Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from:

·       Greta Fenney

·       Ian Raikes

·       Mark Lawler

·       Mark Basnett

·       Alex Hatchman

·       Sophie Bevan

·       Mick Allen

·       Rob Anderson

·       Marion Atkinson

·       Andrew Booth

·       Robert Agsteribbe

No declarations of interest were received

·       James Brayshaw – removed his previously declared interest in digital and creative space opportunities

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

RJ updated on the progress of the project and proposals which have been sent to Cabinet for approval on 7^th October 2021 around the repurposing of Council owned assets to be used in the project and for an operator to be secured through a Property Lease.

The project has 3 main work streams being

·       Asset regeneration – this will now incorporate Crown & Bank Buildings and vacant retail units

·       Securing an operator – after appraising options the recommended option is through a property lease with contractual obligations for delivery of Town Deal outcomes

·       Writing and approval of the Business Case – business case to be approved within Town Deal timescales

·       Next steps following Cabinet approval will be: draw up and then advertise the Lease opportunity through The Chest Northwest; sign off RIBA stage 2 feasibility designs and move to procurement of design team for RIBA Stage 3&4 – this will be done through public contracts compliant framework. As required by council and agreed by board, all such roles will be procured on a competitive basis.

·       This project should be completed within calendar year 2022

Comments from the Board:

·       Experience of operator should be incorporated into designs

·       Operator obligations included with lease should have flexibility to cover as yet unknown job support schemes and potential funding opportunities 

·       Ensuring the contract obligations are set so that operator will perform to meet them

·       SW noted that there are alternative routes to consider if an operator cannot be secured through the preferred route.

·       The council are clear that there can and will be no council subsidy for the running of the Enterprise Arcade. 

SB updated the Board following discussion at the last Board meeting:

·       Strong feedback on the opportunity in spaces around the Market and the Enterprise Arcade (Eastbank St, King St, Market St) – this was feedback through the working groups of BID, landlords forum and the Board working group, as well as the wider Town Deal consultation processes.

·       Wayfinding – need to ensure clarity on who is it aimed at and what we want to achieve – will it be a mix of physical and digital sign posting? It needs to be flexible and future proofed. Ongoing discussions and evaluation regarding the “future of wayfinding”.

·       Chapel Street and station – key gateway and high profile for impression of the town; strong consultation feedback on this area.

·       Broader Aspects – future phases being developed which would be funded through alternative funding (yet to be secured)

·       Detailed proposals to be presented at a future Board meeting

MC updated on the Market since its opening in July:

·       Feedback is that many people are coming back to the town centre for the first time in years

·       It’s attracting visitors and residents

·       Popularity at peak times means need to increase the seating available and outdoor seating to be increased

·       Events Space to be launched end of October 2021 – it will host markets, other events and private functions

·       Winter menus coming in soon

·       Will progress to 6 days opening in Spring 2022

RJ updated on continuation of the Shadow Board who are a group of students and tutors from Southport College/KGV, following the start of new academic year.

Next steps

• Presentation and update to be given to Shadow Board students
• Students will feedback where they can add value
• Shadow Board will also be targeted focus group for project consultation with young people and way to increase the ability for project consultation to connect with other students
• Request back to Board members on hosting student work placements 

Comments from the Board:

·       RF suggested that a member of the shadow board could attend the main board and report back and vice versa, as would be beneficial to both Boards.

·       DJ raised that he would like to know more about the students vision and objectives around the future of ‘digital’ and what it means to them, as it would enhance and develop the Council’s thinking and the offer in the town – and also their views and perspectives on Climate Change

MB suggested a series of Q&A sessions to be hosted with  College students on campus to exchange ideas. DJ to arrange this

SW updated:

·       Customer training – project development is progressing, further discussion at next board meeting

·       Events centre and Light Fantastic – moving at pace to progress procurement of appointment of external delivery team lead

·       5% of funding is being awarded to all towns to accelerate project development and delivery and fund next stages of project work

·       The catalytic effect of the Town Deal in attracting further private sector funding for projects in Southport continues to be seen

None raised.

8^th December 2021, 15:00