West Kirby Regeneration Liaison Group Meeting
22nd July 2008 – St Bridget’s Church Hall, West Kirby
________________________________________________________________
Present:
Cllr David Elderton Chair (DE) John Chapman (JC)
Cllr Gerry Ellis (GE) Heather Chapman (HC)
Cllr Jeff Green (JG) Martin Harrison (MH)
Howard Mortimer (HM) Ally McDermot (AM)
Neil Mitchell (NM) Elizabeth Davey (ED)
Simon Fox (SF)
Apologies:
Cllr John Hale David Wade
Cllr Geoffrey Watt John Smith
Mike Callon Jonty Meisner
1. Welcome & introductions
1.1 Cllr Elderton (DE) assumed responsibility for chairing the meeting, due to the delayed arrival of Cllr Green (JG). The Chair opened the meeting and introductions were made.
1.2 NM reported that Mike Callon was unable to attend, his wife having recently given birth to their first child. The Chair on behalf of the group wished to convey his congratulations to Mike, his wife and new daughter.
2. Minutes of the last meeting
2.1 MH expressed a couple of concerns regarding the text in the minutes. He felt that sub para 6 of para 3.1 didn’t really reflect his strong views on the issue of consultation. In addition he was concerned that no mention had been made regarding the issues he’d voiced at the time regarding the proposed Golf Resort (para 7.1). In particular the likely impact of increased traffic congestion in and around the level crossing at Hoylake Station, which he felt would only be exacerbated by a relief road.
3. Progress Report
3.1 HM talked the group through the progress report he’d produced providing a ‘snapshot’ of the various stages at which the proposals in West Kirby were currently at - see attached. He reminded colleagues how proposals had evolved since the Hoylake and West Kirby Masterplan had been produced, the key programme areas and the broad approach taken by his team in rolling projects out.
3.2 In terms of the processes involved it was suggested that the flow chart he’d produced needed the insertion of “further consultation process” prior to planning/implementation.
3.3 JG expressed his concern in regard to press releases which were released without the prior knowledge of local elected members, quoting Golf Resort, “Sail” and Greater Concourse Project as most recent examples. He emphasised the difficult position this put himself and his fellow councillors in when approached by either their constituents or the press seeking an opinion.
3.4 In terms of the Concourse it was reported that one of the conceptual designs had found its way onto the internet albeit via the architect who had designed it. It was recognised however that this was beyond the Council’s control and that very little could be done to prevent similar re-occurrences of this nature.
3.5 HM agreed to speak to Emma Degg, Head of Tourism & Marketing to clarify the Authority’s position and protocol in respect of releasing press statements.
ACTION – HM to contact Emma Degg.
4. The Sail – Public Consultation
4.1 Carpenter Investments had facilitated a formal public consultation regarding the “Sail” proposal at the Concourse from 26 – 28 July inclusive and this had received a mixed reaction. An estimated 900-1,000 people had been in attendance and 560 questionnaires returned, which had been validated by Special Initiatives Team (SIT). An analysis of these showed that 45% were broadly in favour of the proposal, 40% against, with a further 15% undecided. A significant number of respondents (over 70%) felt that the event was worthwhile in providing local people with an opportunity to air their views.
4.2 A number of concerns were expressed by some members of the group regarding the approach taken by the developer to this exercise and these can be broadly summarised as follows:
· Appropriateness of venue
· Designs/models lacking sufficient detail/information (no plans or elevations provided)
· Robustness of questionnaires
4.3 HM reminded the group that under the terms of the developer’s lock out agreement, Carpenters will now be required to facilitate a transport assessment and environmental statement and this will form the basis of a report that Officers present to Cabinet later in the year. The current lock out agreement with the developer runs until 10 January 2009.
5. Public Realm Design Proposals
5.1 SF provided the group with visual illustrations of the emerging designs for public realm improvements in the town. Principally this involved:
· Pilot pedestrianisation of the Crescent
· Proposed parking improvements for South Parade
· Detailed design for Dee Lane
5.2 The Crescent
5.2.1 The scoping works WS Atkins had undertaken in 2007 concluded that the pedestrianisation of the area of the town would greatly enhance the environment making for a more pleasant and safer experience for pedestrians and shoppers, leading to increased use. A consultation exercise had taken place with the traders in the Crescent, which included a meeting and questionnaire. A number of them had expressed reservations about piloting any initiative over the busy Christmas period, so the consensus had been to trial any temporary arrangements from April 2009.
5.2.2 SF reiterated that any pilot phase will need to be closely monitored to gauge the overall effectiveness of the scheme, but will allow sufficient flexibility to terminate it, if it could be demonstrated that it was having an adverse impact on trade.
