Agenda item

13.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report seeking approval for a proposed Shop Front Improvement Scheme to be delivered under the Successful Centres Programme. The Scheme formed an important part of a wider regeneration strategy for Darnall District Centre. The Scheme will contribute to the overall attraction and confidence of the area by improving the street scene, helping boost the image and reputation of the centre and encouraging private investment in shops and housing.

13.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the proposed Shop Front Improvement Scheme detailed in this report and set out in the appendix to the report;

(b)

authorisation be given to the Head of City Regeneration to finalise the procurement process, evaluate tenders and select the contractor to deliver the works under the above scheme, in accordance with the Council procedures;

(c)

authorisation be given to the Head of City Regeneration, in consultation with the Director of Legal Services, Director of Commercial Services and the Director of Finance to negotiate and agree the terms of appointment with the Contractor selected to deliver the works for the scheme; and

(d)

authorisation be given to the Head of City Regeneration to amend the Designated Area under the Scheme.

13.3

Reasons for Decision

13.3.1

The Successful Centres strategy approved by the East Community Assembly in 2012 identified that Darnall Centre was in great need of investment to improve the overall quality, appearance and environment with some buildings in disrepair and a high number of poorly maintained vacant units.

13.3.2

The scheme will support independent traders and help to boost the confidence and image of the centre, and increase footfall to improve the local economy.

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

13.4.1

Do nothing – This would mean leaving any improvement to the market. However, the current economic climate was not conducive to this, as there was already widespread market failure and there was a strong risk of Darnall District Centre falling into further decline.

13.4.2

As proposed – The Scheme aimed to deliver a project that will deliver the agreed objectives for Darnall District Centre outlined in the Successful Centres Strategy to improve the viability, use and appearance of the centre.

13.4.3

Another option was a scheme providing loans to owners to carry out the shop front improvements. In order for the scheme to be successful, the majority of independent traders need to participate so that a sufficient impact can be made on the street scene. In the current economic climate, owners will find it difficult to make substantial payments to fund the whole costs of shop front improvements.

13.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

13.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

13.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

13.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

13.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report seeking approval for a proposed Shop Front Improvement Scheme to be delivered under the Successful Centres Programme. The Scheme formed an important part of a wider regeneration strategy for Darnall District Centre. The Scheme will contribute to the overall attraction and confidence of the area by improving the street scene, helping boost the image and reputation of the centre and encouraging private investment in shops and housing.

13.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the proposed Shop Front Improvement Scheme detailed in this report and set out in the appendix to the report;

(b)

authorisation be given to the Head of City Regeneration to finalise the procurement process, evaluate tenders and select the contractor to deliver the works under the above scheme, in accordance with the Council procedures;

(c)

authorisation be given to the Head of City Regeneration, in consultation with the Director of Legal Services, Director of Commercial Services and the Director of Finance to negotiate and agree the terms of appointment with the Contractor selected to deliver the works for the scheme; and

(d)

authorisation be given to the Head of City Regeneration to amend the Designated Area under the Scheme.

13.3

Reasons for Decision

13.3.1

The Successful Centres strategy approved by the East Community Assembly in 2012 identified that Darnall Centre was in great need of investment to improve the overall quality, appearance and environment with some buildings in disrepair and a high number of poorly maintained vacant units.

13.3.2

The scheme will support independent traders and help to boost the confidence and image of the centre, and increase footfall to improve the local economy.

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

13.4.1

Do nothing – This would mean leaving any improvement to the market. However, the current economic climate was not conducive to this, as there was already widespread market failure and there was a strong risk of Darnall District Centre falling into further decline.

13.4.2

As proposed – The Scheme aimed to deliver a project that will deliver the agreed objectives for Darnall District Centre outlined in the Successful Centres Strategy to improve the viability, use and appearance of the centre.

13.4.3

Another option was a scheme providing loans to owners to carry out the shop front improvements. In order for the scheme to be successful, the majority of independent traders need to participate so that a sufficient impact can be made on the street scene. In the current economic climate, owners will find it difficult to make substantial payments to fund the whole costs of shop front improvements.