The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “X”) updates the scrutiny committee on progress with city centre regeneration since its scrutiny hearing in March 2017.

Recommended –

Members are asked to note the content of this report.

(Clare Wilkinson – 01274 433537)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “X”) updated the Committee on progress with city centre regeneration since its scrutiny hearing in March 2017.

The Economic Plans Development Manager introduced the report. Bradford was one of the biggest and fastest growing districts in the UK and a key driver of the wider City Region economy. Business success, jobs growth and an increased evening economy were essential parts of the district’s economy and, while the district had distinct economic areas with different strengths, influences and dynamics, a strong vibrant city centre remained key to a future economic growth.

The City Centre therefore remained a focus for the Council as part of our wider approach to economic growth across the district. Due to its size and scale it was also recognised as a Strategic Priority Area in the city region’s Strategic Economic Plan. 

Bradford City Centre was the key location for employment in the district and was home to over 2000 businesses that supported 22% of jobs (one in five of all jobs in the district) generating 31% of the District’s Gross Value Added (GVA).

A question and answer session ensued:

·         In relation to the rate of vacancy levels, how did Bradford compare to city centres of other cities and towns?

o   Vacancy levels of shops and inner mall units were difficult to compare like for like due to the varying sizes of cities and towns around the country;

·         The Broadway Shopping and Leisure Complex saw a year on year increase in footfall over the main Christmas trading period in December 2017 with 1.5 million visits to the centre. But did this equate to Broadway Shopping and Leisure Complex as being a success?

o   It was not only about the increase or decrease of footfall, but rather the fact whether there was a significant amount of continuous spending. Nevertheless, footfall had increased by 1.5% which was considered a satisfactory outcome;

·         What was the anticipated opening date of the Indian street food restaurant, Pappadums?

o   It was believed that the recruiting of staff would commence around Easter 2018;

·         Some older buildings would be sold to the highest bidder but companies may not have money to invest into businesses despite purchasing buildings?

o   There were business rate incentives for the purpose of bringing back buildings into economic use. Rate relied schemes would also prevent city centre units to remain vacant for a considerable amount of time;

·         How was the monitoring the businesses undertaken when grants were awarded?

o   A contract was drawn up as part of the condition when so that Council had access to ensure that the businesses were operating the same equipment and people still had jobs;

·         What had been the life expectancy of business that had received grants?

o   Around 90% of businesses were still operating successfully;

·         What continuous action was being undertaken to tackle problems such as anti social behaviour?

o   Individuals guilty of such behaviour were prosecuted; and,

·         How was begging tackled?

o   This was a wide West Yorkshire Strategy and Bradford was concentrating on hot spot areas. Officers were able to enforce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) on those who were found to be begging;

During the discussion, the Committee and officers drew attention to restaurants on Leeds Road and Great Horton Road, and that although the city centre being the core of the city, there was nothing special to pull people into the heart of the city as opposed to restaurants outside of the city centre. Bradford city centre was still lacking something special and different to offer its visitors. At least 20% of shop units were vacant, the footfall was very low and people complained that Bradford had a unclean city centre. Shoppers were bypassing Bradford in order to shop in Leeds due to the variety of everything in the city centre. In response to comment, the 1.5 million footfall figure was for Broadway Shopping and Leisure Complex from October to December 2017, In relation to the comment of uncleanliness, an enforcement company would be taking on the role of ensuring the public refrained from throwing litter on the streets and officers on the streets would be issuing financial penalties. Councillors and officers all played a part in promoting the city and at present the perception may not be perfect for some due to lack of some services brought on by restrictive budgets. The media continuously focused on negative coverage of the city centre and therefore shoppers were receiving mixed messages.

Resolved –

That the report be welcomed and the Committee requests an update report in 12 months on progress with the city centre regeneration.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place