Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

The Leader moved the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Wright, and invited the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources to introduce the report

The Strategic Director for Corporate Resources in presenting the report made the following points:

·        the report was requesting approval for a £2.5 million capital budget to enhance and improve the Cathedral Quay multi-storey car park;

·        the car park had required improvements for some time and a recent intrusive structural analysis confirmed the car park was structurally sound, contrary to earlier concerns;

·        given the concerns of the structural analysis had been alleviated, the budget would be used to improve appearance, lighting, and overall user experience as well as upgrading the surrounding landscape;

·        the budget would also enable the re-opening of two and half decks which had been closed for an extended period of time;

·        the site had experienced ongoing antisocial behaviour issues and the proposal sought to outsource the day-to-day operation to a specialist car park managing agent to address operational and safety issues;

·        the Council would retain full control of decisions and all income from the car park;

·        the estimated borrowing cost would be around £158,000 per year and additional revenue was expected from re-opening of the closed decks; and

·        the projected additional income was expected to offset both the borrowing costs and operator fees.

The Strategic Director for Corporate Resources and Head of Service for Commercial Assets responded to Members questions as follows:

·        the recommendation was seeking Council approval to outsource the management of Cathedral Quay car park only and the decision would be made by Council;

·        the recent structural report included an intrusive structural analysis, unlike the report from two years ago and the latest findings were considered more reliable;

·        consultants had confirmed that the car park was structurally sound and met the required standards, even in the unlikely event that it was fully occupied by heavier electric vehicles;

·        the refurbishment works could require the car park to be closed for six months’, though this was not yet confirmed. A phased refurbishment option may allow parts of the car park to remain open, but this would be more complex;

·        it was likely there would be some disruption to nearby businesses during the works but the Council would consult and engage with local traders to minimise disruption as plans developed;

·        although a private operator would be managing the car park, the Council would retain full control over all operational decisions and requirements;

·        the refurbishment provided an opportunity to improve the carpark layout and usability of its spaces, taking into account larger modern vehicles;

·        the aim was to maximise usable spaces and create one of the city’s best multi-storey car parks;

·        to confirm, Members were being asked to approve a £2.5 million capital budget, with the borrowing decisions being delegated to the section 151 officer in consultation with the Council Leader, with updates reported back through normal reporting processes;

·        the main measures proposed to address anti-social behaviour were - installing CCTV, re-opening and providing full usage of the car  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157