Issue - meetings

Officer: Lee Parker

Key decision: yes

The Leader of the Council delegated to the Cabinet the power to make the decisions set out below.

RESOLVED to:

1.    Agree to fund the projects as summarised in paragraph 3.2 of the report and itemised in Appendix 1; and

2.    Subject to the requirement to comply with the provisions of Part 4G of the Constitution in taking delegated decisions and the parameters within paragraph 3.88 delegate to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Executive Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (Job Share), authority to make necessary changes to the funding and phasing to the projects in Appendix 1.  Any such changes will be reported to Cabinet.

The Leader informed Cabinet that items 83/18 and 84/18 would be taken first at the meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (voting – Job Share), the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (non-voting – Job Share), and the Cabinet Member for Economy & Jobs gave a presentation which outlined the ambitions of the Croydon Growth Zone which would support investment in jobs, regeneration and housing, and would deliver borough wide improvements.

It was noted that a large amount of change was already being seen in the town centre with the redevelopment of the Nestle Tower, George Street, Fairfield Halls, College Green and Taberner House. The Growth Zone project included 46 projects which sought to create office space, homes, jobs and infrastructure improvements; as such it was noted that the Croydon skyline would change dramatically over the next five years.

To facilitate the large amount of development that was planned for the town centre a Construction Logistics Plan had been developed which would ensure the safety of all whilst maintaining business as usual as it was recognised the town needed to continue to trade. The Plan would involve holding HGVs in holding areas until they were required on site and would restrict HGV movements during peak hours.

The Growth Zone also sought to enhance transport capacity through improvements and additions to the public transport network, junction improvements such as Five Ways, and improved walking and cycling options. Furthermore, Members were informed that all Controlled Parking Zones would be reviewed across the borough and technology would be utilised to facilitate people parking more quickly.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (non-voting – Job Share) stated that improvements to the public realm were an important aspect of the Project which would support and enhance many of the projects planned for the town centre; including Ruskin Square, One Lansdowne Road and Westfield. Work would also be undertaken to improve pathways and enhance historic sites.

Meanwhile uses of sites were noted as being important schemes that utilised sites before the permanent development took place and often supported culture within the borough and brought investment. The pedestrianisation of the High Street had given the council the opportunity to test how people used the space and was considered to be highly successful.

Members were informed that there would be a report taken to Cabinet in 2019 that would include social infrastructure; the Hub, community gardening and how the council can develop existing community spaces.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Jobs informed Members that a detailed report on the Smart Cities programme would be taken to Cabinet in 2019 would include the roll out of fibre broadband across all businesses and homes. The Croydon Works initiative was noted by the Cabinet Member as a valuable service that assisted people in developing their employments skills and facilitated residents finding jobs.

In response to Member questions the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (voting – Job Share) confirmed that the council had begun engaging businesses and work had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80