Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 November 2016 were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and Officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

Councillors and Officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the agenda items for the meeting.

The following Interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of agenda items 4-7 which contains information ‘not for publication’ by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority) as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following ‘not for publication’ items:-

Item                             Title

4                                  Place Marketing Report

5                                  Stockport Interchange

6                                  Stockport Interchange Phase 2 Update

7                                  Town Centre Update Report

These items contain information exempt under Category 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority).

To consider a report of the Head of Growth.

The report provides Members with information on the process for developing a place marketing and communications strategy for Stockport.

The Task Force is requested to note the report and provide comments.

Officer contact: Tel Nicola Turner 218 1635 Email nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which updated the Task Force on the process for developing a place marketing and communications strategy for Stockport.  This activity included:

·         Press releases – including letting announcements; practical completion at Stockport Exchange and hotel opening; update on apprentice numbers on projects across the borough; review of achievements during 2016 and information about road closures/changes.

·         Video – publication of drone footage from Aurora and Stockport Exchange time lapse footage.

·         Press briefings – including regular briefings for local media.

·         Online communications – social media messaging, website updates

·         Member briefings

·         Communications associated with mitigation measures

·         Hoardings/Signage – installed on open mesh hoarding around the borough, on the steel frame at Redrock and signage at Aurora

·         Internal communications – promoting progress and activities to colleagues.

·         Events – event for practical completion of the office at Stockport Exchange, Wates business and stakeholder meetings at Redrock, local community event at Aurora and attendance at BCSC event and MIPIM UK.

·         The Council had now started tendering for partners and so far there had been 66 expressions of interest.

·         The deadline for this was 25 January 2017.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was very positive that there had been so many declarations of interest.

·         Members questioned whether the report would highlight the heritage and cultural aspects of Stockport as this was felt to be very important.

·         Members of the Task Force commented that it was very interesting that this report challenged negative perceptions of the town which was not normally a marketing function.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a presentation which provides Members with an update on the proposals under discussion with Transport for Greater Manchester.

Alistair Chapman from CBRE gave a presentation which provided members with an update on the proposals under discussion with Transport for Greater Manchester.  The presentation looked at three potential options for the development of Stockport Interchange.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was emphasised that the council could not afford to lose the momentum on this issue as the funding would then be lost.

·         Members were cautious about the artist’s impressions that were presented, it was felt that there were some excellent ideas but that some caution would need to be exercised.

·         The issue of who would maintain a green roof was discussed.

·         Members felt that it may be necessary to have a separate discussion regarding public realm in the area.

RESOLVED – (i) That the report be noted.

(ii) That a report on the Stockport Interchanged would now be submitted to every meeting of the Town Centre/M60 Gateway Task Force.

To consider a verbal report which provides Members with an update on the Stockport Exchange Phase 2.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration provided a verbal report which updated Members of the Task Force on the Stockport Exchange Phase 2.  The Task Force heard that:

·         Phase 2 is now complete.

·         The hotel was completed and opened before Christmas

·         The Sainsbury’s store has now opened also.

·         Commencement of Phase 3 is now being considered.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members of the Task Force questioned the legal status of the public realm.

·         The issue of temporary car parking at the cinema was also discussed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report provides Members with a summary position statement for the key town centre projects and supporting activity.

The Task Force is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: George Perrin on 0161 474 4510 or email: George.perrin@stockport.gov.uk.

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary position statement for the key town centre growth projects and supporting activity.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concerns were raised regarding the number of lettings that had actually been secured.

·         The position with regards to the produce hall needed to be clarified as soon as possible.

·         Members also asked for further information in relation to the rear of the Princess Street properties.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.