5.3 South Parade
5.3.1 This proposal concerns the potential introduction of echelon (45 degree) parking along the full length of the promenade, along with associated traffic calming measures. Under the present arrangements, these proposals would result in a net gain of circa 35 places, which could be further increased to 70 spaces if the current parking restrictions in front of the ‘Ovens’ at the front of Coronation Gardens were to be removed. MH questioned whether the designs would accommodate camper vans, mini buses or coaches and SF agreed to look into this. SF confirmed that this proposal was part of a wider review of car parking provision in the town as a whole. This was necessary in light of the emerging private sector led proposals for both the Concourse and “Sail” projects.
5.4 Dee Lane
5.4.1 The main concept for this proposal is to provide greater connectivity between the town and the promenade and the emerging designs and materials proposed would enhance the views and reinforce this “gateway” theme. SF had brought a sample pallet of natural stone paving to the meeting and ultimately the materials selected for the scheme would be similar to those proposed for potential future use in the Crescent, Banks Rd, Grange Rd and South Parade to ensure uniformity.
5.4.2 The scheme included proposed improvements to the entrance to Sandlea Park and the consensus was that this should not be viewed in isolation, but considered alongside wider improvements to the park in general. SF agreed to explore opportunities for joint working in this respect with officers from the Park and Open Spaces team within the Regeneration Department.
ACTION – SF to contact Regeneration colleagues.
5.5 SF reported that all the above proposed public realm improvements will be subject to a public consultation exercise during September. This will include public displays of the proposals and the use of questionnaires/comments forms. It is proposed that each plan will have a simple layout and include sketch elevation views. This event will be widely publicised in the local press.
5.6 ED informed the group that she had discovered on the internet a questionnaire that Havant Borough Council were using in relation to a public consultation exercise they were facilitating regarding Hayling Seafront Masterplan. It was suggested that this might be helpful in developing the questionnaire for West Kirby and a copy was given to officers for information.
5.7 In terms of likely resources to implement the public realm improvements, HM reported that NWDA had invited the Council to submit an ERDF Concept Proposal Form in respect of this under the title “Destination West Kirby”, with the “match” funding expected to come from MWRP programme and the Council’s Capital Programme. HM was keen to emphasise that there were far less resources available under the new European Programme - a mere £13m for tourism infrastructure projects across the whole of Merseyside. Consequently competition for funds will be fierce and unlike previous European Programmes less certainty of grant being secured this time round.
5.8 NWDA had also invited the Council to submit a written proposal for Wirral Country Park and HM pointed out that recognition of these two projects was no mean feat, given the scarcity of resources and the fact that only 10 projects in total across Merseyside had been asked to submit outline funding applications.
6. Shop Canopies
6.1 NM reported on progress with this initiative. He had recently facilitated a meeting with the traders from Banks Rd and Acacia Grove whose businesses were covered by stretches of canopies. The traders concerned were all very positive about the possibility of the structures being refurbished and had given ‘in principle’ support to co-invest in the structures in the event that the Council could find its share of resources. This would be on the proviso that the retailers be responsible for any maintenance liabilities for their stretch of canopy. Officers are currently in the throes of identifying potential resources whereupon a further meeting will be arranged with the traders with a view to moving the proposals forward.
7. Other Project News
7.1 Golf Resort
7.1.1 HM reported that a prospectus for the £75-£100m proposal had been launched at MIPIM, Investment and Development Conference in Cannes in March. This had yielded a great deal of interest in the developer world. A formal process inviting expressions of interest from developers will be advertised through Official Journal of European Union (OJEU) in September. It is possible that after due process a preferred developer may be identified by spring 2009. Any subsequent appointment would necessitate significant public consultation on the part of the developer.
8. A.O.B.
8.1 Green Flag Awards
8.1.1 NM reported that Coronation Gardens was one of four parks and open spaces in the borough that had just been granted the prestigious Green Flag award for the first time. In addition Ashton Park had along with three other parks retained its award for a second term. This recognition was testament to the sterling work of Officers from Parks and Open Spaces and the respective ‘Friend’s groups and the Chair took the opportunity to convey thanks to those involved for their efforts.
8.2 Bridge Rd Car Park
8.2.1 JG reported that following a decision at Cabinet on 9 July, the Council would via the courts be seeking a 3 year extension to the lease on the car park. The outcome of this would no doubt have an impact on any proposals to redevelop the site with a foodstore.
8.3 Ashton Bridge
8.3.1 SF reported that his team had asked consultants to undertake a basic inspection of the footbridge and their report had recommended a detailed structural examination be undertaken. As the maintenance of the bridge is the responsibility of Parks and Open Spaces, the matter had now been referred to the Regeneration Department for consideration.
8.4 Marine Lake
8.4.1 Consultant engineers Capita Symonds had now been appointed to facilitate essential repairs to the lake wall. It is anticipated that this piece of work, which includes draining the lake, will take up to take six months to complete and be finished by spring 2009.
9. Date and time of next meeting
9.1 This has been scheduled for 7.00pm on Tuesday 7th October at St Bridget’s Church Hall.
NEIL MITCHELL
PROJECT MANAGER – SPECIAL INITIATIVES
AUGUST 2008