Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Economy.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 22 January 2015 and its comments will be reported.

The report of the Assistant Director Economy was submitted to update Members on the preparation for Exeter being a ‘Host City’ for the Rugby World Cup tournament taking place between 18 September and 31 October 2015, including work being undertaken to ensure that there was a legacy from the city’s involvement. The Assistant Director Economy also informed Members that the European seven a-side tournament would be held at Sandy Park on 11 and 12 July 2015 and this was an opportunity to test our preparations for the Rugby World Cup tournament.

The Chief Executive & Growth Director commented that the seven a-side tournament would be good for the visitor economy and there was the opportunity to have this tournament return to the city on a more regular basis and Executive should consider providing funding to successfully promote the event.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 22 January 2015 and the support and comments of the Members were noted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and that the Assistant Director Economy bring a report to the next Executive on the support required to host the European seven a-side tournament on the 11 and 12 July 2015.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Economy.

The Assistant Director Economy presented a report which updated Members on the preparations currently being made for Exeter being a ‘Host City’ for the Rugby World Cup tournament, taking place between 18 September and 31 October 2015, as well as the work being undertaken to ensure that there was a legacy from the city’s involvement.

He responded as follows to Members’ queries:-

·                the maximum capacity of 6,000 for the provision of the Fanzone quoted was to ensure there was adequate emergency access for all, taking account of any other events going on in the immediate area.

·                ‘dressing’ the city would add interest and colour to the overall event, although the final format still had to be agreed, the Rugby World Cup organisation’s corporate style would also include a number of banners and these would be in place at least six weeks prior to the start of the games, around Sandy Park and also at the main gateways to the city, such as Heavitree Road and Topsham Road and Exe Bridges. Appropriate signage and flags would also be in place. City businesses and retailers will also participate in promoting the event in some way, as well as the main sponsors, Land Rover and Heineken.

·                there would be a strict control on the sale of official souvenirs and programme, within the immediate environs of Sandy Park and the Fanzone in the city centre, and this stance would be supported by Environmental Health and Trading Standard officers.  He welcomed a Member’s comment on her experiences when marshalling car parks on regular match days at Sandy Park in Apple Lane and at Digby and the likely presence of unofficial sellers.  He hoped that the number of volunteers in place would deter their activities but all staff would be vigilant. 

·                the rigorous traffic management arrangements would be the same as any match day at Sandy Park, but some modelling work  was also being carried out to establish where people were likely to be travelling from and how that might affect  the way that Sandy Park will operate.  He was not aware of any plans to close any local roads at this time.

·                a group had already been set up to discuss the effects on public transport including the opportunities for rail, and First Great Western was aware of the issues. 

·                the £10,000 community fund competition should attract entries from a number of local rugby clubs.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy supported the recommendation for Executive to note the report and progress made to date.