Agenda item

Beech Street Transformation

Joint report of the Town Clerk and the Director of the Built Environment.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Town Clerk and the Director of the Built Environment concerning the proposed transformation of Beech Street.

 

A Member spoke to express their significant concerns relating to the potential impact on traffic and pedestrian movements that the proposals relating to the transformation of the area might have, detailing a number of specific items for consideration which he urged officers to consider closely. Several Members spoke to support the Member’s observations, asking officers to ensure thorough and detailed modelling of potential impacts of the wider area, not simply the immediate Beech Street area, was undertaken ahead of consideration by the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee and the Planning & Transportation Committee.

 

Noting reference within the report to a potential £30million cost for the transformation works, the Committee made clear that no support was being given for this figure at this stage and emphasised that tacit approval of this figure should not be inferred from any support of the recommendations within this report.

 

Members stressed the importance of progress being made swiftly, commenting that Beech Street was in drastic need of improvement form both an air quality perspective and an aesthetic perspective. The opportunity to capitalise on the significant successes of Culture Mile and enjoy a revitalised Beech Street which would contribute to that overall proposition was also noted.

 

RESOLVED: That Members:-

·      approve the vision for the transformation of Beech Street, as set out in the report; and

·      approve the development of Gateway reports relating to transportation and public realm and relating to property refurbishment, which would be subject to Member approval through the project gateway process.

 

Supporting documents: