Agenda item

The Acting Director Place & Recovery/Lead Specialist Economy presented the report and updated members on the progress of the Yeovil Refresh including the key areas of public realm enhancements, transport and travel connectivity and softer initiatives.  This included:

·         Westminster Street works to be completed by Easter.

·         Explained the challenges of the Triangle area and ongoing works including ongoing discussion with the service utilities to ensure work can continue.

·         Four town centre Walkway and Cycling packages are progressing well in particular the Stars Lane/South Street.

·         Complementary Initiatives – recent service level agreements signed with ‘Love Yeovil’ and ‘Yeovil Arts space’ to ensure continued activity.

·         Explained the reason why the declaration to use the Part III of the Food Act 1984 be recommended to operate and manage Yeovil Charter Market which will enable the Council to hold a market any day of the week and set opening hours and use as a statutory basis for market charges to take forward.

In response to members questions and comments the Acting Director Place & Recovery/Lead Specialist Economy, Yeovil Refresh Project Manager and Director Place, Recovery and Arts and Entertainment advised that:

·         Although further discussions were required, ultimately the Council could devolve the use of Part III of the Food Act 1984 powers to other parties such as Yeovil Town Council in the future.

·         Acknowledge updates and information should be frequently given to local parish councils and that where necessary any questions or observations are answered appropriately.

·         Acknowledge the concerns regarding the hold ups and interruptions to the project, but these were extraordinary times with many problems around the utilities and its infrastructure.

·         Work is envisaged to start on High Street/ Borough around mid/end of April 23 as slightly delayed due to design change.

·         Wine Street nearing completion with minor works to be finished.

·         Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has been completed with order to be signed and sealed shortly.

·         Ongoing and constant communication regarding 47 middle street with regards to the scaffolding, asbestos removal and demolition. 

·         Following the completion of a Section 185 diversion order regarding sewerage works will be able to continue at the Triangle.

·         Explained the housing requirement was part of the project adjustment request that was currently with DLUHC.

·         Part III of the Food Act 1984 and management of the Charter Market has no influence over any carnival operation.

·         Cleansing trials have been undertaken regarding the issues around the street paving within Wine Street and are ongoing.

·         More proactive communication will be coming forward in the coming months to inform and share information to the wider public and acknowledged other opportunities such as the LCN’s are kept updated with the Yeovil Refresh project going into the new unitary authority.

Members wished to thank the officers for their excellent work in what was difficult times. They voiced their support to the progress being made with the Yeovil Refresh project and agreed to make a declaration that Part III of the Food Act 1984 be used to operate and manage Yeovil Charter Market.  On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

1.    That members noted the progress being made with the Yeovil Refresh project.

2.    That members agreed to make a declaration that Part III of the Food Act 1984 is to be used to operate and manage Yeovil Charter Market.

(voting: unanimous)