Agenda item

To consider attached.

Peter Tooher gave a presentation to support the Progress Report which provided the Board with an update on the project.

 

The Board was given an overview of the actions to date and work in progress. 

 

·         Site visit undertaken with NEDDC/Nexus Planning and Buttress Architects

·         Draft Communication Strategy has been prepared and supporting material. 

·         Stakeholder engagement

·         Documentation review and baseline research work

·         Prepared paper on Investment Plan Framework, based on guidance from MHCLG

 

Peter Alford advised that guidance had now been received and the Framework was now progressing. 

 

A vision and strategy should be based on evidence of the local needs and priorities.  Engagement and public consultation was required.  Work was being undertaken on some baseline analysis.

 

We need to look at how we respond to the current crisis within a long-term plan as this will also set out aspirations for change over a ten year period.

 

It was stated that there had to be a balance between ambition and deliverability, and look at strategic interventions that deliver tangible change.

 

Investment needed to be able to deliver sustainable change and respond to environmental changes. There was also a need to focus and build on joint working and partnerships between public, private and community sectors. 

 

The town centre needed to be the focus of activity and prioritisation.

 

The TIP would be set out in two sections – context, strategy, engagement/planning and projects.

 

The evidence base needed to be presented in a way that showed a proper process had been followed.

 

The TIP will be subject to review against set criteria, with only one opportunity for resubmission.

 

The Towns Hub would be a key resource and should provide support of the preparation of the TIP through providing guidance and feedback.

 

We were currently at the first stage of the TIP, the next stages will be submission followed by agreement to Heads of Terms.  Business cases will then need to be submitted within a 12 month period.

 

Peter Tooher gave an overview of the interim baseline findings.

 

·         Clay Cross is a key location for significant growth

·         The town centre lacked a centre point however there were development opportunities to be able to do this

·         Currently there was a disconnect between the town centre, key assets and areas of growth, but there was scope to improve the links

·         Traffic and congestion from the A61 detract visitors to the town centre so need to look at options for traffic management and public realm improvements.  Pedestrian links need improving

·         Community and other key assets i.e. Coney Green, Egstow Park, Health and Education facilities, and open spaces are spread across the town, and these need to be better connected by creating cycle and pedestrian routes

 

Going forward we need to think about socio-economics of the area and the impact on Covid-19.

 

Rachael Lister gave an overview of the market analysis work that had been undertaken.

 

·         Gaps had been identified in housing provision. In particular smaller, starter homes and apartments to rent

·         There was potential interest from leisure operators given the volume of housing delivery i.e. cinema, gym, bowling

·         Employment market was lacking in smaller units

 

Key sites of development opportunity need to be identified as this will add to the viability of the town centre.

 

There were a number of emerging themes on how we re-discover the town centre and growth opportunities including place making, heritage and culture; strengthening the heart of the community; improving access to leisure, health and recreation; raising aspirations among business and the workforce; enhancing connectivity and strategic links.

 

There are a number of key projects emerging including town centre redevelopment, a Community Hub, Leisure provisions, A61 corridor, a railway station, better linkages, and a Training and Apprenticeship Centre.

 

There were also other aspirations that could be considered including heritage projects, cultural/youth projects, a low carbon demonstrator project, a new primary school and 5G network/town centre wifi.  

 

Projects would need to align with the Town Fund objectives and funding requirements, and the level of public support as well as feasibility and deliverability.  Further work on this would need to be done before options can be proposed.

 

Martin Kirkpatrick gave an overview of the Town Centre Strategy.  There are tunnels already within the area that could be used to create links to the centre.  Space could be freed up within the centre to create a heart of the town.

 

Parks need to be more accessible and pedestrian/cycle routes can be developed/enhanced to achieve this.

 

Peter Tooher advised that the next steps would include:

 

·         Finalising baseline analysis

·         Continue with stakeholder engagement

·         Assess consultation feedback

·         Ongoing consultations with stakeholders including Growth Hub, NHS/CCG, Network Rail

·         Early engagement with Towns Hub

·         Consider partnership funding opportunities

·         Engage with landowners/occupiers/developers

·         Project scoping

·         Establish priorities with CCTB

·         Work toward a draft IP for consultation

 

Lee Hickin advised that prior to the Towns Fund being announced there had already been a lot of work on the future of Sharley Park Leisure Centre and asked how this would fit in with the future of Clay Cross.  Peter Tooher confirmed that Sport England were keen to meet to discuss leisure provision further.

 

Andrew King queried the provisions that have been proposed by Nexus.  Peter Tooher confirmed that the bid would be based around what the local people would like to see and this would come from public consultation. 

 

Cllr Kenyon queried the links that are already within the town i.e. access from Sharley Park to Tesco.  Peter Tooher advised that there were development opportunities to improve these links around the town to make more areas accessible.