Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To seek Executive approval for the Cornhill, Markets and City Centre Vibrancy Project.

Decision

(1)       That consent be given to remove the Cornhill Kiosk and tree, subject to planning permission and vacant possession.

(2)       That authority be given to officers to trial an extension of the outdoor market on City Square.

(3)       That authority be given to develop proposals for the remaining £250,000 budget and for work to take place with stakeholders to agree on a schedule of delivery.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Alternative options considered and rejected were set out in paragraph 7.1 of the report.

Reason for Decision

The City Council had made a public commitment through both the City Centre Masterplan and Vision 2020 to develop an enhanced market offer for the city and provide improved public realm on the Cornhill Square. The Council was now in a position, subject to planning and some tenancy negotiations, to move forward with capital works to demolish the Cornhill Kiosk and make good the associated public realm in order to create an enhanced space for events.

Approval was therefore sought for the following aspects of the Cornhill, Markets and City Centre Vibrancy Project:

·         demolition of the Cornhill Kiosk and subsequent reinstatement of the associated public realm;

·         removal of a tree adjacent to the Cornhill Kiosk to open up Cornhill Square;

·         allocation of funds for the demolition of the Cornhill Kiosk and removal of the adjacent tree and costs incurred in obtaining vacant possession of the Cornhill Kiosk which was currently leased;

·         extension of the outdoor market offer on City Square to explore the viability of an outdoor market offer in this location;

·         identify sources of external funding to bring forward the redevelopment of the Central Market and the Cornhill and City Squares;

·         development of the financial business case to ensure the Council’s risks and financial exposure were minimised;

·         negotiation of any legal agreements required to enable delivery of the proposals as the scheme developed.

Whilst the full proposals for the city centre were still being developed, all partners agreed that the removal of the Kiosk on Cornhill Square to open it up to the High Street and create a much more effective public open space as part of the Public Realm Strategy was long overdue. The demolition of the Cornhill Kiosk and removal of the tree in front of the building therefore formed the first phase of improvements and would then allow the City Council to focus on creating a robust market offer around Central Market and City Square. This would allow the Cornhill to become a more appropriate space for events and encourage additional footfall and activity within the city centre.

Work was currently taking place to bring together a more joined up approach regarding the use, application and enforcement of a range of rights and licenses affecting trading in the city centre to further support the vibrancy, health and future of the city centre.  The Council was also working with support from key project  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115