A presentation will be given at the meeting.
Minutes:
Paul Lakin, Director of Economic Regeneration and Capital Growth gave a presentation setting out the implementation of the growth strategy, the key objectives, streamlining and funding of the Directorate, the 2019/2020 early priorities, including the early priorities in relation to Bury Market.
Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments and the following points were raised:
· Councillor Lucy Smith referred to 5G in public sector buildings and asked how the public sector buildings were being included in the roll out of 5G.
Paul explained that there would have to be a more considered paper presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to 5G roll out across the borough.
· Councillor Powell referred to the development of Prestwich Village and asked where it was up to and whether the 9 Prestwich Councillors will be briefed on future developments.
Paul explained that a Cabinet Paper was in the process of being produced and Councillors will be briefed. This would then lead to public consultation.
· Councillor Southworth reiterated the need for involving local Councillors in all consultations relating to their wards.
· Councillor N Jones referred to early priorities across the borough in general and the big sites that were set out with the presentation including; the former fire station in Bury Town Centre; Chamberhall; Bradley Fold Industrial Estate; Market Chambers and Radcliffe Leisure Centre site. Councillor Jones asked for information showing actual progress made at the sites.
· Councillor Jones asked how the footfall at Bury Market was monitored.
Paul explained that there were movement monitors attached to the entrances that counted people in. The margin for error was always built into these statistics and the staffing numbers within the markets were also accounted for.
· Councillor Harris referred to Chamberhall and the statement that 50% was already let. Councillor Harris asked what this actually meant.
Paul explained that this referred to the gross floor space available and the fact that a pre let agreement had be signed for 50% of this space. Paul reported that he would provide an update on these figures at a future meeting.
· Councillor Stella Smith referred to the old Police Station site at Irwell Street in Bury Town Centre and what was happening at the site.
Paul explained that the old Fire Station site was in the process of being reviewed. The Council were looking for a very specific type of investor that would enhance the site and would not just accept the highest bid. It was anticipated that this work would inform the decision on the old Police Station site on Irwell Street site also.
· Councillor Stella Smith referred to Bury Market and the reduction in footfall and asked whether there was any demographic information in relation to this.
Paul explained that the Market didn’t attract as many young people as it would like.
· Councillor Stella Smith suggested that all social media and other tactics needed to be employed.
Paul explained that following recent dialogue between the Council and market traders it had been agreed to review the current business model. A cross party working group will be set up to oversee the future development of the market.
It was agreed:
1. That the contents of the update be noted.
2. That a report setting out the work of the Bury Market Working Group be brought to a future meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee