Issue - meetings

The High Streets Strategy report presented at February Cabinet approved the development of a strategy and action plan with partners that enables the delivery interventions to support our high streets and district centres. This is progressing well.

During the development of this work, it has become clear that there is significant work underway which deserved to be highlighted.  This report highlights examples of and provides updates on some of the exciting and positive interventions, as part of our strategy work, that are making our high streets and district centres places that people will want to visit and spend time in once again.   

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          noted the excellent examples of ongoing work detailed in the report and commended the work of officers on the positive impact these projects are making to our high streets and district centres;

(b)         supported the work of partner organisations in the projects they are driving and enabling to also deliver energy and vibrancy in our high streets and district centres;

(c)           encouraged further collaboration between all those with an interest in helping our high streets and district centres bounce back from COVID19; and

(d)           noted that this report is an update on the activity happening on the ground at present and that a full strategy and action plan will be delivered in the future.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

Reason

To continue supporting our high streets and district centres as part of the Big Plan and Corporate Strategy priorities.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the High Streets Strategy report presented at February Cabinet approved the development of a strategy and action plan with partners that enables the delivery interventions to support our high streets and district centres, and that this is progressing well.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that during the development of this work, it had become clear that there is significant work underway which deserved to be highlighted, and that this report highlights examples of and provides updates on some of the exciting and positive interventions, as part of our strategy work, that are making our high streets and district centres places that people will want to visit and spend time in once again. 

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that the Board had welcomed the initiative but had stressed the importance of engagement with ward members and town and parish councils.

Councillor Hilliard addressed the Cabinet highlighting the confusion with residents with regards to the assumption that a strategy already existed. In addition, Councillor Hilliard advised of the importance of engagement and for there being a range of engagement methods so as to include those who aren’t able to respond digitally.

The Portfolio Holder expressed thanks to the Lead Member for BCP Retail Strategy and Christchurch Regeneration for his hard work, and in addition advised that the consultation is ongoing.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          noted the excellent examples of ongoing work detailed in the report and commended the work of officers on the positive impact these projects are making to our high streets and district centres;

(b)         supported the work of partner organisations in the projects they are driving and enabling to also deliver energy and vibrancy in our high streets and district centres;

(c)           encouraged further collaboration between all those with an interest in helping our high streets and district centres bounce back from COVID19; and

(d)           noted that this report is an update on the activity happening on the ground at present and that a full strategy and action plan will be delivered in the future.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning