Agenda and minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, Deputy Barbara Newman, as the most senior Member of the Sub Committee, was moved into the Chair until the Election of a Chairman.

Apologies for absence were received from Deputy Alistair Moss and William Upton.

Sheriff Christopher Hayward declared an interest in Item 11 – City of London Transport Strategy – Review 2022, and advised that he would withdraw from the discussion and decision on this item.

To elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 29.

The Sub Committee proceeded to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.29, and Graham Packham, being the only Member who expressed his willingness to serve, was duly elected as Chairman of the Sub Committee for the ensuing year.

The Chairman then gave thanks to the Sub Committee for their support and paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman for his leadership of the Sub Committee during challenging times.

The immediate past Chairman, Oliver Sells, then gave warm thanks to all Members and officers for their support during his time as Chairman and advised that he would continue to support the new Chairman and Deputy Chairman in continuing the positive work of the Sub Committee.

The Chairman then gave thanks to outgoing Member Alderman Alison Gowman for her excellent contributions to the work of the Sub Committee, particularly in respect of road safety and policing.

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 30.

The Sub Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.30, and Shravan Joshi, being the only Member who expressed his willingness to serve, was duly elected as Deputy Chairman of the Sub Committee for the ensuing year.

The Deputy Chairman thanked Members for their support and advised that he was looking forward to working with the Chairman and the Sub Committee in continuing its positive work.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 18 February 2021 as a correct record.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 18 February 2021 be agreed as a correct record.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment A three-year programme implementing pedestrian priority and pavement widening schemes across the Square Mile to enhance the comfort and safety of people walking. The Chairman introduced the item, commenting that this was an important project which would hopefully lead to an evidence-based approach and avoid some of the problems reported in other London boroughs.

In response to questions from Members, the Director of the Built Environment advised that further assessment on interventions and network management would be undertaken, as well as traffic modelling to explore the interaction of the proposals with other schemes. It was further advised that the public consultation on All Change at Bank would be taken into account in progressing the scheme. The Director of the Built Environment then gave the Sub Committee further detail on the Air Quality data used and advised that more recent data would be included in the Year 2 proposals. Members suggested that a timetable capturing all the planned works be produced for ease of reference and to aid monitoring.

In response to a question from a Member, the Director of the Built Environment confirmed that all temporary measures could be reviewed and designs of existing and proposed measures would be looked at in detail. A Member commented that some schemes may be adversely impacted by the return of footfall and traffic to the City and stressed that network flexibility should be maintained. The Director of the Built Environment responded that further assessment and stakeholder engagement would be undertaken and confirmed that any measures could be modified, retained or rolled back as necessary.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Agree that a budget of £199,000 is approved to reach the next Gateway for Year 1 interventions;

2. Note

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding a Climate Action Strategy programme to develop climate resilient streets and open spaces in the Square Mile.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1.  Agree that a budget of £320,000 is approved for:

•      Programme framework development (4-year programme)

•      Climate resilience measures catalogue

•      Installation of smart sensors and data protocols for monitoring

•      Opportunity mapping and gap analysis for climate resilience solutions

•      Identification and prioritisation of sites.

This is a capitalised resource against the proceeding capital works;

2.      Note the total estimated cost of the Cool Streets and Greening project at £1.7M for Year 1. The remaining funds will be for installation of resilience measures in priority sites and will be subject to Gateway 3,4 & 5 approvals; and

3.      Note that the likely cost range for the Cool Streets & Greening 4-year programme will be an estimated £1.7M per annum over 4 years – Total £6.8M.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee noted a report of the Director of the Built Environment providing an update on the City Cluster delivery framework, which is structured around three programmes and focused on the implementation of the City Cluster Vision.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the City Cluster Wellbeing and Climate Change Resilience Programme. In response to questions from Members, the Director of the Built Environment gave the Sub Committee further detail on the funding strategy, which was subject to funding being secured. Members advised that the programme be co-ordinated with the culture-related Committees and it be ensured that there would be sufficient pedestrian space available accounting for increased numbers of tables and chairs outside.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Note the estimated implementation budget is a minimum of £1.447m based on current estimates for the projects outlined in this report;

