Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment consolidating the outcome reports for ten City Public Realm projects and seeking approval, subject to the completion of the outstanding works/actions, to close the projects.

The Director of the Built Environment gave Members an overview, using slides, of the ten projects undertaken, demonstrating any new features and what the areas had looked like before and after the project. The Director of the Built Environment confirmed that all projects had been completed within budget, and that officers could ask to renegotiate S106 agreements where there had been an underspend.

A Member asked why some of the projects had taken so long, as some even outdated the Gateway process, and suggested that it would be good to have a regular portfolio report on City Public Realm projects. The Director of the Built Environment responded that a ten-year plan was devised for CPR and transport projects. This was previously reported annually but could be made firmer. A number of projects had seen significant delays due to changes of staff and priorities changing due to other projects, but officers would strive to ensure projects were closed faster in future.

Whilst a Member commended the significant increase in the number of trees over recent years, another Member suggested that a higher number of trees should be targeted. There were still areas where there were very few trees, such as around Fleet Street, and increasing their number would improve the area. Whilst they could not be planted everywhere due to the need for enough space for their roots, a Member suggested looking at alternatives where trees could not be planted.

RESOLVED – That, subject to the completion of the of the outstanding works/actions set out in Appendix 1, the projects are closed, and lessons noted.