Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an overview of the City Centre Vision to date and which also introduces the draft Our Spaces Strategy, with a view to obtaining approval to commence stakeholder engagement, prior to the formal adoption of the strategy in early 2019.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an overview of the City Centre Vision to date and which also introduced the draft  ‘Our Spaces’ Strategy, with a view to obtaining approval to commence stakeholder engagement, prior to the formal adoption of the strategy, currently scheduled for early 2019.

Members welcomed the proposals, and in response to specific enquiries the Board received further information on the actions being taken to build upon the ongoing work to ensure that the city centre continued to be an accessible, inclusive and safe environment for all, whilst also being an attractive location for employers and employees.

Members also discussed the importance of accessible green spaces within the city centre and in the wider community. Members also discussed the potential provision of street trees in future city centre developments, with the Board also considering alternative ways in which to promote greenspaces, with the example of ‘living walls’ being provided.

The Board considered the need for the further provision of shopmobility services as the city centre expanded. Members also emphasised the importance of maximising the benefit of the waterfront infrastructure within the city centre and the wider community.

In conclusion, the collaborative approach being taken with partners to progress this strategy was highlighted.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Vision to be the "Best City Centre by 2030” be reaffirmed, and that the aspirations for the City Centre, as contained within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That the contents, vision and ambition for the draft ‘Our Spaces’ Strategy be noted, and that the request to commence stakeholder engagement be approved, with a view to seeking its formal adoption in early 2019, once consultation is complete;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Asset Management & Regeneration Officer will be responsible for progressing the consultation on the ‘Our Spaces’ Strategy.