Decision details

1.    To adopt the mid-range design option for the first phase of public realm improvements to High Street (east) between Rodney Road and Cambray Place at an estimated construction cost of £696,000 (based on latest cost plan). The set of paving materials being;

2.    To agree that subsequent stages of the works may transition to alternative sets of materials beyond Cambray Place.

Core areas of the High St merit the use of good quality paving materials to enhance their attraction as a destination for shoppers and recreational users. Approach reflects wider ambition of place as set out in the emerging place strategy.

The materials chosen are affordable within the budget for the first stage of the works.

Three alternative design options were evaluated.

1.         Lower quality mid-range pre cast concrete products

2.         Mid quality ethically sourced non-UK Yorkstone equivalent

3.         High quality UK Yorkstone

The high quality option was not affordable within the available budget whilst the least expensive was judged to be of inadequate quality for the core area of the design area.

Consultation has been undertaken with:

1. The Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for Development and Safety, and wider Cabinet
2. Overview and Scrutiny Committee
3. Key stakeholders including Cheltenham Business Improvement District, John Lewis Partnership, Cheltenham Development Taskforce and Gloucestershire County Council
4. Cheltenham Development Task Force Board (quarterly board meeting)
5. Executive Board
6. High St East Project Board

All consultees supportive of the decision to progress with the first phase as a priority and to consider options for alternative materials for subsequent phases.