Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture which establishes the basis for the creation of a co-ordinated City Centre Strategy for Gloucester in order to develop a thriving 21st Century city centre.

The Chair welcomed Councillor James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture and Mr Anthony Hodge, Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, to the meeting.

Members were presented with a report which sought to establish the basis for the creation of a co-ordinated City Centre Strategy for Gloucester in order to develop a thriving 21^st century City Centre.  The document included seven strategic priorities and key actions which would be shared with stakeholders as part of a wider consultation exercise.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee was asked to note the report subject to any comments Members wished to make to Cabinet.

The Committee discussed the following matters:-

1.         ‘Develop and Strengthen the City’s retail niche (affordable fashion) –   Strategic Priority 1’

            Members asked why Gloucester wanted to increase the amount of ‘affordable fashion’ instead of attracting high end designer stores. Councillor James explained that advice had been taken from Stanhope, the prospective developer for King’s Quarter, in this regard.  Councillor James said that Stanhope had consulted with leading experts in the field.  He stressed the importance of building on Gloucester’s strengths and remarked that this did not mean that the stores would be unfashionable.  He added that Gloucester Quays provided the designer labels and contributed to the Gloucester offer.  Members pointed out that it was important to have the ‘high end’ stores as well as the ‘affordable’ ones for residents and visitors alike to avoid losing potential shoppers to cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Worcester, Cardiff and Cheltenham.  A Member expressed disappointment that the City had not attracted a John Lewis store and remarked on the small size of the new Marks and Spencer’s store in Eastgate Street.  Councillor James replied that the size of the Marks and Spencer’s store was beyond his control and reminded Members that the company had invested £25M in the City.  Mr Hodge advised the Committee that Stanhope intended to invest £60M in Gloucester and that they were committed to the success and prosperity of Gloucester’s City Centre.

2.         ‘Enhance the City’s indoor and outdoor market offer, so it appeals to a wide audience and generates increased footfall’ – Strategic Priority 1

            Councillor James clarified that this related to all the markets which took place in the City.  He confirmed the Cabinet’s commitment to finding a long term solution for the indoor market traders.

3.         Planning application for King’s Quarter and for the Bus Station

            In response to a query from a Member, Councillor James confirmed that the planning applications would be in two parts with the Bus Station being presented first.  A new development agreement would be drawn up to include a timetable aimed for Christmas 2018.  Milestones would be set in the new agreement in order for Stanhope to demonstrate their commitment.  Members were advised that funding was already available for the new Bus Station and that Stanhope had appointed architects.  There would be a public consultation exercise on the design of the new Bus Station prior to submission of the planning application.   Councillor James confirmed that the new development agreement would be brought before Council in due course. 

4.         ‘Comprehensive audit of the City Centre’ – Strategic Priority 1

            In response to a query from a Member, Mr Hodge confirmed that this process had already started.

5.         ‘Investigate options for establishing a new cultural venue in the City Centre’ – Strategic Priority 3’

            In response to a query from a Member, Councillor James reported that Stanhope was looking to have a strong leisure focus in the scheme and that this was likely to be completely different to the Guildhall.

6.         Independent Review by the Javelin Group ranking Gloucester as the second fastest growing retail destination in the UK and now a top 100 retail destination

            A Member stated that it was important to highlight the positive elements of Gloucester rather than the negative ones and referred to the review by the Javelin Group.  The Committee concurred with this remark.  A Member commented that research had demonstrated that Gloucester had the potential to do a lot better and that there was a desire by all elected Members to make Gloucester a great place.  A Member suggested that Gloucester could be promoted as a ‘Wedding Planning City’ and also as a good place to buy outdoor clothing and equipment.  All Members agreed it was important to get the balance right and that the number of betting shops and discount shops needed to be kept under control.

7.         Role of Partners and Stakeholders in contributing to the success of     Gloucester

            A Member referred to the Committee’s Task and Finish Group on the Evening Economy in 2013 which had highlighted the role of the Railway Station in welcoming and attracting visitors to Gloucester.  Councillor James was pleased to point out to the Committee that a positive outcome from the study had been the installation of a leaflet rack at the Railway Station which was extremely popular with visitors.  The rack was managed by Marketing Gloucester. 

8.         ‘Street Art’

            A Member asked if there was a policy governing the length of time street art would be on display to ensure it did not become dilapidated and unsightly.  Mr Hodge confirmed that this would be examined.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.