Agenda item

Cabinet Portfolio: Jobs and the Local Economy

Strategic Directorate: - Regeneration and Environment

Consideration was given to a report that was submitted for pre-decision scrutiny ahead of the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 21 June 2021 that provided an update on the delivery of the Town Centre Masterplan and that also sought Cabinet approval for the funding and implementation of Phases 2, 3 and 4 of the public realm improvements. The Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, the Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment and the Assistant Director - Planning, Regeneration and Transport attended the meeting to present the report.

In introducing the report, the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy detailed the background surrounding the history and implementation of the Town Centre Masterplan that had first been approved in 2017. The Cabinet Member advised how the development of the masterplan had highlighted the critical importance of public realm enhancements to help encourage and improve movement and connectivity, particularly between Forge Island and the wider town centre, and also to improve the physical environment and experience within the town centre, and as such had identified a package of public realm improvements to be delivered.

The Cabinet Member noted that the elements of Phase 1 of the scheme that had been approved in December 2019, and had included the redevelopment of Bridgegate, Frederick Street and College Street, were currently either complete or were in progress.

The Cabinet Member advised that the locations proposed for improvement as part of the public realm improvements were:

• Phase 2 - Howard Street (Frederick Street to Market Square), Effingham Street.
• Phase 3 – Forge Island Riverside Gardens and Upper Millgate.
• Phase 4 – The Markets Development, Market Square, Upper Howard Street, Drummond Street and Eastwood Lane

It was noted that a separate report to Cabinet seeking approval for the Markets and Library redevelopment, as well as Phase 4 of the Public Realm improvements would be presented later in 2021.

The officer’s report detailed the work that was being proposed to be carried out in Phase 2 as well as providing information on the consultation processes that had been completed.

Members welcomed the ongoing implementation of the Town Centre Masterplan and the positive impact that it was having. Members asked what support was in place for the businesses that would be impacted during the implementation of the public realm improvements. The Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment advised any business impacted by the construction works would be worked with closely in order to minimise any potential disruption to the operation of their business. The Cabinet Member noted examples of businesses that had been assisted to relocate as part of the implementation of previous elements of the Town Centre Masterplan.

Members asked about the plans for public seating included in Phase 2 of the masterplan. The Strategic Director advised that the overall amount of seating available in Rotherham town centre would increase with the implementation of Phase 2 and noted that consultation would take place with relevant stakeholders on the design of the seating installed.

Members highlighted the clear focus in the proposed plans of how the layout of seating and lighting in the town centre had been designed in order to reduce opportunities for antisocial behaviour. Members noted that providing a diverse day and night time offer, that appealed to a wide range of people and brought them into the town centre would however be a more positive way of discouraging and removing opportunities for anti-social in the town centre. The Cabinet Member noted the consultation that had taken place with the police to ensure that the public realm plans discouraged anti-social behaviour and advised that the Council’s focus on bringing more residential developments into the town centre would positively impact on how the town centre was used both in the day and night time.

Members asked for further information on the range of factors that had been considered in the public realm designs as it appeared that the reduction of anti-social behaviour had been the primary consideration in design. The Cabinet Member noted the other factors that had been considered but stated that it was essential that the reduction of anti-social behaviour should be a major consideration. The Cabinet Member however noted that many improvements such as increased lighting, and the lighting of buildings were both beneficial in reducing anti-social behaviour and in making the town centre more attractive and appealing.

Members asked whether the plan was flexible enough to adapt to the post-pandemic environment and the acceleration in the changes in shopping habits and how town centres were used. The Cabinet Member noted how Rotherham town centre had been diversifying over a number of years to have a varied offer and many independent retailers and businesses, and as such was in a more prepared position for the post-pandemic high street environment than many other towns.

Members asked how important it was to ensure that the town centre was easily accessible by public transport from all parts of the Borough. The Cabinet Member noted the success of the tram-train, the significant improvements to Rotherham interchange and the success of the parking strategy but noted the importance, and also of the significant difficulties of working with transport providers to ensure good bus services from all parts of the Borough into the town centre.

Members welcomed the increase of residential developments in the town centre and asked whether there were plans for the developments of lifelong and accessible housing that would be suitable for older people in the town centre. The Cabinet Member assured members that discussions with the Cabinet Member for Housing would take place on this issue.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, the Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment and the Assistant Director - Planning, Regeneration and Transport for attending the meeting and answering member questions.

Resolved: -

1)    That Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.

2)    That Overview and Scrutiny Management Board members are further consulted on the number, location and design of the public seating areas contained in the Town Centre Masterplan.

3)    That in addition to protecting established tress and replacing any unhealthy or dying trees, that consideration be given to increasing the overall number of trees in the Town Centre.