Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To provide the Executive with an update on a scheme of works which had already been approved to demolish the Cornhill Kiosk and put in place measures to protect the existing tree, create a new seating platform and restore the immediate public realm.

The report also sought further authority for a second phase of improvement works to include paving, seating, street furniture and a potential water feature, in consultation with key partners.

Decision

That the Executive:

(1)          Notes the proposed scope of works, process and timescale for the demolition of the Cornhill Kiosk, retention and protection of the tree and provision of integral seating as a first phase of improvements to Cornhill Square.

(2)          Authorises officers to develop proposals for a second phase of improvement works to include paving, seating, street furniture and a potential water feature, in consultation with key partners, and notes that the implementation of the final scheme will be subject to securing external funding.

(3)          Authorises officers to procure and commission feasibility and design works to inform a full business case for the future development of the Central Market building and City Square, in consultation with key partners.

(4)          Approves the use of the ring-fenced budget of £300,000 to support the cost of the above schemes and as leverage to secure additional, external and match-funding as described within the report.

(5)          Approves to delegate the final allocation of the £300,000 budget between the identified projects to the Major Development Strategic Director and Chief Finance Officer.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Other options considered and rejected were set out in paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2 of the report.

Reason for Decision

Updates were reported on the following aspects of the Cornhill, markets and city centre:

Cornhill Phase 1

Consent had been granted for the demolition of the kiosk and proposals had been modified to allow for the retention and protection of the associated tree. Designs had been produced to allow for the protection of the three roots through a ‘root bridge’ system and the creation of a new seating plinth below the tree canopy. The cost of the scheme was expected to increase as a result of the additional trees. It was proposed to prioritise this scheme and fund the work from a ring-fenced £300,000 budget. The residual budget would then be used to support the implementation of the phase 2 works and Central Market.

It was anticipated that works would commence on-site in November 2019 to be completed within three months, however, it was noted that fee proposals were due to be returned by 13 September 2019 with the contract due to be let early in October.

Cornhill Phase 2

Concept designs and estimated costs were also being produced for a wider scheme of public realm improvements to Cornhill Square. This included natural stone paving, with a palette of materials to mirror the wider Cornhill Quarter, new seating and a potential water feature. The final scheme design would be subject to consultation with key  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30