Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Executive (to follow).

The Head of Inward Investment presented the report on Dover Town Centre which was intended to inform Members of progress on the St James town centre regeneration scheme and outlined a number of issues and actions for partnership working which needed to be taken forward to support a comprehensive approach to capture the benefits and opportunities that St James would bring to Dover.

In respect of the St James development, it is expected that a "soft opening" would occur in early February, with the Cinema, Hotel and Nando's restaurant opening in the first tranche. The remaining units would follow-on as fit-outs were completed.

Members were advised that for wider town centre regeneration in Dover the two key issues which were to increase the footfall in the town centre and also increase local spending power. As part of this there needed to be a clear understanding of the area considered to form the town centre. A retail assessment had been commissioned as part of the Local Plan review that would look at the extent of the existing town centre boundaries and once this had been completed it would assist in informing the future retail needs across the district.

The need to build stronger links to and from the town centre to St James with appropriate signage as well as the adoption of new branding and marketing for the town centre was recognised. In respect of the issue of vacant shops, there existed an opportunity for niche, independent retailers and housing provision but this required stronger engagement from owners, landlords and interested parties.

The Council would also seek to provide more information on what could be done to help businesses in respect of business rates and a business rate breakfast forum was being organised for early 2018.

The Council was currently reviewing future budget and capital programme requirements and the following proposals would be included in the 2018/19 Medium Term Financial Plan:

·         Dover regeneration enabling costs - £80,000;

·         Dover Town Centre Improvement Works - £300,000; and

·         Market Square public realm enhancements - £100,000

The following points were raised by Members:

·         The need to support small independent businesses;

·         The potential relocation of ‘big’ shops to St James;

·         To welcome the allocation of funding identified in the report;

·         The importance of partners working together and being accountable;

·         The issue of town centre rents and business rates; and

·         The need to engage with the local community

It was proposed that it be recommended to Cabinet:

(a)    That a further report be produced identifying achievable goals with timescales for the matters for which Dover District Council was the accountable body.

(b)    That regular updates be provided on the following:

·           Dover regeneration enabling costs (£80,000);

·           Dover Town Centre Improvement Works (£300,000); and

·           Market Square public realm enhancements (£100,000)

(c)    That the roles of partners be defined, including who is the lead organisation, and what is expected from each partner be clearly set out.

On being put to the vote these were carried.

It was proposed by Councillor B J Glayzer and duly seconded that it be recommended to Cabinet:

(d)    That a combined business and public focus group be created on the future development of Dover Town Centre.

On their being an equality of votes, the Chairman used his second casting vote in favour of the recommendation, whereupon it was carried and it was

RESOLVED:       That it be recommended to Cabinet:

(a)  That a further report be produced identifying achievable goals with timescales for the matters for which Dover District Council was the accountable body.

(b)  That regular updates be provided on the following:

·         Dover regeneration enabling costs (£80,000);

·         Dover Town Centre Improvement Works (£300,00); and

·         Market Square public realm enhancements (£100,000)

(c)  That the roles of partners be defined, including who is the lead organisation, and what is expected from each partner be clearly set out.

(d)  That a combined business and public focus group be created on the future development of Dover Town Centre.