Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Economic Growth and Housing that provided an update on the previous and current performance of Southport Market, and presented a preferred option that will provide a sustainable future for Southport Market and outlined the additional benefits to the wider Town Centre of Southport linking to the future Town Deal.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Maher referred to the excellent work that had been progressed and reported that this was a good way forward for Southport Market.  The Leader of the Council requested that a Changing Places unit be included in the design.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Cummins also sought reassurance that a Changing Places unit would be included in the design.

Executive Director, Mr Stephen Watson reassured the Cabinet that a Changing Places unit would be included in the design.

The Cabinet Member for Regulation, Compliance and Corporate Services, Councillor Lappin reported that this was an excellent opportunity for Southport and asked what the interest had been from traders.

Executive Director, Mr Stephen Watson reported that the Council had consulted widely, and the results were included within the Business Case and that consultation with current and future potential market traders had shown that interest had remained positive.  It was further reported that the Town Centre Regeneration Initiatives should also capture the interest of market traders. 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, Councillor Atkinson referred to the excellent work in securing investment of 1.4 million pounds for the refurbishment project of Southport Market.

Councillor Atkinson stated that the project would deliver a revitalised market space with a shift in focus to a quality food and beverage offer providing a vital boost to the local economy and continued regeneration of Southport’s market quarter and King Street.  Councillor Atkinson also highlighted the importance of the project in providing opportunities to new business start up’s whilst also creating new employment opportunities and safeguarding existing jobs.

Councillor Atkinson extended her appreciation to the Town Deal Board for their support.

Decision Made:

That:

(1)        option 3 be progressed as the preferred option and the Business Case, be agreed;

(2)    the Head of Economic Growth & Housing be authorised to implement a delivery plan outlined within the business case in consultation with the Cabinet Member – Regeneration and Skills;

(3)    the Head of Economic Growth & Housing be authorised to conduct a procurement exercise for the appointment of a contractor to undertake the capital works as outlined within the report in consultation with the Cabinet Member and be granted delegated authority to award the contract resulting from the procurement;

(4)    the Head of Economic Growth & Housing be authorised to further engage the preferred bar operator in order to finalise the final design, agree bar/floor operation and in consultation with the Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services be granted delegated authority to award a lease.

(5)     officer’s be authorised to further engage in appropriate consultation with existing market traders;

(6)   the capital  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44