Agenda item

To consider a progress update on preparations for the Tour de France 2014

The Board considered a progress report on preparations for the hosting of the Tour de France Grand Depart in July. In attendance to address the Board and answer Members’ queries were:

-  Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Executive Member for Leisure and Skills

-  Cluny Macpherson, Chief Officer Culture and Sport

-  Ed Mylan, Chief Officer Resources and Strategy

-  Nicola Lockwood, Tour de France Team

-  Andrew Hall, Head of Transport Planning

Officers introduced the report and provided an update on the latest areas of progress, highlighting the following issues:

·  Discussions regarding a potential parade by the cyclists on 3 July

·  The launch of a Leeds cycling brand

·  The launch of a dedicated section of the council’s website

·  The circulation of a pack to all schools and planning for a schools’ mini Tour de France at Temple Newsam

·  Further work being commissioned on predicted visitor numbers

·  An initial letter had been issued to residents and businesses along the route

·  Communications with major city centre businesses

·  Traffic management, local access plans and emergency provision for the day of the race

·  Road improvements to be undertaken across all the districts involved in the lead up to the race

·  Public transport and park and ride plans

·  Cycling and cycle parking provision for the event and afterwards

The following issues were raised in discussion:

·  Members asked that consideration be given to the potential to make a number of tickets for the Arena event available as rewards through schools or Children’s Services, although it was noted that there would be a cost to the council for this.

·  The potential for Temple Newsam to be used as a campsite with park and ride facilities, for families coming into the city for the Tour de France. It was agreed to explore this further and report back.

·  The inclusion of information and guidance on the website for businesses including, for example, private providers wishing to offer camping facilities.

·  Members asked that the possibility of further community spectator hubs with big screens in areas of city that are not on the route be explored and reported back to the Board.

·  The need for more dissemination of information about activities and opportunities related to the Tour de France both to councillors and more generally. It was agreed to arrange circulation of information about the council webpage and 100 days cultural festival to all members; to set up a further Members’ seminar; and also to give more thought to the dissemination of information about aspects of the programme that are not being led by the council.

·  Members expressed pride in hosting the Tour de France and a desire to help their local residents to become excited about the opportunities it provides.

·  The planned programme of business engagement events

·  Members welcomed the Leeds cycling logo and the opportunities to promote Leeds, as well as Yorkshire.

·  A suggestion that poetry should be explored as a potential theme

·  Confirmation of capital programme provision for road works and arrangements with utility companies to avoid disruption

·  Potential future signing of the route for cyclists, bearing in mind that much of the Leeds part of the route is on busy main roads

·  Links to the Leeds Connect cycleway as part of the legacy

RESOLVED – To receive a further progress report at the Board’s meeting on 15 April 2014, and to receive a report on the legacy in the new municipal year.

(Councillors A Castle and J Chapman left the meeting at 12.10pm and Councillor R Harington left the meeting at 12.15pm during the discussion of this item.)