Agenda item

Councillor Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth:

a)    presented a report to Performance Scrutiny Committee covering the areas:

·         Swanpool

·         Towns Fund Projects in Lincoln – Central Market Transformation

·         United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund – UKSPF

·         Lincoln’s Heritage

·         High Street Historic Action Zone Project

·         Planning Policy

·         Small Business Support

·         Car Parks/Parking

·         Residents Parking Scheme

·         Tourism

·         Christmas Market 40^th Anniversary

b)    invited members’ comments and questions

Question: Members asked for the Portfolio Holders views on being committed to keeping the Christmas Market and how this would be supported.

Response: The Portfolio Holder was absolutely committed to the Christmas Market. It was the 40^th anniversary of the market this year and a lot of work goes into the event in order to make the market a success.

Question: Members asked if any work had been carried out following the rate of inflation and property prices decreasing for the Western Growth Corridor.

Response: The housing market in Lincoln was different as the Western Growth Corridor was a huge project that would hopefully help with the property market in Lincoln. The Western Growth Corridor would open up parts of Lincoln that were close to the city centre and offer easy access to amenities and transport links.

Question: Members asked if any work had been carried out for short term lets as a lot of people were using them rather than B&B’s and hotels which was displacing some residents.

Response: Staycations have been good for Lincoln. There were a few houses that had become air B&B’s but there is nothing that we could do about this. On a plus side the city has become popular. Before COVID there was £216m spent in the economy in Lincoln, this went down during COVID then increased again by £60m. Officers were to provide a summary of the key spends from 2019-2021 to the committee.

Question: Members asked what work was taking place with other organisations regarding the use of heritage buildings once they had the refurbishment completed as it would be good if tourists could be encouraged to stay for longer.

Response: Heritage Lincoln came this week to look at progress that had been made so far.

Question: Members asked if talks were being made with original stallholders from the Central Market once the refurbishment had taken place.

Response: It was envisaged that a lot more customers would use the market once the renovations had been completed. The arch windows were being completely opened up and a new roof being installed with a mezzanine floor.

Question: Members asked when the market is to be re-opened.

Response: Autumn 2023.

Comment: Members commented that the Car Parking Strategy was really important for this city as there is potential for more visitors once developments/projects had completed. Also, residents parking was being put in place in a small area of Boultham.

Response: The Car Parking Strategy was really important, especially with the infrastructure and income for the city. A lot of money had been invested in parking over the years. There was a dip in income over August and this may become a pattern due the cost-of-living crisis.

Resolved that:

1.    A summary of the key spends in Lincoln from 2019-2021 be forwarded to the committee.

2.    The report be noted.