Decision details

(Minute 86)

The joint report of the City Centre Manager and the Assistant Director Economy was submitted, updating Members on the preparation of a new City Centre Strategy to cover the period 2013/22, seeking approval from Members for the City Centre Strategy document as drafted.

The case for a new City Centre Strategy had previously received the backing of the City Centre Management Partnership Board (CCMPB) in 2012 and, following initial consideration of a draft Strategy framework in early 2013, there had been an extensive consultation and listening exercise with a wide range of City Centre stakeholders including Devon County Council, the Police, the business community and Exeter Chamber of Commerce. The resulting final draft of the Strategy would be reproduced in a more attractive format and published in Autumn 2013.

The action plan would be reviewed on an annual basis. It was important for its success that the Strategy had wide spread ownership across the business community as well as the key agencies and the membership of the City Centre Partnership would change to reflect this as well as those organisations who would be responsible for delivering the Strategy

Councillor Leadbetter spoke on this item under Standing Order no.44. He welcomed the Strategy and the efforts being undertaken towards bridging the gap between the afternoon and evening economy.

Members welcomed and embraced this Strategy and suggesting that Exeter examine successful initiatives in other cities designed to encourage visitors.

The Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture stated that this was the coming together of all the stakeholders and partners within the City Centre and thanked Scrutiny Committee Economy for it’s support and comments.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 5 September 2013 and the comments of members were noted regarding the City Centre Partnership Membership and overseeing the delivery of the Strategy and Action Plan

Executive resolved that:-

(1)          the draft City Centre Strategy be approved;

(2)          the City Centre Partnership be asked to oversee the delivery of the  Strategy and Action Plan,  and the City Council work with the Partnership to review its membership to include representatives from the various distinctive areas, types of business and other interests which depend on the City Centre; 

(3)          Scrutiny Committee - Economy receive at least an annual presentation and    progress report;

(4)        a list of consultees/respondents be published; and 

(5)          the City Council write to Devon County Council ‘s Highways Authority requesting a review of signage in the city centre relating to vehicular access, in an effort to address the increasing number of vehicles driving through the High Street and Sidwell Street.