Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 25 February 2020.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 25 February 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

Outstanding References

The Director of the Built Environment updated the Sub Committee on Beech Street. The Beech Street Zero Emissions Zone had been operational as of 18 March, but lockdown measures had made it difficult to assess the impact of the scheme. A Member suggested increased signage and messaging may be required to improve compliance with the scheme. In relation to Dockless Bikes, a Member raised the issue of e-scooters which may be legalised for road use in due course. Arrangements for managing them would be required as a matter of course, possibly by extension of the existing measures in respect of dockless bikes.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment presenting a Gateway 3 outline options appraisal for improvements to Bank Junction as part of the All Change at Bank project. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points, as well as outlining each of the options presented to the Sub Committee, and advising that the plans were able to account for the circumstances arising from the Covid-19 outbreak and the City’s recovery plan had been taken into consideration.

The Sub Committee then proceeded to discuss the proposals. Members were supportive of proceeding with the project, but sought assurances or further details regarding integration with other projects, additional costs, consultation, traffic restrictions, and possible delays to works on Bank Station. In response to questions from Members, the Director of the Built Environment advised that the project would be compatible with the Covid-19 recovery programme, and outlined the consultation undertaken so far, with further public consultation scheduled in early 2021.

The Director of the Built Environment advised that it was possible that the upgrades to Bank Station would be delayed, but this had not yet been confirmed, and officers would report on this once information became available. Officers continued to work closely with TfL on traffic restrictions and options for bus rerouting. The Director of the Built Environment then gave the Sub Committee further detail on pedestrian space uplift, road closures and bus diversions under some of the options presented. In response to a question from a Member, the Director of the Built Environment assured the Sub Committee that access groups would be consulted on the project’s design to ensure good accessibility and mobility in the area.

Arising from the discussion, the recommendations were put to vote amongst eligible

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee was advised that the report had been deferred. The Director of the Built Environment explained that the impact of Covid-19 had implications for the project, and the deferral would allow greater opportunity to assess traffic and pedestrian measures.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment presenting the consolidated outcome reports for consolidates the outcome reports for seven City Public Realm projects; Fredericks Place, 8-10 Moorgate, 1 Angel Court, 11-19 Monument St, Monument St/Lower Thames St, Fenchurch Place and Lime Street/Cullum Street. The Sub Committee expressed their commendation, as the projects produced excellent outcomes and impressive enhancements, with all projects coming in under budget, and gave thanks to officers and the Projects Sub Committee for their management of the projects.

In response to a question from a Member, the Director of the Built Environment advised that Section 278 underspends would be returned to respective developers, but that officers could review Section 106 agreements for in caser there was scope to redistribute those underspends.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

a)    Note the report and receive the outcome information; and

b)    Approve the recommendations on each individual project report as set out.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment presenting Gateway 6 outcomes for the 20 Farringdon / Old Fleet Lane project.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

a)         Approve the content of this outcome report;

b)         Authorise the Chamberlain’s department to return unspent section 278 funds to the Developer as set out in the respective legal agreement subject to the verification of the final account; and

c)         Agree to close the 20 Farringdon/ Old Fleet Lane project.

A Member raised that they had noticed a recent increase in incidences of graffiti around the Square Mile. The Director of the Built Environment confirmed that there had been a recent increase in incidents, and advised that Members should still report incidents, which would then be rectified. A Member added that incidents of graffiti could also be reported through the ‘Love the Square Mile’ app.

In response to a question from a Member regarding the planned 7am-7pm road closures, the Director of the Built Environment gave assurances that efforts would be made to make timed access restrictions as consistent as possible. The Director of the Built Environment added that as part of the Transport Strategy a request was made to review the Congestion Charge with regards to the Square Mile. Going forward, it was hoped that next-generation road user charging would enable more sophisticated schemes.

There was no other business.

The Chairman thanked Members and officers for their attendance and thanked Members of the public watching the live broadcast, before closing the meeting.