To consider a presentation on Bournemouth Town Centre Progress in advance of an anticipated in-depth inquiry session at a future meeting.
Minutes:
The Director for Investment and Development gave a presentation to the Board, a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The update provided information on a number of different issues regarding the Town Centre to the Board but it was noted that it was still expected that a future session would be held with input from the local MP as well as representatives from the citizen’s panel which worked on the creation of the Town Centre Action Plan. A number of key area were discussed by the Board including:
Governance Arrangements - An update was provided on governance arrangements established to coordinate town centre activity.
Members were advised that a Town Centre Compact had been created to bring together the Council, Business Improvement Districts, Dorset Police, businesses and other stakeholders. The purpose of the arrangement was described as improving communication, developing shared priorities and ensuring greater coordination across multiple initiatives affecting the town centre.
Members were advised that a considerable number of separate strategies, action plans and policy documents had been produced over many years in relation to Bournemouth town centre. It was noted that approximately 40 separate strategies and plans existed, each containing its own vision and priorities. As a result, work was being undertaken to bring together these various initiatives into a more coherent and coordinated approach.
Questions were raised regarding future reporting arrangements. It was confirmed that an overarching update on the emerging Place Strategy and guiding principles would be presented to Cabinet and that further action planning would continue to develop.
Citizens Action Panel - An update was provided on the Citizens Panel established with support from the Bournemouth Town Centre MP and the Leader of the Council.
The panel consisted of residents selected through a public expression-of-interest process designed to reflect the local demographic.
Through a programme of workshops and engagement activity, the panel had developed an action plan focusing on eight themes:
The Board heard that both short-term actions and longer-term aspirations had been identified. Particular value was attributed to the role of residents in shaping priorities and championing future projects.
Discussion took place regarding the participation of children and young people. It was confirmed that young people had been represented on the panel and that further opportunities for youth involvement were being explored.
High Street Rental Auctions - The Board received an update on implementation of High Street Rental Auction powers.
Councillors were advised that Bournemouth had become an early adopter authority and had formally designated an area for use of the scheme.
A vacancy register had identified 28 eligible properties, although six had subsequently been brought back into use before enforcement action had been required. The process by which property owners could be engaged before formal powers were exercised was outlined to the Board
Discussion took place regarding vacant properties, landlord incentives, funding mechanisms and the practical challenges associated with bringing properties back into occupation.
The Board welcomed the progress made but emphasised the need for continued focus on delivery.
Inward Investment and Town Centre Regeneration - An update was provided on work to encourage investment and occupancy within Bournemouth town centre. The Board was advised that positive engagement was taking place with investors, developers and property owners.
Reference was made to:
Councillors highlighted examples from other towns and cities where innovative regeneration approaches had revitalised town centres and encouraged officers to examine successful national examples.
Communications and Perception of the Town Centre
Considerable discussion took place regarding public perception of Bournemouth town centre. The importance of ensuring that inaccurate or misleading narratives about the town centre were challenged and balanced by factual information and positive messaging was discussed.
The significance of visible improvements, public confidence and coordinated communications was emphasised.
Board members reiterated their wish to undertake a full Town Centre Inquiry Session involving key stakeholders, including the local Member of Parliament and the Leader of the Council. It was noted that arrangements for this session were still being developed. The Board requested that the presentation slides and supporting documents including the Believing in Bournemouth document from the Town Centre BID, the Coastal Region Built for Growth and the Bournemouth Town Centre Action Plan, be circulated to Board Members. Following further discussion it was:
RECOMMENDED that officers, working with the Citizens Action Panel, be requested to develop fully-costed project proposals capable of being presented to Bournemouth Town Council for consideration and potential funding.
Voting: Unanimous