Agenda item

To consider an update on the progress towards and impact of the Wokingham Town Centre Regeneration

The Committee considered a report, set out on Agenda pages 9 to 18, which provided an update on the Wokingham Town Centre Regeneration projects. The Regeneration projects comprised:

·           Peach Place (the area behind the current blue hoardings and the adjacent part of Rose Street);

·           Carnival Phase 1 (the new multi-storey car park and ground floor leisure unit);

·           Elms Field (the former Wellington House site, the park and the Paddocks car park);

·           Carnival Phase 2 (the area made up of the leisure centre, adjacent offices and former bowling alley site).

In relation to Peach Place, the report stated that the development was progressing well and remained on target for completion by Xmas 2018. The Council had also purchased the former M&S site which was now undergoing a detailed options appraisal. In the short term the M&S site would be let to a charitable organisation. The Executive had also agreed that the 22 apartments in the development would be leased to a Council-owned housing company for the provision of key worker housing.

In relation to Carnival Phase 1, the multi-storey car park was now operational and the new bowling alley/laser quest facility opened in November 2017. The multi-storey car park had been developed as part of the Council’s strategic approach to parking in the longer term, meeting capacity requirements when the Paddocks car park closes and serving vehicles entering the town from the south.

In relation to Elms Field, the Council was finalising detailed negotiations with its preferred partner, McLaughlin and Harvey. The overall completion target remained as the end of 2019 to 2020. Pre-construction works were ongoing with a more detailed programme of phasing and works to be released shortly.

In relation to Carnival Phase 2, the Council had decided to build a new leisure centre which would improve the site layout and deliver better value for money. The revised layout would also allow the relocation of Wokingham Library. Work on Carnival Phase 2 would commence following completion of the new Bulmershe leisure centre and significant progress on the Elms Field project.

The report noted that the ongoing Market Place improvement project was being managed separately. Members would receive a briefing note on progress relating to the Market Place. The report also gave details of the impact of the regeneration in relation to town centre roads, footpaths and car parks.

In relation to local businesses and shops, the report set out a number of initiatives such as Free after Three parking, regular communication, awareness raising, events and promotion of the town and its businesses.

The report also gave an assessment of national and local retail conditions. Whilst the national average vacancy rate (empty shops) stood at around 11% to 12% the vacancy rate for Wokingham stood at 1% (based on 182 commercial units). The Council had also secured strong pre-lets for Elms Field including Aldi, Everyman Cinema and Premier Inn.

In the ensuing discussion Members raised the following points and questions:

·           In relation to the short term let of the M&S site to a charitable organisation, would the agreement include a break clause to protect the Council’s position? It was confirmed that the arrangement (to be announced shortly) would include a four week break clause.

·           Following recent questions about disabled car parking at the Carnival Pool site, had the issues raised been resolved? It was confirmed that a follow up meeting had been arranged between Imogen Shepherd-Dubey and the Chief Executive.

·           Following completion of the northern and southern distributor roads would consideration be given to the introduction of pedestrianised areas in the town centre? It was confirmed that traffic flows in and around the town centre would be monitored as the regeneration progressed and new roads were completed. Relevant options would be considered in order to ensure that the town centre remained an attractive place to work and visit and public transport was able to operate effectively.

·           How many local businesses had contacted the Council’s consultants, Vail Williams, to discuss potential support with the business rates system? It was confirmed that nine businesses had been in discussions with Vail Williams.

·           How would the regeneration project deliver an improved cultural and entertainment offer in the town centre? It was confirmed that the project would deliver improved facilities for open air concerts and events, a new cinema, improved exhibition space and a concert facility in the Carnival Phase 2 facility. The Market Place improvements would also support outside events and make the market more attractive to visitors.

·           What had been the impact of the regeneration and Market Place projects on town centre businesses and retailers? It was confirmed that there had inevitably been a negative impact on town centre retailers. However, a number of measures had been taken to support traders and ensure that effective communication was in place. It was estimated that the Market Place improvements would be completed by April 2018 which would give a significant boost to businesses and retailers.

Karen Dodd (Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce) addressed the meeting and gave feedback on the town centre regeneration from business members of the Chamber. The feedback highlighted the need for regular, clear information about progress and milestones. It also highlighted the perceived benefits of the project in terms of creating a more attractive town centre which would help to boost inward investment and make the town a more attractive place to live and work.

RESOLVED That:

1)     The Town Centre Regeneration update report be noted;

2)     Karen Dodd be thanked for attending the meeting on behalf of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce;

3)     an update report on the Market Place improvement scheme be circulated to Members;

4)     the Federation of Small Businesses be invited to provide feedback on the impact of the town centre improvements at a future meeting of the Committee.