Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial).

The Head of Inward Investment and Tourism introduced the report on the Sandwich Guildhall Forecourt Improvement Works.

Members were informed that the Guildhall Forecourt Improvement Works were part of the wider “A New Vision for Sandwich” programme of improvements to Sandwich Town and were seen as the driver for future works as part of the Council’s commitment to place making.

The postponement of the 149^th Open Golf Championship and the impact of Covid-19 had delayed the start of the project, with it effectively being pushed back a year to September 2021. However, due to Covid-19 the importance of outside space and the environment had been highlighted as well as the growth in ‘staycations’. 

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Corporate Property, Councillor O C de R Richardson, advised that the overall budget was £1.05 million, with Dover District Council committing £400,000 to it. The remainder of the funding came from Sandwich Town Council, Kent County Council, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Discovery Park and Princes Golf Club.

The Head of Inward Investment and Tourism confirmed that the improvement works had planning consent. The proposed York stone paving and its pricing was discussed and Members were advised that the quality of the material was informed by the nature of the site.

Members asked for assurances that other areas in the district in greater need of investment would not be ignored, particularly given the limited resources available. In response Councillor O C de R Richardson advised that the Cabinet kept the whole district in mind and that he recognised the need for investment in Dover. He cited the examples of the Market Square and the restoration of Maison Dieu in Dover and that the Tides project in Deal was postponed not cancelled.

It was proposed by Councillor S H Beer, duly seconded by Councillor T A Bond, and

RESOLVED:   That the report be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Environment and Corporate Property

It was agreed:

(a)   That the improvement works to the Sandwich Guildhall Forecourt, using the £400,000 allocated in the Medium-Term Financial Plan towards a total project budget of £1.05 million, be approved.

(b)   That the advance purchase of Yorkstone paving, at a cost of approximately £70,000 to £100,000, be approved.

(c)   That the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial) be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Corporate Property, to take all necessary actions to deliver the works that are the subject of this report, including, but not limited to, the awarding of contracts.