Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent.

The Committee considered the report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest and noted the design and build of Epping Forest Gateways and associated standardisation of furniture such as signage and benches is part of the Branching Out project. It had been informed by the new graphic designs for Open Spaces.

Design options are appended for consideration. We are seeking approval of a

design concept and materials, which would then be worked up with  detailed drawings for the gateways, signage and Forest furniture.

The budget for design and build of a series of Gateways and furniture is £250,000.

The exact allocation will depend on the chosen design and materials. The

intention was to install signage within the Branching Out contract by the end of

November 2014.

Discussions ensued regarding the inclusion of the City of London Corporation crest and the words “Epping Forest: Registered Charity” on all of the signs, and Officers agreed to investigate this further. Members agreed that all signs should include this wording

Members discussed the possibility of erecting signs along the Tour De France route which could be picked up by the media to advertise Epping Forest and the City Corporation. Whilst road surfaces could not be painted, nor arches erected across the road, Officers agreed to consult with colleagues in the Public Relations Officers regarding possible advertising opportunities.

Resolved: That Members:

• approved the design approach in order for officers to request the contractor to prepare detailed designs.

• agreed that that the decision on the final design be delegated to the Chairman and

Deputy Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee.