The Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee are asked to consider the draft Poole Civic Centre Business Case. Please note that this item has been deferred to the March Cabinet meeting, therefore in this instance the Committee is asked to consider the standalone business case in advance of Cabinet.
The Committee is asked to scrutinise and comment on the report and if required to make recommendations or observations as appropriate.
Cabinet members invited to attend for this item: Councillor P Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration.
Minutes:
The Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration presented a report a copy of which was circulated to Committee members and a copy of which appears as Appendix A to these minutes in the minute book. In the following discussion the Committee raised a number of issues which were responded to by the Portfolio Holder and Officers including:
· This was a hugely interesting project, and it was hoped that this would be a great development site.
· Councillors sought confirmation on the timing of the project.
· It was noted that the provision of space for the Coroners Court was a Council decision and would need further approvals to amend.
· It was noted that there was concern about the entry and exit point for the site. Various options may be considered for changes to the gyratory system. Members expressed concern that this would be a critical element of the development, ensuring traffic calming and noise reduction. FuturePlaces recognised the benefits of this, but stated this was outside the OBC scope.
· Demolition of the annex and the storage of goods. Areas had been earmarked for storage need.
· It was noted that the site had lots of car parking spaces, most of these were provided in the staff multi-story carpark. The Committee considered that any hotel development on the site would need considerable parking provision.
· Issues concerning the future use of the solar array on top of civic-centre annex and the multi-story carpark.
· Questions were raised concerning the number of rooms being provided. It was noted that to accommodate the 150 rooms this would require mansard extensions facing into the space in the centre of the building. The illustration in the business case only indicated 80-90 rooms. The Committee was advised that hotel operators had indicated a need for an increase to this number.
· That the figures on this project were significant and in the past the area had not been considered a prime hotel location.
· That the Poole Civic Centre was built in the 1930’s for community and civic use and it was vital that the civic function be kept.
· It was noted that the people of Poole had not yet been consulted on what they would like to see at this site. It was noted that public consultation on this was expected to take place in June 2023.
· There was a possibility of disposal after a number of years and a question of whether it was better for the Council to retain ownership in the long term or dispose of it, was raised. The options were included in the OBC and it would be for the Council to consider this further. This didn’t alter the current work for FuturePlaces. The Portfolio Holder confirmed it was not his preferred option to sell. Committee members also expressed their preference to retain ownership of the site as a heritage asset.
· Issues were raised regarding the walking routes across the site. This would be considered when moving forward with the full business case.
· The Committee questioned how the social housing proposal would fit in with the development of a mid-range hotel on the site. The Lead member for engagement advised that there was nothing in the report regarding engagement on this specific issue.
· Some concerns were raised regarding the financial aspects of the hotel development. It was suggested these be followed up within the non-public session.
Concern was raised regarding the current lack of civic space available for use by the Mayoralty in Poole.
Supporting documents: