Agenda item

9.1

The Executive Directors, Place and Communities, submitted a joint report seeking Cabinet approval for a proposed London Road Shop Front Improvement Scheme to be delivered under the Successful Centres Programme.

9.2

RESOLVED: That the proposed London Road Shop Front Improvement Scheme detailed in the report and set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

The Thriving District Local Centre strategy approved by the Central Community Assembly in 2012 identified the importance of improving the appearance and public realm within the Sharrow/London Road district centre.

9.3.2

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

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

Do nothing – This would mean leaving any improvement to the Market. However, the current economic climate is not conducive to this, as there is already widespread market failure and there is a strong risk of London Road District Centre falling into further decline and unable to make the most from the other proposed investment opportunities.

9.4.2

To deliver the Scheme by 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 and the scheme is likely to fail.

9.4.3

As proposed. The Scheme aims to deliver a project that will deliver the agreed objectives for London Road/Sharrow District Centre outlined in the Successful Centres Strategy to improve the viability, use and appearance of the centre, and complement and consolidate the other proposed public and private sector investments.

9.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

9.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

9.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place and Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Communities

9.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Safer and Stronger Communities

9.1

The Executive Directors, Place and Communities, submitted a joint report seeking Cabinet approval for a proposed London Road Shop Front Improvement Scheme to be delivered under the Successful Centres Programme.

9.2

Appendix 1, which had been omitted from the agenda in error, was circulated to Members.

9.3

RESOLVED: That the proposed London Road Shop Front Improvement Scheme detailed in the report and set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

9.4

Reasons for Decision

9.4.1

The Thriving District Local Centre strategy approved by the Central Community Assembly in 2012 identified the importance of improving the appearance and public realm within the Sharrow/London Road district centre.

9.4.2

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

9.5

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.5.1

Do nothing – This would mean leaving any improvement to the market. However, the current economic climate is not conducive to this, as there is already widespread market failure and there is a strong risk of London Road District Centre falling into further decline and unable to make the most from the other proposed investment opportunities.

9.5.2

To deliver the Scheme by 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 and the scheme is likely to fail.

9.5.3

As proposed. The Scheme aims to deliver a project that will deliver the agreed objectives for London Road/Sharrow District Centre outlined in the Successful Centres Strategy to improve the viability, use and appearance of the centre, and complement and consolidate the other proposed public and private sector investments.