Agenda item

Report of the Interim Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director, Environment concerning proposed public realm and highways improvements to enhance Cheapside.

An Officer introduced the report and stated that the programme would focus on the length of Cheapside between New Change and Bank, Bow Churchyard and at the Cheapside Bus Gate (east of Bread Street). The programme aimed to deliver enhancements to complement existing projects developed in the area through the greening of Cheapside and the Pedestrian Priority programme. The programme also aimed to declutter and rationalise the street furniture along Cheapside following the Healthy Streets approach, provide more greening and low maintenance and sustainable planting to align with the Greening Cheapside project already delivered, so there would be consistency in the planting, improved pedestrian movement through a change of road layout, enhanced lighting and wayfinding, new seating as well as supporting activation and events.

Members were informed that at Cheapside Bus Gate, a permanent traffic order was implemented in July 2023 and in late October 2023 an experimental traffic order meant there was now taxi access through the bus gate.

The Officer stated that the project was funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and £125,000 was required to progress the project to the next gateway – Gateway 3/4 to be submitted in Quarter 4 2024.

A Member asked if there would be a contribution from the Cheapside Business Alliance. The Officer stated that the alliance had provide some design funding and this had been spent. As a key stakeholder, Officers were in regular discussions with the alliance and a request for funding would be submitted. The Officer stated that out of the five Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the area, the Cheapside Business Alliance had the least funding available.

The Chairman requested that there be engagement with local Members and stated that there needed to be clarity on the plans for Old Jewry. An Officer stated that there would be a report on Old Jewry submitted to the January 2024 meeting of the Sub-Committee and Officers would seek to coordinate the work, however this project was not covering Old Jewry.

In response to a Member’s question about the risk section of the report referring to access to carry out the public realm improvement works being subject to the developer’s programme, an Officer stated that this had been included in error. The Officer confirmed that the work would be undertaken entirely in the area in which the Corporation controlled access.

RESOLVED – That Members of the Sub-Committee

1.         Approve the budget of £125,000 for Evaluation and Design to reach the next Gateway; and

2.         Note the total estimated cost of the project up to £1m (excluding risk).