Decision details

The report of the City Centre Manager and Economy and Development Projects Officer was submitted seeking comments and support for the City Centre Strategy for Exeter 2007/12, recently agreed by the City Centre Executive and the City Centre Management Partnership Board (CCMPB). 

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 7 June 2007 and the comments and support of members were noted. A member of Executive believed that the refurbished Debenhams building could be used to provide leisure facilities including a swimming pool, some retail outlets and accommodation for professional/key workers and students. Members agreed the need to seriously consider a range of uses, particularly in the light of the significant shortage of affordable housing, but acknowledged that ultimately financial viability would be a key factor in determining future use.  The Director Economy and Development undertook to ensure that such proposals were put before Land Securities for consideration and that Members were briefed on this and able to input into proposals for the site.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        the City Centre Strategy be supported and updates on progress in relation to the Strategy be submitted to members; and

(2)        Land Securities be requested to consider a range of options for the future use of the Debenhams building including the ideas suggested by members.

(Report circulated)