Issue - meetings

The Grand Parade & Undercroft project presents a unique development opportunity for the World Heritage City of Bath.  It represents an opportunity to bring redundant and inefficient space back into use for community and commercial benefit, whilst also creating a new fully accessible destination point for business and tourism.

Councillor Brian Webber said that he wished the project well and was delighted that plans were being made to bring the Undercroft back into public use.

Councillor Peter Anketell-Jones agreed, but felt that the plan would not mitigate the costs of the Guildhall, as was apparently anticipated.  The project lacked a clear objective, and not enough detail had been given to enable Cabinet to make an informed decision.

Councillor David Bellotti in proposing the item, said that a successful meeting had been held with the market traders, who were excited about the new opportunities it would provide.  He explained that the plans included a mix of retail, leisure and food outlets which would be a valuable use of an area which was currently wasted space.  The project would not be about the Council spending large sums of money as it was seeking partners to achieve the project.  He felt that the timetable was ambitious but achievable.  He explained that he would be moving slightly different proposals from those recommended in the officer report and a further report would only be brought to Cabinet if a decision was required.

Councillor Cherry Beath seconded the proposal and said that the Cabinet was keen to develop the underused areas of Bath.  She was confident that good progress would be made towards bringing the colonnades back into public use.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor Cherry Beath, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that a detailed consultation exercise should be undertaken with key stakeholders and the general public;

(2) To AGREE that a development brief should be produced, taking into account the feedback from the consultation exercise, to enable a development partner to be procured;

(3) To ASK the Chief Property Officer to produce a full viability appraisal and options report on the opportunities under consideration; and

(4) To AGREE that on completion of the above recommendations, if required, a further report will be submitted to Cabinet for approval.