Agenda item

Report of the Interim Executive Director Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director Environment which provided an update on the progress of the project and sought approval to revise the design for Area B.

A Member stated that having consulted residents, they were broadly in support of Option 1 as recommended by Officers. This would ensure the Clean Air Garden was part of one unified scheme. The Members thanked Officers for their work.

An Officer confirmed that a further report detailing the working party arrangements and the development of the project milestones would be submitted to the Sub-Committee in May 2024.

A Member asked when the bridge link would be opened. An Officer stated that the developer could open this once snagging issues had been addressed. There was also a separate process for the link to be formally declared as City Walkway but the link could be opened to the public prior to the declaration.

RESOLVED - That Members of the Sub-Committee

1.        Approve that the existing design for Area B (approved in May 2023) is not constructed. Instead that the project reverts to the Gateway 3/4 Options Appraisal stage, to allow revision of the proposed design in line with the Healthy Neighbourhood programme and consideration of traffic management changes along Moor Lane.

2.        Note that this will put the delivery of this project within the Bunhill, Barbican and Golden Lane Healthy Streets Neighbourhood programme.

3.        Agree the formation of a working party made up of local stakeholders, including residents, occupiers and developers, the Culture Mile BID and a small number of ward Members to enable a collaborative and more co-productive approach to developing the revised design. Governance of the project and decision making will remain with Streets and Walkways Sub Committee.

4.        Note that a further report detailing how the working party will work and the development of the project milestones will follow in due course.

5.        Authorise the budget adjustment related to staff costs and fees to be actioned as outlined in section 3 below and in Appendix 3 of the Officer report.

6.        Note the current total estimated cost of the project (areas A and B) at £2,968,680 (excluding risk).