Agenda item

To consider a resolution of the Barbican Residential Committee.

The Sub-Committee considered a resolution from the Barbican Residential Committee regarding public realm in and around the Barbican Estate. The Chairman advised that following consultation with officers, it had become apparent that the resolution was not within the remit of the Sub-Committee and therefore the Sub-Committee had limited power to discuss it.

The Director of the Built Environment confirmed that this was the case and advised that officers would confer to redirect the resolution as appropriate, before outlining the Department of the Built Environment’s (DBE) position. Whilst City of London walkways were under the remit of the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee, a review previously undertaken in respect of the Barbican Estate had resulted in a rationalisation of roles and responsibilities. As part of this rationalisation, responsibility for inspecting and maintaining the highwalk surface, drainage, wayfinding and signage had transferred from the DBE to the Department of Community and Children’s Services. As part of this handover, a review of funding was undertaken, and a budget fully transferred from DBE to the Department of Community and Children’s Services.

The Director of the Built Environment advised that DBE continued to ensure the Department of Community & Children’s Services had access to use the City’s term maintenance contractor for undertaking their minor works, also funded by the Department of Community and Children’s Services, and highwalk lighting, which was part of the City of London’s integrated street lighting system and was currently being upgraded as part of the City-wide lighting strategy by DBE. Major projects relating to the Estate were delivered by the City Surveyor’s Department on behalf of the Department of Community and Children’s Services.

Members agreed that whilst the resolution was not within the remit of the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee, it raised important points and concerns that should be acknowledged. The Sub-Committee was supportive of officers redirecting the resolution as appropriate and suggested the resolution be forwarded to the Department of Community and Children’s Services.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee:

1. Acknowledge the reasonable concerns of Barbican residents and on behalf of visitors, as set out in the report appended to the resolution; and

2. Instruct officers to redirect the resolution as appropriate and forward the resolution to the Community and Children’s Services Committee.