Issue - meetings

1.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HILTON

“This council notes that the Debenhams brand has been bought by Boohoo.

That all 124 stores across the country will close with the loss of 12,000 jobs as Boohoo relaunches Debenhams as an online-only retailer later this year.

That the Gloucester department store building is currently owned by Aviva who have put it up for sale.

There is speculation that the building has been sold, but as of the 3rd March a sale hasn’t been confirmed by either a buyer or Aviva. 

The previous day the leader of the council confirmed that he did not know whether the building had been sold. 

The Debenhams department store is listed as a positive building within the city centre conservation area, though its service yard is regarded as a negative aspect off St Aldate Street.

The department store cannot be demolished without the council’s consent.

This council agrees to work closely with the new owners to retain, restore and repurpose the building.

This council also confirms that it would oppose the demolition of the Debenhams building.”

2.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR STEPHENS

“Council notes that the Covid-19 vaccination programme is having a significant impact nationally in protecting people against Covid-19 and is greatly reducing the prevalence of the virus, lowering death rates and hospital admissions.

Council further notes that Gloucestershire has consistently been the highest performer nationally in terms of delivering the vaccine to its residents. This is due to the excellent leadership of Sarah Scott and the public health team in the county, NHS and other frontline workers, and the vast army of volunteer helpers.

Council resolves:

1.     To write to Sarah Scott expressing our gratitude to her and her team on the success of the vaccination programme in Gloucester (shire).

2.     Records it thanks to the NHS staff, other frontline & public sector workers and volunteers involved in delivering the vaccine programme.”

3.     PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR PULLEN

“Gloucester City Council and Gloucester City Homes own a number of garages across the city. There is currently a waiting list for the garages with residents having to wait many months or even years before being offered one. Many of the garages need significant repairs and are currently unable to be let because of this.

Garages are a useful asset and if used not only generate income but also provide a valued amenity for residents taking cars off the road, easing congestion, and freeing up on-street car parking spaces.

Council resolves:

1.     To carry out an audit of all garages owned by both the council and Gloucester City Homes, detailing whether they are empty or vacant and the level of disrepair.

2.     To introduce a comprehensive programme of refurbishment of the garages to bring them back into use.

3.     To investigate alternative uses for the sites e.g., housing where the sites are considered unviable.

4.     That a report be presented to Cabinet within 6 months setting out the result of the audit and a comprehensive action plan.”

4.     PROPOSED BY  ...  view the full agenda text for item 88