Agenda item

The Sub-Committee received a Gateway 4 report seeking approval of the proposed public realm, highway and security improvement option in the area of the Shoe Lane Quarter to enable the project to move to Gateway 5 and progress the detailed design.

The project involved a wide range of measures on the highway that would enhance the public realm on Stonecutter Street, Shoe Lane and Plumtree Court to provide an improved environment for the high number of workers, residents and visitors expected in the area.

Members noted that the proposed public realm, highway and security layout option had been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and businesses that formed the Shoe Lane Quarter Working Party.

A detailed discussion took place with a number of questions and comments made by Members in relation to the ongoing maintenance of the granite setts, the impact of the proposed traffic management changes on vehicle movements and cycle routes, the positioning of lighting columns on the street rather than building mounted, the suitability of slot drains and night time servicing.

Members were advised that it was anticipated that the proposed scheme would have a positive impact on pedestrians and cyclists, and a number of the concerns raised would be addressed as part of the detailed design stage and presented at Gateway 5.

Arising from the discussion a Member MOVED an amendment to the recommendations to exclude approval for lighting columns on the street. This was SECONDED and a vote was taken:

5 AGAINST

3 FOR

A vote on the original recommendations was then taken and the Sub-Committee unanimously RESOLVED to:

a)        Approve the proposed public realm, highway and security improvements (as shown in Appendix 2 of the report) to be progressed to detailed design;

b)        Approve further investigation to reopen Shoe Lane north to northbound traffic;

c)         Approve the departures from standard for public realm elements;

d)        Authorise Officers to enter into any legal agreements required to progress the highway works as proposed, including entering into a Section 8 Agreement with Tfl;

e)        Agree an increase in budget of £555,872, to complete detailed design as shown in Appendix 4;

f)          Delegate authority for any adjustments between elements of the £1,021,872 required budget to the Director of the Built Environment in conjunction with the Chamberlain’s Head of Finance provided the total approved budget of £1,021,872 is not exceeded; and

g)        Note that public engagement on the proposals follows this report and the results will be reported at Gateway 5.