Decision details

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the report which followed Cabinet’s approval in November 2020 to engage consultants to prepare a public realm and place management plan for Ramsbottom. Detailed consideration of submissions concluded that a proposal led by Layer Landscape Architects Ltd. was the strongest and an appointment had been made on this basis.

In response to a Member’s question, it was noted that Layer Landscape Architects Ltd. had demonstrated a plan that benefited the various aspects of Ramsbottom, utilising smaller spaces to open the area up and encourage footfall and dwell time. The consultants will engage with stakeholders and businesses to develop concepts and interventions that will help build on the town’s success, as well as assist with the recovery process as businesses emerge from the latest lockdown.

Decision:

That Cabinet:

·         Notes that Layer Landscape Architects Ltd. have been appointed to prepare the Place Management and Movement Plan for Ramsbottom town centre on behalf of the Council; and

·         Notes that a draft of the Place Management and Movement Plan will be presented to Cabinet for approval for consultation purposes and that, following consultation, a final version will be subject to further Cabinet approval.

Reasons for the decision:

The proposal by Layer Landscape Architects Ltd. shows a clear understanding of the brief which is backed up by a strong team with considerable project experience in delivering plans to improve placemaking and movement in other similar-sized towns across the country. Layer Landscape Architects Ltd. Will work closely with Council officers to ensure that the objectives and outputs set out in the brief are fully delivered in a timely manner.

Other options considered and rejected:

The invitation to tender for the commission of the Ramsbottom Place Management and Movement Plan resulted in the submission of thirteen proposals in total. All submissions were fully considered as alternative options.