Agenda item

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture which updates Members on progress against the key issues for the delivery of the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Members were presented with a report which informed them of progress against the key issues for the delivery of the Rugby World Cup 2015. 

Mr Cook advised Members that information regarding the location of the ‘Fanzone’ was embargoed until Thursday when England Rugby 2015 would be issuing a press release.

Mr Cook briefed Members on the outcome of a meeting held with the Kingsholm and Wotton Neighbourhood Partnership on 14 March 2015.  The main issues discussed at the meeting had centred on road closures, parking and disturbance to residents.  Mr Cook said the discussions had been helpful and that the meeting had received positive press coverage.  A further meeting was planned for June or July.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee was asked to note the progress made so far regarding the preparations as part of Gloucester’s Host City arrangements.

Members discussed the following matters:-

1.         A Member requested regular emailed Member briefings on the project.  Mr Cook agreed to provide these.

2          A Member commented that some of the car parking spaces identified in the transport plan were unlikely to be available during the week as they would be in use.  Mr Cook replied that people who came to the ground every week would try to park in their usual places and that discussions were taking place on whether match goers could be diverted to particular car parks.  Gloucester Rugby would use its database to communicate messages about parking.   Mr Cook said that the transport plan was also about alternative methods of transport such as walking and cycling.

3.         A Member commented that visitors familiar with Gloucester were unlikely to go to the Fanzone and said that it was important to have clean streets and good signposting.  Mr Cook said that 2 walking routes would be established and that the intention was to encourage visitors to walk to the Fanzone and other parts of the City and not just to the Ground.  Meetings had taken place with Amey regarding cleansing.  A Member enquired if buses would be provided between the Fanzone and the Ground.  Mr Cook said there were no plans for buses and explained that road closures would mean that buses could only get to either end of Kingsholm Road.  He added that there would be special measures for those match goers with disabilities.

4.         A Member noted plans to install semi-permanent toilets in King’s Square and pointed out that the lack of public toilets outside the Ground posed a serious issue.  The Member asked if portable toilets could be positioned in the car park in Kingsholm Road.  Mr Cook said that there were no plans for additional toilets outside the Ground as the number of people expected to attend was no greater than on significant match days during the season.  Mr Cook agreed to pass the Member’s concerns to England Rugby.  Another Member remarked that foreign tourists would not know where pubs and restaurants were located where toilets could be used.  Further concern was expressed by another Member who regularly received complaints about people urinating in alleyways in his Ward.  The Member stated that the situation would be worse during the tournament as those people without tickets were likely to hang around outside the Ground hoping to be able to purchase one and that this would put further pressure on the infrastructure.

5.         A Member commented that rugby fans might have wider interests beyond rugby and stated that the website should reflect this.  Mr Cook responded that he had met with Marketing Gloucester to explore ways of promoting the City’s attractions.  Another Member suggested that events such as the History Festival and Heritage Open Days should be publicised.

6.         A Member queried the level of Police cover for the matches. Mr Cook indicated that England Rugby perceived the tournament as being a non-policed event.  Mr Cook pointed out that Police were represented on the steering group.  Mr Cook advised the Committee that Ms Ragon would be carrying out a table top emergency planning exercise which would rehearse various scenarios.

7.         A Member asked if vacant land at St Oswald’s Park had been identified for potential parking and highlighted that charities could organise the parking and benefit from the proceeds.  Mr Cook advised the Member that all available parking at St Oswald’s Park had been included in the plans.  Another Member suggested that traders in St Oswald’s Park could sponsor car parking.  Mr Cook replied that as there were time limits on parking in the retail park this had been discounted.

8.         A Member sought clarification on sponsorship in the Fanzone.  Mr Cook explained that this was strictly regulated by England Rugby within the zone, but that there would be other sponsorship opportunities across the City. 

9.         More detail was requested on road closures by a Member who emphasised the need to inform Ward Councillors so that they could brief their residents.  Mr Cook replied that road closures were proposed for 3 hours before, and up to 2 hours after the match and that local residents would be provided with the information.

10.       A Member looked forward to receiving details on the ‘Spectacular’ and said it was important that the legacy brought the community together.  He suggested that after the event there should be a ‘thank you’ to Kingsholm residents.  Mr Cook indicated that it was hoped that communities would stage their own events to celebrate the tournament and commented that the aim of the legacy was to encourage the take up of all sports.

11.       A Member requested that the Welcome Ceremonies should involve as many local people as possible and that they should reflect the culture of the City.  Mr Cook commented that information was being sent out to local schools and that there would be pre-match entertainment.  He anticipated that the tournament would engender the same community spirit and celebration as had been experienced during the 2012 Olympics. 

12.       A Member had received an email advising that schools wanting to take part in music and singing should submit a video by 22 March and queried if the deadline could be extended.  Mr Cook advised the Member to respond to the email and request an extension to the deadline.

13.       A Member questioned the reference to the ‘heavy’ control imposed by England Rugby and asked if the levels of bureaucracy were impacting on the City Council’s ability to get key messages out and was hampering its influence on the Project Board.  Mr Cook replied that the City Council had to abide by the Host City agreement and reassured the Member that despite the protocols that were in place that the City Council was in regular contact with the Communications Team and were able to put messages out through the portal once they had gone through the proper channels.

14.       A Member pointed out that the legacy had stressed the importance of working with partners and sought confirmation that there had been  involvement with partners in the health service.  Mr Cook agreed that the aim of the legacy was to inspire individuals to take up physical activity and said he would find out which health service partners had been contacted.

15.       A Member commended the Leader and Cabinet for their efforts in obtaining Host City status.  Another Member reminded the Member that the success of the bid had been as a direct result of all political parties working together and the excellent work of Officers. 

The Committee requested a further update at their meeting on 15 June 2015.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO CABINET – That the report be noted.