Agenda item

The presentation on 'Grand Parade and Undercroft' at the meeting is attached.

Tom McBain, Divisional Director Property and Jon Folly – Capita gave a presentation on the Grand Parade and Undercroft (a copy of this presentation is on the website with the agenda papers for this meeting). The presentation covered the following points:

·  Pre-Let Agreements - Phase 1 – The Colonnades

·  Planning Application

·  Design Development

·  Highways

·  Timeline

·  Progress Update – Phase 2 – Guildhall Market

·  Progress Update – Phase 3 - Newmarket Row

The Panel raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Following Councillor Macrae’s query regarding the consultation of specific residents, The Divisional Director explained that all relevant tenants have been engaged.

Councillor Macrae asked about parking with regard to disabled people, people attending weddings and elected members. The Divisional Director explained that there will be a parking area for disabled people and parking for the registration service at the front of the building. He further explained that there will be parking available for elected members in Manvers Street Car Park.

Following a query from Councillor Macrae, The Divisional Director explained that the issue regarding waste was a strong part of the lease which stipulated that refuse collection could only be carried at specific hours by private contractors and that the lifts should be used.

Councillor Gerrish stated that the entrances were improved on the plans but may need further improvement. He stated that there were still unallocated restaurant premises by the station and that this development may affect this. The Division Director explained that the development was totally unique and would not cover the same market as restaurants by the station.

Councillor Gerrish stated that he was disappointed that the public had not been engaged before the planning application. He explained that most developers engage before the planning application stage and he was disappointed that the Council had not also done this. The Divisional Director explained that consultation had been on-going for 12 months with 8-10 groups in the centre as well as English Heritage, the Empire residents and others. He further explained that there had been more consultation on this than any other development. The Cabinet Member added that there had been widespread publicity on the scheme. Councillor Paul Myers asked for a list of consultees.

Councillor Gerrish asked about the impact on lettings at the Guildhall as a wedding venue as a result of the proposed extension of the market. Jon Folly (Capita) explained that he took this point but there had been full liaison with facilities management at the Guildhall.

Councillor Colin Barrett asked if the fire authority had been consulted. Jon Folly (Capita) explained that both Building Control and the Fire officer had been consulted.

Councillor Barrett asked if the market would be retained as it is now, the Divisional Director explained that he had had several meetings with the Guildhall market traders and they are keen to extend the market.

Councillor N Roberts stated that comments had been negative so far, he asked about the projected rise in business rates that this scheme would create. The Divisional Director explained that the scheme would bring derelict buildings back into use, create jobs as well as being hugely financially positive for the area. Andrew Pate, Strategic Director for Resources, summarized that the Panel had registered their point regarding consultation and the Cabinet can consider it. The points have been logged, taken and can be reflected on.

Councillor Symonds stated that he felt it was a brilliant scheme and that the people of the city would welcome the development, he stated that it would be a fitting end to the career of Tom McBain. John Bull, Chairman offered best wishes to the Divisional Director for a long and happy retirement.