2. Note that the estimated implementation budget will be further increased by external sponsorship with the exact amount to be confirmed at Gateway 5;

3. Agree that the 7 projects listed in the Options Appraisal table are approved to be taken forward to Gateway 5, at which point individual project reports will be submitted for approval, in line with the project procedure;

4. That £90,000 from the Pinnacle and Mitre Square Section 106 agreements is approved for the programme budget to continue the development of the 7 projects to Gateway 5;

5. Note that further projects listed in Appendix 1, may be developed in future years, subject to funding being confirmed; and

6. That within the overall programme budget, funds can be moved between the 7 individual projects and between staff costs, fees and works to maintain pace of delivery and maximum efficiency of the process.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the City Cluster Activation and Engagement Programme.

A Member expressed their disappointment that only one option had been presented and asked that future reporting at least provided some information as to why alternative options had been discounted. The Member also sought assurances regarding funding for the project, much of which was currently unsecured. Members also stressed the importance of close contact with local stakeholders and suggested developing a map promoting the secret gardens and pocket parks in the area and the wider City which were relatively unknown.

The Director of the Built Environment then gave the Sub Committee some further detail on the programme approach and of engagement with stakeholders so far. Whilst the project funding was complicated, there were section 106 funds which could be used for the project if needed as contingency. In response to a question from a Member about Jubilee Place, the Director of the Built Environment advised that officers had discussed the wall and railings with the Open Spaces Department. Whilst there had been issues with anti-social behaviour, a barrier with a more open design and more entry points had been proposed.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Note an increase in the estimated programme budget specifically to address City recovery “Vibrant Offer” recommendations. The programme cost range is estimated to be £200-£300k, for the delivery of the programme on an annual basis, initially over 3 years;

2. Note that the overall programme budget will be substantially funded by external sponsorship. The exact budget is subject to the level of external funding which is to be confirmed at the next Gateway;

3. Agree that planning for large and medium scale activation programmes (Option 1 and 2) be continued, with detailed options

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment sets out the context and recommended approach for a review of the 25-year City of London Transport Strategy, which was scheduled for review every three years.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1.  Agree that the review of the Transport Strategy will focus on amending and adding proposals, and that the current Vision, Aims and Outcomes remain valid;

2.      Note the governance arrangements next steps for the review:

•        Further research and analysis

•        Stakeholder meetings and workshops

•        Public survey and focus groups

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the Bloomberg Development Highways project. The Chairman introduced the item and praised the quality of the project and its outcomes.

Members noted the unique approach to street lighting where the building sensitively lights the public highway and commented that this had been a successful and innovative approach which had mutually beneficial outcomes for developer and the Local Authority. The Director of the Built Environment confirmed that further opportunities to undertake this approach to street lighting would be pursued where appropriate and that updated guidance for lighting was under development.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Note the content of this report;

2. Agree to close the Bloomberg Development Highways project;

3. Authorise the Chamberlain’s department to return unspent S278 funds to the developer, subject to verification of the final accounts; and

4. Authorise the Chamberlain’s department to return the Section 106, CIL and City’s Cash balances to their respective accounts/codes.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding Phases 1 and 2 of the Shoe Lane Quarter Public Realm Enhancements project. The Chairman introduced the item and advised that this had been a good project with positive, high-quality outcomes. The Chairman added that the project represented a good example of greening HVM measures as an alternative to bollards. A Member noted the lessons learned set out in the report and advised that care should be taken to avoid similar issues arising on future projects.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Note the content of this outcome report;

2. Authorise the Chamberlain’s department to return unspent section 106 and 278 funds to the developers as set out in the respective legal agreements, after any required maintenance sums are accounted for and subject to the verification of the final accounts;

3. Should it be request by the client, authorise the transfer of any unspent funds, following verification of the final accounts, to a separate project where the financial commitment resides with the same client; and

4. Agree to close the Shoe Lane Quarter Public Realm Enhancements – Phases 1 and 2 projects.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment seeking Member approval for the procurement strategy to be used in the selection of a new term contractor for highway construction & maintenance services.

