Agenda item

To consider the report by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture which updates Members on preparations for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The Chair welcomed Councillor James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture, and Mr Adam Balding, RWC Event Co-ordinator. 

Members were presented with an update which asked them to note progress made against the key issues for the delivery of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) in 2015. 

Members discussed the following matters:-

1.                               The role of the City’s MP in the lead up to the event.  Councillor James replied that a team approach was being taken and that Mr Graham contributed by using his influence to lobby organisations and to also identify where Government funds could be drawn upon.

2.                               A Member queried whether publicity posters were being withheld in certain areas of the City for conservation reasons.  Councillor James responded that he believed this was not the case.

3.                               The colour of the banners was discussed and Members were informed that the Council had no jurisdiction in this regard.

4.                               A Member asked if other businesses apart from the main sponsors would be able to get involved in the Fanzone area.  Mr Balding replied that there might be opportunities for businesses in other parts of the City, but that these matters had yet to be determined.  Councillor James added that sponsorship rules were strict and it was important for the City to come up with other ways of promoting Gloucester such as the Tall Ships event and the Sculpture Trail.  The importance of the legacy from the RWC was emphasised.

5.                               A Member queried the role of volunteers and how their efforts would be recognised.  Mr Balding replied that around 60 volunteers would be recruited and that they would act as ‘meeters and greeters’ and would help to create a carnival atmosphere.  There would be a clear distinction between the role of a steward and a volunteer.  Volunteers would receive some form of accreditation for their contribution.

6.                               A Member referred to a brownfield site in his ward which was being developed and asked whether there was any possibility of receiving funding towards a rugby pitch which was planned as part of the development.  Councillor James said that there was no specific funding available to clubs arising from the RWC.  Mr Balding agreed to provide the Member with contact details from the Regional Legacy Group who might be aware of potential funding streams.

7.                               There was a discussion on the proposed improvements to be made to Gloucester Railway Station.  A Member welcomed the recent agreement which had been reached for the project and asked if the work would be done before the RWC started.  Councillor James informed the Committee that meetings were taking place with Network Rail and First Great Western, that the plans were ambitious, and that it was unlikely that all the enhancements could be carried out in time for the tournament.  Councillor James reminded the Committee that the improvements would benefit the City for years to come.  The Member suggested that the MP might exert his influence to encourage Network Rail and First Great Western to complete the work earlier to create a good impression for visitors.  Another Member commented on the poor appearance of the railway tunnel.

8.                               A Member queried the anticipated visitor numbers and whether tourists were likely to stay in the City or move around to other games.  Mr Balding said that this would be difficult to predict.  He was aware that Japanese tourists were more likely to come in groups for one or two days and then move around.  Certainly, it was hoped that visitors would stay for a minimum of 2 nights in Gloucester.   Events such as the Tall Ships and the Sculpture Trail would help to make the City more of a destination.

9.                               A Member speculated on whether residents and businesses close to the ground would be encouraged to improve the appearance of their premises.  Councillor James said that neighbourhood partnerships would play a key role in this regard and emphasised that it was vital to get as many people involved as possible.  The Committee was pleased to note that resurfacing works to Kingsholm Road were scheduled for the summer of 2015.  Another Member commented that it was important to get the route from the bus station to the ground as clean as possible and that it was important to act now to crack down on flytipping and other litter contraventions.

10.                            Reference was made to the fans coming from the USA. The Committee discussed the need to capitalise on the City’s historical connections with the USA. 

11.                            A Member enquired how coaches dropping off and picking up travellers would be managed to avoid the City becoming gridlocked.  Mr Balding explained that the Traffic Management Group were dealing with this aspect and added that he was confident that traffic would be kept moving.  Councillor James remarked that different issues were likely to emerge with each match and that it was important to be flexible in the approach to managing problems.

12.                            A Member asked if there were any plans to engage with the armed forces.  Mr Balding agreed to look into this.

13.                            The Committee was pleased to note that hotels were filling up for the tournament and that this would be kept under review.

RESOLVED: That the update be noted.