Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods.

Report to follow. 

It was RESOLVED that the Borough Council’s response to the Commissioners report and recommendations be approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Waste Mangement presented the report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods that outlined the Borough Council’s response to the West Bridgford Commissioners report that set out a vision which would shape the future of the town centre. The Portfolio Holder asked Cabinet to consider the Council’s response to the West Bridgford Commissioners Report and recommendations. It was noted that West Bridgford was a vibrant town centre but was facing competition from online retailers and that the Council should not be complacent that the town centre would continue to maintain its vibrancy in light of the changing retail environment.

The Commissioners report, which had been published in November 2017 had identified six broad themes, which together had contained twenty-eight individual recommendations for West Bridgford town centre. It was noted that since the report had been published that work had been undertaken to consider and develop the Council’s response which was intended to form the basis of a future vision and associated work programme, and that this vision was also supported by the West Bridgford Growth Board. The Portfolio Holder advised that the original six themes in the Commissioners report had been developed into two key strategic ambitions which were supported by five areas for action.  It was noted that the Strategic Ambitions were with regard to Tudor Square and the Bridgford Road Car Park and that the Action Areas included improving brand identity, supporting local businesses who wished to progress their digitalisation journey, considering the physical environment and access of the town centre and to monitor the existing provision of street cleansing and litterbin management. Information and analysis of the Strategic Ambitions and Action Areas were included in the officer’s report.

In seconding the recommendations Councillor Mason commended the actions outlined in the report and was pleased that the views of residents of had been included in the Commissioners’ report. Councillor Mason also welcomed the proposals to improve the connectivity between Central Avenue and Gordon Road. Councillor Robinson advised that he was hopeful that the feasibility of the projects recommended, such as the redevelopment of Bridgford Road Car Park would be confirmed by the end of the year. Councillor Robinson also advised that the Council had to remain proactive in order for West Bridgford town centre to continue to thrive and maintain its position and thanked the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods for his work in producing the response to the West Bridgford Commissioners Report.

It was RESOLVED that the Borough Council’s response to the Commissioners report and recommendations be approved.

Reason for decision

To incorporate the vision of the West Bridgford Commissioners report within the Council’s broader vision and ambitions within its future strategic framework, medium term financial strategy and supporting work programmes.