Issue - meetings

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

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on work to develop the food and drink sector in the town centre and seeks Members’ views on future strategy.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on work to develop the food and drink sector in the town centre and seeking Members’ views on future strategy. In recognition of the significance of the sector to the regeneration of the town centre a report had been commissioned from food consultants, Food Sync (which was attached to the report) to provide direct support to existing and potential independent food and drink businesses in the town centre. A review of progress and consideration of future strategy and interventions would take place at the end of the year.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• A Member suggested that the Council use resources to attract other operators into the market area. ‘Old Stockport’ should be promoted for food and drink operators and the Council should consider having a service to clean up the streets and remove rubbish, particularly early in the morning at weekends.
• Of particular importance was the need to change consumer habits so that residents from the borough as a whole chose to eat and drink in the town centre because a new offer was now available.
• The sustainability of the new businesses was a key issue.
• A diversity of offer was needed in Stockport town centre to suit people’s different needs, including people who were prepared to travel into Stockport if the offer was right.
• The Council had to be conscious of the possible effect that increasing car parking charges may have on people visiting the town centre.
• The Business Improvement District had a strong role to play in the development of the Town Centre Food and Drink sector. Shops needed to consider staying open later, for example on Thursday nights.
• The proposed food court in the Merseyway Shopping Centre would not necessarily solely attract chain brands and would hopefully attract good quality, independent operators as well. The Council had to consider fast food operators in the light of the obesity problem amongst young people in Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.