Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods. 

The report provides an update to Scrutiny Committee on the opening of the Interchange Park.  

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the report. 

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs | emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk  

The Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the opening of the Interchange Park.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         In terms of security at the park, it was reported that the CCTV would be monitored and that security staff would be attached to the council’s contact centre. In addition, the council would be working with police on security arrangements for the park. 

·         A crime impact assessment had been carried out and this assessment would be reviewed after one year. The council was working with the police who had provided a set of recommendations which were being followed. It was planned that the council would adopt an agile response to any issues related to crime at the park.

·         Members requested details on the planned weekend of events which were scheduled to take place following the opening of the park. In response it was stated that these events were planned to be the culmination Stockport’s year of the Town of Culture. The event themes would include heritage, communities across the borough and intergenerational events.  Publicity for these planned events would take place soon.

·         In response to a query about the planned maintenance of vegetation at the park, it was reported that resilient vegetation had been planted and that, in addition to council maintenance, a ‘friends of’ group would be set up to take some ownership of the vegetation and enhance the space.

·         Members commented that a ‘friends of’ group would be an asset to the park and engender a sense of community pride.

·         In response to a question about the retail units at the park, it was reported that Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) was working with potential tenants. The council did not currently have details related to the letting of retail units, but it would share information with the Scrutiny Committee as soon as it was available. 

·         Members commented positively on the high quality of the interchange park development, its appearance and that it was an asset for Stockport town centre. The inclusion of CCTV at the site was noted as a positive outcome.

·         A site visit was requested for Members prior to the opening of interchange park.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.