Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Development & Regeneration.

The report provides an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Hazel Grove District Centre.

The Area Committee is requested to:-

(1)  Note and comment on the final report from the Institute of Place Management on Hazel Grove District Centre.

(2)  Authorise the District Centre Manger, in collaboration with local stakeholders, to develop an Action Plan for Hazel Grove District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

(3)  Request that the District Centre Manager reports progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis.

Officer contact: Helen Walters on 07800 618140 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Hazel Grove District Centre.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Thanked the officers for the work that had been undertaken in relation to the development of Hazel Grove District Centre.

·         It was noted that the benches outside the health centre had fallen into disrepair and officers had contacted NHS colleagues to resolve this issue, however a resolution had not been reached. It was queried whether there was any support that councillors could offer to reach a resolution.

·         In response it was commented that there had been some progress and officers were in discussion with NHS colleagues who completed a review of the site. Although the that the funding had not been finalised, once agreed it was hoped that the issue would be rectified. The council were currently seeking local organisations, with some interest, to provide ongoing maintenance to the site.

·         Expressed disappointment that there wasn’t more long term planned work for district centres across the borough and raised concerns in relation to the £5,000 of funding for each of the district centres which were likely to fund one project.

·         Welcomed the focus on the poorly maintained public realm including the shop fronts as an identified improvement.

·         It was commented that a focus on smaller centres would be welcomed in the future.

·         Requested additional information in relation to the ‘One for the Pot’ trial.

·         In response it was stated that it was a trial that the Economy, Work and Skills team were exploring for local hospitality businesses and would involve residents paying for additional items which they did not consume to enable residents who may not be able to afford item to receive an item free of charge.   

RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the District Centre Manger, in collaboration with local stakeholders, be authorised to develop an Action Plan for Hazel Grove District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

(3) That the District Centre Manager be requested to report progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis.