Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Corporate Manager Property.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 3 March 2016 and its comments will be reported.

The report of the Corporate Manager Property was submitted which set out the need to review the future of South Street and the Corn Exchange block and to ask Council to approve initial funding to resource the projects.

The Corporate Manager Property clarified that, in response to a comment raised at Scrutiny Committee – Economy regarding a review, KPMG were undertaking for British Homes Stores and it had been confirmed that the current position was that they were not looking to close the Exeter Store.

In response to Members’ questions, the Corporate Manager Property clarified the position with regard to the occupation of units on South Street and that the Council would keep tenants and businesses in the area informed of any proposals as they come forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture commented that there were no immediate changes proposed and that residents and businesses in the locality would be consulted on any projects coming forward.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 3 March 2016 and its comments were reported.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve a budget of £75,000 to progress the project for a review of South Street and the Corn Exchange block.

To consider the report of the Corporate Property Manager.

The Corporate Property Manager presented a report which sought approval to commence a review of South Street and the Corn Exchange block in the city and initial funding to resource the projects.  South Street remained an important part of the city, but there was also the potential to develop the area as a bridge between the city centre and Exeter Quay. It was important to plan the future of the area through a comprehensive assessment of the areas’ constraints and opportunities and link to the City Centre Strategy. It was acknowledged that the process of renovation would take a number of years, but it was also hoped that some quick wins could be identified and delivered in advance of the plan, through consultation with local business and residents.

Councillor Denham attended the meeting and spoke under Standing Order 44 and appreciated there were would be many valid questions from those residents and businesses in the locality. The consultation should guide the needs of the local and wider community and pick up any potential areas of concern. It was anticipated that a Steering Group would be established and include a range of stakeholders to help drive the work, which would commence after the forthcoming local elections in May.

The Corporate Manager Property and Councillor Denham responded, as appropriate, to Members’ comments:-

·           the initial stance was not to be too prescriptive over the boundary of the review areas but it was acknowledged that this was an opportunity to take a comprehensive approach to connect the Cathedral area, the city centre and the Quay. 

·           one of the early tasks would be to look at ways in which to design out anti-social behaviour as it was acknowledged this had an effect on the wider community.Councillor Denham referred to the levels of anti-social behaviour. It was intended that a number of initiatives such as the new Homelessness Strategy and work with partner organisations would manage such behaviour more effectively. The Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, Superintendent Sam de Reya from Devon and Cornwall Police was also committed to delivering a renewed drive.

·           a range of stakeholders including local residents and businesses would be invited to take part at an early stage of the consultation process.

·           the City Council was the landlord of the British Homes Stores building and KPMG had been working on a nationwide review of their stores, and this could be seen as a further opportunity to include in the review area.

·           the request for £75,000 would enable the process to be initiated, by funding the public consultation as well as include urban design, valuation and legal work to progress the project to the point of formulating a masterplan for any future development.  

Members also made the following comments for consideration:-

·           this was a once in a generation opportunity that would enable the aspirations for the area to be realised. 

·           every effort should be made to help local business in their long term planning and future investment.

·           the future devolution of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21