Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment setting out the proposed way forward to reach Gateway 4 for the All Change at Bank project (the long-term vision for Bank Junction). The Sub-Committee noted that following the publication of the agenda, the Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 11 April 2019 had approved the deferral of the All Change at Bank project as part of the Fundamental Capital Funding review report.

The Chairman told the Sub-Committee that he was aware of some controversy as to the proposed deferral of this item, and had sought clarification with the Comptroller and City Solicitor and the Director of the Built Environment in order to be clear on the parameters of the pausing of projects, and the options available to the Sub-Committee regarding resolutions on the item, recognising that there was still appetite amongst Members to discuss the report, even if the recommendations as set out could not be actioned at this time. Accordingly, the item was discussed at the meeting.

Members of the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee reported that their understanding was that centrally funded projects which have been deferred could be worked upon until a suitable break point; if between gateways and funded, and did not necessarily require an immediate halt. Officers explained that their understanding of the decision was that this meant an immediate pause for this project while the fundamental review was undertaken over the next six months. The Sub-Committee noted that further communications had suggested that the pause might only relate to projects requiring central funding, with exceptions given to projects deemed to be mitigating corporate risks. The Comptroller and City Solicitor advised that on the basis of the report submitted to the Policy & Resources Committee, the recommendations of which were approved,