In the interest of transparency Councillor Green disclosed a personal interest in City Centre Markets (minute 57) as he had a major involvement with the provision and traders.

Action: City Solicitor

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

Reports and background papers for agenda items may be inspected by contacting the person shown after each agenda item.  Certain reports and background papers may be restricted. 

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(Asad Shah - 01274 432280)

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents.

Any referrals that have been made to this Committee up to and including the date of publication of this agenda will be reported at the meeting.

There were no referrals to the Committee.

The report of the Strategic Director Place (Document “V”) will update Members on the City Centre Markets.

Recommended –

That Members are asked to note Document “V” and to recommend a future report once any regeneration proposals for the City Markets are proposed.

(Colin Wolstenholme – 01274 432243)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “V”) updated Members on Bradford’s City Centre Markets.

The Markets Manager was present at the meeting and gave a synopsis of the report. In addition, he provided the Committee with a PowerPoint presentation which detailed an in depth analysis of Oastler Centre (OC) and Kirkgate Market (KM):

A question and answer session ensued:

·         Since the vacancy level of units was 10% above the national average, what kind of businesses had closed?

o   Mostly general business stores that had only been operating within a 2 year period had closed. The businesses that had been operating for many years were still in operation but the opening of the Broadway had resulted in the downward trend of footfall hence a further reason for businesses closing permanently;

·         Was the average occupancy level rate of OC was 77%, was this considered as a high percentage?

o   This was unclear as it was not certain on the occupancy level rates of markets in other cities;

·         Were markets continuously following the tradition of closing during Wednesday afternoons?

o   This was a thing of the past and the Bradford City Centre Markets were no longer following an old tradition;

·         Was the Council still spending money on paper media advertisement campaigns as opposed to electronic means?

o   Customers had become socially media savvy over the course of past few years and therefore the Council had adopted the use of electronic media for existing customers in addition to attracting new customers;

·         Had the markets been advertised in the Telegraph and Argus?

o   Yes but had little impact. As a consequence, advertising would have to entail a more tailored focused approach;

·         In terms of demographics, who were the majority of customers shopping in both markets?

o   Majority were the over 55 year olds;

·         Why were traders reluctant to operate on Sundays?

o   The Council was keen on Sunday trading but on the flip side, wholesalers were closed on Sundays. Nevertheless, the Council was keen to promote Sunday shopping;

·         Were traders offered assistance on how to grow their businesses?

o   The offer of a national trading programme was available but it was important to focus on new businesses equally assisting old businesses to change with the times. The Council had access to business advisers and other network of support for traders; and,

During the discussion, the Committee, the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning & Transport and officers made the following comments:

·         The old Morrisons (Westgate site) had to be addressed as a key to a future regeneration. Of course the footfall around Westgate had reduced and now needed to be addressed. It was about researching and then deliberating on how to achieve an increase number of customers in the coming years;

o   In response to comment, it was acknowledged that there was a decline of customers for both markets which was anticipated due to the inception of Broadway. The OC was linked with the old Morrisons but due to closure of the supermarket  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

The report of the Strategic Director Place (Document “W”) updates the Committee on progress with city centre regeneration since its scrutiny hearing in September 2016.

Recommended –

That Members are recommended to welcome progress on city centre regeneration since its meeting in September 2016.

(Claire Wilkinson – 01274 433537)

The report of the Strategic Director Place (Document “W”) updated the Committee on progress with city centre regeneration since its scrutiny hearing in September 2016.

The Economic Development Programmes Manager was in attendance and gave the Committee a synopsis of the report which followed a PowerPoint presentation.

The latter highlighted the half year regeneration activity, with the following key points. In detail, during mid February 2017 the Council had supported 215 businesses which led to the creation of 629 new and additional jobs within the City Centre hence bringing to fruition 77 empty units back into commercial use. The Council had supported majority of independent businesses including 42 new start businesses with a scheme creating environments in which to invest and grow. During this period the taking up of rate rebate had a slow downturn. The anticipated changes to business rates from April 2017 would affect further however this was a scheme under review by the Government to ensure the flexibility to meet the current needs of businesses and maximises the benefits from all investment. Darley Street and Westgate of the City Centre continued to receive priority attention. The Council had considered options to secure a sustainable future for the city as a leisure and independent retail and markets destination (the short and medium term interventions were detailed in Document “W”). In summary, there was on going exciting pipeline of project proposals, not huge volumes but quality schemes with a positive changing impact. Following success of the Creative Streets animation programme delivered in Autumn 2016, a new programme had been developed which was due to run from 11 April through to 30 April 2017 in and around the Westgate area of the city centre. With the support of the Council, a new Community Interest company had established to manage the market events with local traders involved and given the opportunity to showcase their products. A Heritage Lottery Fund application was submitted in August 2016 for a Townscape Heritage Initiative for the top of town. Funding had been approved to support bringing vacant and under-used historic buildings at the Top of Town back into appropriate and sustainable use with 72 properties identified as a need for prioritisation. The development phase would commence shortly, working with property owners to work up proposals. Improvements to pedestrian flow, traffic management and sight lines to help support footfall to the Westgate area had been instigated through a connectivity study and this resulted in proposals for improvements to a number of streets. It was paramount to make the area more attractive to investors by ensuring improvements to footpaths, including some areas of widening. In addition, improving pedestrian crossing points as well as improved lighting. However, businesses would be consulted with before any final proposals were to be agreed. This report further provided updates on other key developments, this including Sunbridge Wells (SW) which opened in December 2016. The footfall in first 10 weeks of SW was 300,000. SW operated three of the bars within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

The report of the Chair of the Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Document “X”) presents the Committee’s Work Programme 2016-17.

Recommended –

That the Work programme 2016-17 continues to be regularly reviewed during the year.

(Licia Woodhead – 01274 432119)

Resolved –

That the Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2016-17 continued to be reviewed during the year.

LEAD: Overview and Scrutiny Lead