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Town Centre Partnership Minutes (October)
Tuesday 3rd November 2009
Town Centre Partnership
Meeting 16 October 2009
Held at Newbury Racecourse
LC introduced Stuart Roper who showed the Committee artwork he had produced to place in the window of an empty shop in Jericho Oxford. This had been funded by contributions from local businesses. LC explained that Stuart has produced the mural in the window of her own premises and suppliers had contributed financially. JSH felt that such a mural would improve the appearance of empty shops in Newbury but historically it had been difficult to raise funds. JB felt that the windows at the museum would be a suitable site. DA explained that Arts Council Grants might be available for such a project and agreed to take it forward. MB asked how long it would take to complete a similar mural and Stuart estimated two to three months.
Minutes
JSH commented on the minutes;
his comments related to the media in general and not Andover Sound specifically.
He had not received the schedule showing the organisations attendees are representing.
The section on the Wharf Development relates only to the Pavilion.
Matters Arising
LC advised that the Committee’s remit will be discussed at the CIC Board Meeting on 26 October and reported to the November meeting.
JSH asked if a business case for the Pavilion in the Park had been prepared. NC will provide this.
The action regarding use of the Market Place has been carried forward.
LC has arranged a meeting with Kennet & Avon Canal Trust next week.
Parkway/Broadway
NC presented the latest newsletter. Work on the Broadway is continuing although it will be suspended from mid November and resume in the New Year. GH advised that NTC are arranging for the Clock House to be cleaned which is expected to be completed by the end of November. NC confirmed that funding was in place for lighting the Clock House and negotiations with contractors are taking place. NSF expressed concern that the hoardings in Northbrook Street were forcing pedestrians into the carriageway NC undertook to review this. BB understood that some tenants in the Kennet centre had been offered financial incentives to relocate to Parkway which would be detrimental to the south end of the town. NC is not aware that this forms part of the SLI marketing strategy and will discuss it with SLI and their agents. JH re-emphasised the benefit to the town of having the Parkway car park open for Christmas 2010.
Sterling Industrial Development
IB reported that the owners of this site are looking to develop it. There are difficulties however as it is reserved as employment land. Also WBC have an aspiration to build a link road between Sainsburys and Hambridge Lane which will bisect the site. The site itself is heavily contaminated having been the site of the Newbury Gas Works and there is uncertainty as to where liability for the clean up lies. The tower contains significant amounts of asbestos. The only way a viable development can be achieved is if a high density residential use is permitted. IB presented plans including a block of the same height as the existing tower, other smaller blocks and underground car parking. Whilst accepting that the site would benefit from development several members had reservations regarding the density and traffic implications.
Finance ME presented the financial reports Projections indicate that the cost of Christmas events will take cash held below the £10000 buffer which we aim to maintain. ME will discuss a contribution from Greenham Trust for events undertaken with NG. The contract for the vertical banners has been reviewed by Hemant Amin who has identified some points for consideration.
Events and Communications
LC will circulate a report from CP. KC and CP are considering community events for early 2010 which can be organised within budget.
PA asked whether minutes of the TCP meetings are published and a press release provided. He felt this is important to demonstrate transparency and refute claims of secrecy. JSH confirmed that Newbury T.C. members receive copies of the minutes but WBC members do not. It was agreed that minutes of the meetings should be made public. JSH confirmed that he supports the scrutiny of the work of the TCP by WBC Scrutiny Committee. NC will be attending the meeting and clarify the position. It was felt that CP should attend meetings whenever possible. JH and MB were concerned that if the Committee becomes too politicised members may become less willing to give up their time.
Destination Newbury
DA reported on actions being taken to promote Newbury as a destination for business and leisure. Work done in other towns such as Chichester and Reading is being considered. A meeting with Tim Smith from Reading ( previously Town Centre Manager at Newbury) is being arranged. BB felt that the whole of Newbury’s hinterland should be included which extends beyond West Berks.
Police Report
DM reported that two successful convictions had reduced cycle thefts and burglaries in the area. Shoplifting and purse thefts are being reported and the police are working with retailers particularly charity shops whose customers tend to be more vulnerable. Licensees have been reminded of their responsibility not to serve customers who are intoxicated and this has helped reduce assaults and public order offences. DM intends to make Newbury unattractive to criminals through robust policing and promote it as a safe place to visit. IA said that a change of perspective needed to be proactively managed and would be happy to assist via Newbury Sound. A further sub group could be set up as part of the safer community partnership and will be discussed at the CIC Board Meeting next Monday. MB confirmed that he would be happy to contribute. Any issues around the town can be reported to the police. LC will distribute contact numbers. It was felt that a representative from the evening economy would be beneficial. PS advised that surgeries are held every other week in the Market Place for members of the public to air concerns. Any member of the committee would be welcome to attend. BB complimented the police on their achievements.
Vision 2025
MB reported that the committee will be meeting on 17 November when an
update on the Urban Village will be received.
Newbury T.C. GH reported that the French market had been a great success. Newbury T.C. has nominated representatives for the various TCP Committees. The market has been re-arranged including some new stalls. A full presentation regarding the pavilion will be received on 7 December.
West Berks C.
PB reported that Market Street will be closed for two Sundays at the end of October and beginning of November. A public exhibition including a model of the pavilion will be held in the library on 5,6,7 November. Staff will be available to answer questions. NC reported that the cinema will open on 13 November. There will be a dry run on 11 November and a gala evening on 12 November. The restaurants on the ground floor will not be open until the New Year. SB drew attention to the state of the surface of the Market Place. NC will investigate.
AOB BB asked why free advertising in the Kennet Centre publication was not taken up. LC is not aware of this and will investigate. SB asked what the position was regarding drinking in the Town Centre. DM is checking the legislation to see what action is appropriate.
Next Meeting 20 November 9.30 Racecourse