Decision details

1.1To rephase £150,000 from 21/22 back into the 20/21 Council Capital Programme for the Bath Street Space Programme as outlined below. There is no change to total programme cost. Funding will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy, which was originally programmed for 20/21 before the capital programme review.
1.2Release funding for spend in 20/21 for £100,000 for interventions in Kingsmead Square.
1.3Utilise £50,000 of available funding to also support animation and public realm activities in Milsom Street and Cheap Street, as well as other key streets in the vicinity as part of the Reopening and Renewing the High Street workstream.

1.1Supports the delivery of key projects to continue that support the Reopening and Renewal of the High Street, the schemes support modal shift in favour of walking and cycling, support businesses and support community use of public spaces.
1.2In addition to the previously identified priority areas – Kingsmead Square, York Street/Swallow Street and Union Street– it is requested that the funding can be used to facilitate initiatives in Milsom Street/Cheap Street where temporary access restrictions are in place in response to COV-19, but which need more aesthetically pleasing and sympathetic interventions.
1.3The funding will be used alongside the Reopening the High Street Safely funding from the ERDF, albeit that funding has specific spend limitations for temporary interventions to support the reopening of the High Street in response to COV-19 to March 2021.
1.4Milsom Street and Cheap Street have been identified as additional priority locations for additional interventions due to the higher vacancy rates and presence of Council owned retail units. They are also the focus of future investment through the ‘Love our High Street’ investment fund, although funding will not be made available until 2021/22, and is subject to WECA approval of the Full Business Case. City centre businesses are keen for immediate actions to support them through this difficult time.