The Sub Committee paid tribute to JB Riney for their work over the course of the existing contract, as well as their knowledge of the City and engagement with stakeholders and communities. Members then commented that value for money in respect of service as well as price should be a key consideration in awarding the next contract. Members also expressed some surprise that the Sub Committee had not been asked to take a decision on this matter given the connection between the Sub Committee’s work and that of the prospective contractor.

A Member, also a Member of the Procurement Sub Committee, gave assurances that tender decisions were not guided by price alone, with quality also held in high regard. Whilst a 60/40 weighting was usual practice, a 70/30 weighting had also been exercised where appropriate. The Member, noting the consensus amongst the Sub Committee and the importance of this procurement exercise, suggested that the Sub Committee send a note to the Procurement Sub Committee asking that the quality aspect be increased in the tender assessment in order to reflect the importance of ensuring a quality contractor was appointed.

The Director of the Built Environment advised that the procurement exercise would seek to evolve on the existing contract and maintaining standards would be of utmost importance. Whilst the report principally advised of the decisions still to come, officers would consider the governance arrangements for the contract award, due during 2022, as it was appropriate that the Sub Committee be engaged in this process. The Director of the Built Environment further advised that key quality mechanisms

Report of the Town Clerk

The Sub Committee received a report of the Town Clerk advising Members of actions taken by the Town Clerk since the last meeting of the Committee, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, in accordance with Standing Order No. 41. The Chairman introduced the item and gave Members some further context behind the action taken, in respect of the 5G Wireless Concession, and the reasons for progressing the decision under urgency procedures.

In response to questions from Members, the Director of the Built Environment advised that work on improving broadband infrastructure in the City was ongoing, and noted Members’ suggestion that the estates be given focus, due to reported issues with coverage. The Director of the Built Environment further advised on futureproofing and the benefits of the action taken in comparison to alternative solutions. The Sub Committee was advised that locations for the installations would not be put forward unless they were considered to be optimal, and that the installations did not generate noise.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk

The Sub Committee received a list of outstanding references.

Dockless Vehicles

The Director of the Built Environment advised that operators had been selected for the e-scooter trial, which was due to start in June, with a detailed update due to be submitted to the Planning & Transportation Committee in due course.

Beech Street

The Director of the Built Environment gave the Sub Committee an update on developments in respect of the scheme since the last meeting of the Sub Committee.

RESOLVED – That the list of outstanding references be noted.

MUSEUM OF LONDON GYRATORY PROJECT

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

a)     MUSEUM OF LONDON GYRATORY PROJECT

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the Museum of London Gyratory project. A Member requested that regular consultation with Aldersgate Ward Members and the Barbican Centre be undertaken as the project progressed.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee agree:

1. A restart of the project that remains wholly within currently agreed budget resources to ensure a coordinated highway and public realm design approach with the emerging Section 278 proposals at 81 Newgate Street and Bastion House;

2. A change of project name to “St. Paul’s Gyratory Project”; and

3. The revised budget detailed in Appendix 2.

LIFFE Trader Statue

The Town Clerk advised that the LIFFE Trader Statue, previously situated in the South Ambulatory, had been relocated to its new position on Dowgate Hill. An unveiling had been planned for 20 May to which all Members of the Sub Committee were invited. The Town Clerk advised that details and a calendar invitation would be circulated following the meeting.

Denizen Building

A Member asked whether highway works around The Denizen building were planned, following the completion of the development, as the poor quality of the pavements carried risk of accidents. Another Member advised that residents had raised concerns about this matter. The Director of the Built Environment advised that this would be taken away for clarification.

Beech Street Tunnel

A Member queried whether there had been any developments in respect of permanent solutions to the issues experienced by residents as a result of difficulties for delivery drivers and taxis in navigating the Experimental Traffic Order. A Member responded that they had been in regular contact with officers and residents on this matter, with improved signage having been installed and further representations made.

The Director of the Built Environment

MOTION – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act as follows:-

RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972,

the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) on the

grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined

in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Item No.                                                        Paragraph No.

19                                                                                3

20                                                                                -

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2021 as a correct record.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2021 be agreed as a correct record.

There was no other business.