the Panel’s comments, especially relating to trees and planting and explained that these would be considered during the detailed design phase.  He explained that funding was key and officers were working with partners at Norfolk County Council to look at sources of funding.

RESOLVED: The update was noted.