Agenda item

Smithfield General Market Site

Patrick Streeter asked a question of the Chairman of the Property Investment Board concerning the recent purchase of the Smithfield General Market Site.

In reply, the Chairman outlined the process by which the valuation had been made and the procedures in place to scrutinise the valuation. He confirmed that the price paid had reflected a fair market value and that the Board was content with the purchase.

Homelessness

Patrick Streeter asked a question of the Chairman of the Community & Children’s Services Committee concerning funding from central government to tackle homelessness.

In reply, the Chairman provided clarity as to the funding announced in the spring budget and the projects it was being made available for. He reassured Members that bids would be made for the various elements of the funding as appropriate.

Tudor Street

Martin Dudley asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning & Transportation Committee regarding the situation at Tudor Street.

The Chairman advised that, following the Court’s decision in April not to see the previously proposed traffic arrangements implemented in Tudor Street, TfL had nevertheless banned motor vehicle access in to the Street as part of the Cycle Super Highway. The Chairman had convened a number of meetings with TfL and key stakeholders as a consequence, resulting in several proposals to improve the situation. An internal safety review of the Junctions between Tudor Street and New Bridge Street and Bridewell Place and New Bridge Street had also been commissioned, resulting in temporary improved signage being installed, and an independent safety audit of the new Cycle Super Highway and safety risk assessment of impacted streets had also been passed to TfL. Tudor Street junction would also continue to feature as a standing item on the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee’s agenda.

In response to supplementary questions, the Chairman noted Members’ concerns about the pace with which the issue was being dealt but cautioned that it was a complex matter involving many stakeholders, with public safety needing to be the paramount concern. He also sympathised with Members’ concerns as to TfL acting unilaterally and without mind to the Court’s decision in April.

Replying to further supplementary questions, the Chairman advised that he would ask officers to provide an estimate of the cost in officer time of dealing with this issue. He also clarified that the reputational risk associated with this matter was captured on the corporate risk register and was at a red rating; he confirmed he would be happy to engage with the Audit and Risk Committee to consider what else might be done to address this very important risk.

Leadenhall Market

John Scott asked a question of the Chairman of the Property Investment Board concerning the marketing strategy at Leadenhall Market.

The Chairman confirmed that the strategy agreed in September 2014 remained in place and provided examples of recent activity which had taken place in accordance with this strategy, resulting in the annual rent roll for the Market having increased by 10% and the number of vacant units decreasing from 5 to 2.

Responding to a supplementary question, the Chairman agreed that it would be helpful for external consultants advising on the strategy to work with the City Corporation’s in-house promotional team to ensure a more coordinated approach.

Ludgate Circus

Henrika Priest asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning & Transportation Committee regarding road safety and traffic flow at Ludgate Circus.

Responding, the Chairman noted the significant congestion and delays caused by the current westbound closure of Newgate Street, which had been undertaken to facilitate essential National Grid Gas improvements. He confirmed that TfL had been formally requested to reinstate a yellow box at the junction with Ludgate Circus, as well as to review the signal timings at the junction to give additional time to East–West movement, which would help to alleviate congestion. He was also exploring how Civil Enforcement Officers might be used to avoid further problems being caused by illegal parking and how, if at all, bus movements might also be reduced to alleviate traffic.

Responding to a supplementary question, the Chairman undertook to keep all Members informed as to progress on this important issue.