Agenda item

Market Towns Initiative Process Review & Monitoring

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

The MTI Project has been active for approximately three years. Most projects from rounds one, two and three of funding are now complete, and it is therefore appropriate to review the process in order to consider any learning opportunities for the future, celebrate the successes and review what could have been improved. It is also necessary to continue to monitor any projects still active, that have been significantly impeded in their progress by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

 

N/a.

 

Conclusions:

 

The Market Town Initiative has successfully helped the District’s four inland market towns to fund and implement numerous improvements, host events and encourage more residents and visitors into town centres. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the outputs of various projects and has delayed the overall completion of the initiative, however it is hoped that the delays caused can be overcome in the near future.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

To note the overall success of the MTI Grant Fund, review the process and continue to monitor ongoing projects.

 

To review the MTI process as a whole and take note of the outcomes.

 

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

 

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr R Kershaw

 

Ward(s) affected

Holt, Lancaster North, Lancaster South, North Walsham East, North Walsham West, North Walsham Market Cross, and Stalham

 

 

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Matt Stembrowicz, 01263 516047, matthew.stembrowicz@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Rob Young, 01263 516162, Robert.young@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Minutes:

The DSGOS introduced the report and informed Members that whilst most projects were complete, the MTI Project had run for much longer than originally anticipated, primarily as a result of delays caused by Covid-19. He added that several notable projects had been picked up by local press, such as public events that had brought hundreds of visitors into town centres, re-occupied empty high street shops and a project that had led to further grant funding success. In terms of process, it was noted that the available resource for the project was limited, which had placed constraints on the time available to monitor projects. The DSGOS noted that the project also sought to allow applicants the freedom to manage and develop their own projects, which had worked well in most cases, though issues were outlined in the report. He added that projects were still active in Stalham and Holt, with monitoring in place and support offered to help bring the projects to completion.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr S Penfold noted thanks to officers for delivering the project and suggested that if a similar scheme were run again in the future, assurances must be sought that dedicated resource is available to fully resource the project. He added that any future projects could also utilise phased grant payments to ensure that projects were delivered on a more timely basis, though this would require additional resource.

 

      ii.          Cllr A Brown thanked officers for their work and praised funding of the Holt Chamber of Commerce rebranding, which had allowed Love Holt to work with commercial landlords to offer vacant units to start-up businesses. He then asked whether this initiative had been shared with other towns and whether it had been replicated. The DSGOS replied that he had informed other towns of the initiative, but was yet to see any replication of the scheme.

 

     iii.          Cllr E Seward referred to the North Walsham Project where funding had been used to reinvigorate the precinct area, and noted that whilst it took time to see the benefits of the project, there were signs of increased footfall and trade in the area.

 

    iv.          Cllr L Shires thanked officers for their work and noted that as Chair of the MTI Working Group, allowing applicants flexibility during Covid-19 had been crucial. She added that the Stalham archway was a standout success and asked whether it would be helpful to seek feedback from applicants. The DSGOS agreed that it would be helpful to seek feedback and stated that it was unfortunate that so many projects completed during the Pandemic were unable to be promoted and celebrated in the way they deserved. He added that it could be useful for the Communications Team to prepare a summary news item to cover the successes achieved by the project. The Chairman agreed that this would be worthwhile, especially for residents that were unaware of how the projects had been funded.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.     To note the overall success of the MTI Grant Fund, review the process and continue to monitor ongoing projects.

 

ACTIONS

 

1.     To request that the Communications Team prepare a news item covering the outcomes and successes of the MTI Project.

Supporting documents: