Agenda item

Tim Atkins (Managing Director – Place and Economic Development) and Kevan Blackadder (BID Director)

The Managing Director for Place and Economic Development and BID Director had been invited to provide the committee with an update on the Place Strategy, as well as reassuring the committee that BID were engaging with the process of developing the Place Strategy.

The Managing Director for Place and Economic Development reminded the committee that the Place Strategy was approved by Council in March 2017 and a number of consultation exercises had and would be undertaken.  This was a long term plan and the overall vision was “A place where everybody thrives” and focussed on four key values: a pioneering spirit, nurturing, connecting and reconnecting and creativity.  A clear plan for the public realm in the town centre was required going forward but it was important to note that the transformation of the town would take time. 

The BID Director confirmed that the BID were involved in the development of the Place Strategy and were happy to engage because the businesses had identified 5 areas which they wanted BID to focus on and the Place Strategy included 3 of these (public realm improvements, town centre events and parking and accessibility).  BID had talked to a number of town centre businesses, as well as Spirax Sparco, Superdry and the Chamber of Commerce and the messages had been consistent:

• There was a skills shortage in Cheltenham, particularly in engineering and law.
• The high cost of living meant that people working in the town often couldn’t afford to live here.  More starter homes were needed.
• People did not feel incentivised to cycle because of the lack of places to park bicycles.
• A number of businesses had moved their headquarters from Cheltenham and in order to attract and retain businesses there was a need for more commercial space
• The bus service was reliable and affordable but it was felt that some services could run later into the evening.
• Signage in and around the town was poor.
• There was no central area for the public to gather.
• The opening of the John Lewis store was really positive for the town but people felt that the Strand end of the high street was ‘a disgrace’.  A sentiment shared by two national retailers who had recently visited the town.

The BID Director stressed that these issues must be resolved to ensure that the transformation of the town could move forward successfully. 

Despite some of the negative feedback relating to Cheltenham, members felt strongly that it was still a nice place to live and suggested that the town centre was looking less attractive in recent months because of the major works at the Brewery and John Lewis sites.  They all hoped that John Lewis would be a catalyst for further improvements.

In response to a member question, the Director of Place and Economic Development explained that the West Cheltenham scheme would have a massive impact on the town but it was important that members be aware that this would take some 15 years to bring to fruition.  The town centre could not offer a site anywhere near the 50 hectares that West Cheltenham could, but there were sites, which the council owned that all had existing uses, but which could be considered for an alternative use if there was a strong enough business case.  He also confirmed that whilst he was not spending a lot of time visiting other areas, consideration was being given to successes and failures of other towns and cities.  With the proposed cyber park being the first in this country, they were also looking to other countries.  

In closing the BID Director assured members that BIDs did not see one another as rivals and worked well together, sharing experiences and advice.

No decision was required.

The Chairman thanked both men for their attendance.