Agenda and minutes

Councillor Georgina Culley – unwell

Councillor Mohammed Ibrahim – unwell

Councillor Ginny Klein – unwell

Councillor Brian Parbutt – personal

Councillor Anne Peach – personal

In the Chair’s absence, the meeting was chaired by Councillor Sue Johnson, the Vice-Chair.

None.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2017

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2017 were agreed as a true record and they were signed by the Chair.

Report of Head of Legal and Governance

Councillor Jon Collins, Council Leader/Portfolio Holder for Strategic Infrastructure and Communications, gave a presentation on the key issues and challenges under his remit within the Council Plan. The presentation focussed on the following ‘Amber-rated’ priorities:

(a)  Create a world-class entrance to the south of the city: Broadmarsh Car Park and Shopping centre development were progressing – see minute 19 -  and road space improvements to keep Nottingham moving during the extensive works period are also underway. Public realm design works are also ongoing in the vicinity of Broadmarsh;

(b)  starting the redevelopment of the Island Site: Conygar/Lavignac has purchased the site from the previous owner, following potential compulsory purchase interventions by the City Council. Architects are appointed and a recent intrusive site investigation will inform the updating of the planning Master Plan for the site;

(c)  develop the Guildhall site: Miller Birch has a contract running until October 2018, with payment due when certain conditions, including planning permission for re-use, have been met. Discussions with potential hotel operators are progressing well, and a draft specification for a range of Nottingham Trent University uses has been agreed;

(d)  campaign to get train service to London in less than 90 minutes: there is uncertainty over central government’s position on Midland Mainline upgrading and electrification, with no confirmation of an implementation date for electrification of the line between Corby and Sheffield. Delays to the work programme, timetabling pressures and long-term uncertainty over the future of the Midland Mainline franchise represent the main barriers to success;

(e)  world class conference centre as part of the Ice Stadium complex: several options are being considered, but the Broadmarsh development is being prioritised at present.

The following points were raised during discussion:

(f)  Councillor Collins was confident that development of the Guildhall will proceed within expected timescales;

(g)  though not specifically under his remit, Councillor Collins answered questions in respect of Council housing and support for allotments. While the development of the above priorities did not relate to housing and allotments, the City Council remained committed to expanding the provision of affordable housing in Nottingham, and to preserving allotment provision such as those in St Ann’s, close to the city centre. 

RESOLVED to note the presentation and discussion, and to thank Councillor Collins for his attendance and participation.

Report of Head of Legal and Governance

Councillor Jon Collins, Council Leader/Portfolio Holder for Strategic Infrastructure and Communications, gave a presentation on the development of the Broadmarsh site and surrounding area, highlighting the following points:

(a)  the rationale for the development is to boost the southern city centre’s profile, appeal and contribution to the city’s overall economy, and to co-ordinate linked workstreams (retail investment, car park investment, a new city college, heritage and public realm developments and transport hub);

(b)  over the next 10 years, the development is expected to deliver 2,900 jobs, 3 million more annual visits, £25 million annual tourism spend, and help restore Nottingham’s profile and reputation as ‘top 5’ city destination;

(c)  Broadmarsh Shopping Centre: Executive Board approval is now in place, enabling the owners of Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, Intu, to progress the next stage of enabling works. A preferred bidder for the main works is expected later in Summer of 2017;

(d)  Broadmarsh Car Park: approval is in place to demolish the existing car park and parking ‘decanting’ activities are progressing well. Discussions on the scope of the new build are also progressing well. Once the scope is agreed, financial modelling and financing proposals can be taken forward, as will the new build tender process;

(e)  Road Transformation: the highways impact assessment is completed, enabling works are in place for Broadmarsh car park demolition, a ‘no-stop’ Red Route on Queen’s Road and London Road is operating and additional capacity on London Road has been introduced. The Red Route will be extended to include Canal Street and part of Trent Street;

(f)  City Hub: New College Nottingham and Central College have agreed to merge to form Nottingham College, with legal agreements, due diligence and financial arrangements being finalised. Work is restarting on the design development and procurement of a single-site new build college facility, close to Broadmarsh.

The Committee commended the ambition of the development, and the progress made to date. The following issues were raised during discussion:

(g)  several councillors expressed concern about the impact on city centre businesses of an associated programme of works to expand heritage-led tourism in the Castle Quarter, especially about reports that the Castle could be closed for up to 3 years. David Bishop, Deputy Chief Executive/Corporate Director for Development and Growth, undertook to report councillors’ concerns to the relevant project teams;

(h)  Councillor Collins expressed the view that the Broadmarsh site and surrounding area was likely to be within an ‘Ultra-Low Emissions Zone’ from 2020, and that Nottingham City Transport was an exemplar for introducing low-emission vehicles to improve Nottingham’s air quality;

(i)  Councillor Collins agreed with a councillor that current arrangements for traffic and pedestrians on Milton Street was not a good example of shared road space, and that the lessons learnt will inform current southern city centre developments;

(j)  in response to a question from a member of the public, Councillor Collins explained that these developments did not directly involve housing, but he reiterated the Council’s support for affordable housing in Nottingham.

RESOLVED to note the presentation and discussion, and to thank Councillor Collins for his attendance.

Report of Head of Legal and Governance

Jane Garrard, Senior Governance Officer, introduced the report setting out the work programme for the remainder of the 2017/18 municipal year.

In view of concerns expressed at minute 19 above on the adverse impact on local businesses of closing Nottingham Castle for an extended period, it was agreed to check the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism’s availability to come to the Committee before December 2017.  

In response to a councillor’s concerns about contracts for delivery of exercise programme, it was suggested that this might be more appropriate to consider at Health Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED to note the work programme.