Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Beth Mortenson.

Members of the Radcliffe Cabinet Committee are asked whether they have any interests on any item on the agenda and if so to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

A period of 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions. Questions must be submitted in advance to democratic.services@bury.gov.uk no later than 5pm on Tuesday, 25 March 2021.

The following question was submitted in advance of the meeting by a member of the public, Judi Sheppard:

The documents relating to the tender for the operation and management of Radcliffe market, 'method of operation' (page 20) clearly shows that the use of the piazza (when appropriate) is for specialist markets, events and community activities. As far as I'm aware the piazza is a public place so why have the council entered in to a 5 year agreement accepting that they will not grant any rights or privileges to any person or company to hold or conduct the same type of markets within Radcliffe for the duration of this agreement, therefore preventing any community activities or street events.

Supplementary question - Other towns host popular themed weekend markets, from trendy street food, farmers markets, Christmas markets etc all of which would be of benefit to the town and bring a heart to Radcliffe. Bearing in mind that one of the social objectives of Radcliffe market is to 'support the community by continuing to support township events and community fundraising events' - How do the council intend to overcome these prohibitions and ensure that any future contracts do not have any clause preventing the quality of life through events and promotion of social cohesion.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien responded:

When the agreement was first put in place with Radcliffe market it was a unique offer and a new working model. As part of that, time was needed to protect the market and let it find its feet by preventing direct competition on its own doorstep. The market is a fantastic space and is very popular with the community at its heart. The market board works well to encourage community involvement and anyone with any concerns or requests for community events to get in touch with the Board and work around the arrangement.

The council are committed to ensuring that the town centre developments in Radcliffe maximize the opportunity for local residents to come together and engage in a diverse and exciting programme of community and cultural events. Central to this will be the use of the public realm, and careful consideration and consultation will inform the design linking the piazza to the Hub, Market and Market Chambers buildings. We will be engaging with the Radcliffe Regeneration Advisory Group, Community Groups and local businesses to develop our design proposals and will explore design of the public realm in more detail in the coming months.

We recognize the concerns raised and are presently discussing the details of the management arrangements required to safeguard accessibility to our public spaces for all.

Councillor Mike Smith gave some context to how the issue arose, and officers advised that the council’s legal team could investigate and provide advice in order to resolve any dispute.

The following question was submitted in advance of the meeting by a member of the public, BobBirchmore:

As laid out in the prospectus, the Government Levelling Up Fund is a competition, there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Minutes from the meeting held on 18 March 2021 are attached.

Agreed: That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the report regarding the proposed Levelling Up Fund bid for a new Civic Hub in Radcliffe town centre.

With regards to stakeholder engagement, Members noted that the bid is based on a clear case for need and for change, and key to that is the level of stakeholder engagement. This is formed part of the wider SRF, which had wide governance arrangements with a Delivery Board and Advisory Board enabling a wide range of partners to be involved and webinars to ensure engagement despite Covid related disruptions. Engagement had included the full suite of council services, TfGM, GMCA, CCG colleagues as well as community groups, existing businesses and facilities.

It was noted that the bid was note about designs for the site but instead focussed on the drivers for the work. As such, the specifics of the design were not in place yet, and research and engagement would inform the ultimate design, which was only in concept stage currently.

With regards to the public services hub, it was noted that moving office staff would have the benefit of increasing footfall to retail facilities nearby, although this was only part of the plan. The hub would provide one space for multiple council services, making access easier for residents and negating the need for multiple visits. The detail as to which services would be based there and how they would be housed was still to be determined.

Decision:

1.   That Radcliffe Cabinet Committee recommends to Cabinet the development and submission a Levelling Up Bid application for a new Civic Hub in Radcliffe town centre. Final approval of the submissions on or prior to 18 June 2021 will be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

2.   Recommends to Cabinet expenditure up to £125,000 to the Radcliffe project as required to support the development of proposals submitted as the bid to the Levelling Up Fund to enable the delivery of the project within the required timescales.

There was no other business.

To consider passing the appropriate resolution under Section 100 (A)(4), Schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the reason that the following business involves the disclosure of exempt information as detailed against the item.

Agreed: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100 (A)(4), Schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, for the reason that the following business involves the disclosure of exempt information as detailed against the item.

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the confidential report which provided an update on progress made and the detail beneath the assumptions, financial planning and possible social outcomes of the proposals.

Decision:

That Radcliffe Cabinet Committee:

1.   Notes progress to date on the development of the Radcliffe Civic Hub.

2.   Recommends to Cabinet the development and submission a Levelling Up Bid application for a new Civic Hub in Radcliffe town centre. Final approval of the submissions on or prior to 18 June 2021 will be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

3.   Recommends to Cabinet expenditure up to £125,000 to the Radcliffe project as required to support the development of proposals submitted as the bid to the Levelling Up Fund to enable the delivery of the project within the required timescales.