Agenda item

To receive and note the update.

Cllr R Kershaw – Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth introduced the report and informed Members that the HSHAZ project was a holistic programme of interrelated projects that aimed to improve the vitality and viability of North Walsham town centre. He added that the project was an opportunity for significant investment in the town to support residents and visitors, which would therefore require their agreement and support. It was reported that the project included a placemaking scheme, renovation of the Cedars, building improvement grants, a cultural programme, and a communication and engagement programme. Cllr R Kershaw informed Members that project governance had changed from a Working Party to Project Team, which met weekly to oversee the project alongside a project board, chaired by the ADSG.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          The HAZPM and EGM provided an overview presentation of the project and noted that funding had come primarily from Historic England, in conjunction with match-funding from NNDC, followed by additional funding from the LEP and Historic England, to a total of £3.2m. The HAZPM informed Members that the project would focus predominantly on the town centre, in areas such as the Market Place, the area surrounding St Nicholas’ Church, and the surrounding streets and lokes. An overview of the five key programmes was provided and it was noted that the placemaking scheme had reached the detailed design stage, utilising input from a range of stakeholders. It was noted that considerable consultation and engagement had taken place with local exhibitions in the town and at local schools.

      ii.          The HAZPM informed Members that essential maintenance work on the Cedars had already begun, alongside a full conditions survey to ascertain the works required. She added that a detailed schedule of work and specification had been prepared that would be procured in the autumn, with renovations to begin soon after. It was noted that the building had already been marketed by the Estates Team to seek potential interest.

     iii.          The Historic Buildings Improvements Grant Scheme was outlined as a means for private landlords to apply to improve existing historic buildings, with 103 listed buildings in the town, it was hoped the scheme would help to return these buildings to their former glory. It was noted that the scheme was set to launch in approximately two weeks’ time to cover repairs and renovation, with the expectation that it could bring neglected spaces back into use.

    iv.          The HAZPM referred to the heritage research and training that would be undertaken as part of the project by Historic England, and noted that very little heritage research had been completed previously. It was reported that most of this research would be funded separately by Historic England, though the findings would be shared with officers to better inform the project. Alongside this work, it was noted that the Cultural Programme would be led by an independent consortium with £90k funding available over three years.

      v.          The HAZPM informed Members that a Stakeholder Group had been established that met regularly to keep residents and businesses informed of project progress. She referred to the project budget and noted that to date, approximately £183k had been spent. It was suggested that there had been challenges such as material shortages, though efforts were being made to mitigate these impacts and the project remained on-track. The HAZPM stated that year two of the project would be critical, as most of the placemaking scheme funding would be spent, alongside the building improvement grants scheme, subject to match-funding from property owners.

    vi.          Cllr S Penfold asked whether there had been any headline issues from the consultation events, and whether monitoring and evaluation of the project would be undertaken externally. The HAZPM replied that the general feedback received from over 200 consultees was supportive, with particular interest in green projects and engaging young people in the project. She added that there had also been considerable feedback received on the identity of the town, with several suggestions made. On monitoring and evaluation, it was stated that the HAZPM monitored the project deliverables such as the placemaking scheme and historic building projects, which she would then report to Historic England. It was noted that equipment had also been installed to monitor footfall in the town, which could be used to measure trends in visitor numbers pre and post project completion. Cllr R Kershaw noted that there was also a weekly monitoring meeting that took place with Members, Historic England representatives, NNDC and NCC officers, consultants and other interested parties.

   vii.          Cllr V Gay stated that the Project Enabler deserved substantial credit for the work she had done to initiate the project, and suggested that a strong community presence had influenced Historic England to support the project. She added that support for the project from within the town had been inspiring, and thanked officers’ for their ongoing support.

  viii.          Cllr C Cushing referred to the budget figures in the presentation, and suggested that it would be helpful if these could be shared with Members. He then referred to the Cedars renovation work and asked whether any cost estimates were available, whether there was any interest in the building, and whether a sale or conversion into housing had been considered. Cllr R Kershaw stated that he would ensure the budget information was shared with Members and noted that a condition of the Historic England contribution to the renovation costs meant that the Council could not sell the property. He added that whilst housing could be an option, there had already been three expressions of interest, with two for commercial use and one a café restaurant with accommodation above. It was stated that the Council would have to seek a commercial rent from the building, but would also take into account the community interst. Cllr C Cushing stated that it would be helpful for the project to be regularly monitored by the Committee.

    ix.          Cllr P Bütikofer requested further information on the green credentials of the project. The HAZPM replied that a key brief given to architects working on the placemaking project was to consider sustainability and contribute to the delivery of the Council’s environmental objectives. She added that Environmental Officers had been involved in the consultation stage and various issues had been considered to make the project as sustainable as possible.

      x.          Cllr V Holliday praised the project and asked whether any similar would be considered for other market towns in the future. Cllr R Kershaw replied that the Council would certainly apply for funding if more was made available by the Government.

    xi.          Cllr L Withington stated that a community project was taking place in Sheringham and suggested that beyond footfall, increases in income or revenue for the town should also be measured. She added that there was often a switch from retail to hospitality businesses as towns were developed, and it was important to ensure that essential retail shops were not lost. It was suggested that public transport should also be given consideration to ensure that access wasn’t lost. Cllr R Kershaw replied that he was working with a business consortium to encourage economic growth in the town as well as encouraging new businesses into the town.

   xii.          Cllr S Penfold referred to the learning opportunities presented by the project, and asked whether anyone had been tasked with ensuring that local schools and colleges had been contacted to determine their needs and develop learning opportunities. Cllr R Kershaw replied that the Council had engaged with local schools and was actively work on projects relating to history and culture, as well as training schemes for historic building restoration. Cllr H Blathwayt stated that as a Member of the Broads Authority Heritage Scheme, he knew that apprenticeships could be developed and the project offered a great learning opportunity.

  xiii.          The Chairman noted that project risk had not been mentioned in the report and asked whether this was given regular consideration and whether there were any existing concerns. Cllr R Kershaw replied that it was a high priority of the Project Group that was regularly discussed, and could be included in future monitoring reports.

 xiv.          It was proposed by Cllr C Cushing and seconded by Cllr S Penfold that the project be monitored quarterly, with the inclusion of budgetary and risk information.

RESOLVED

1.     To receive and note the update.

2.     Quarterly project updates to be added to the Committee’s Work Programme with the inclusion of budget/cash flow and project risks.