Agenda item

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive.

To provide an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940, paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services and Education (Councillor Colin Foster) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Sustaining Stockroom in the long term was a concern and what would happen to the library if Stockroom failed. In response, it was noted that a lot of work had gone into Stockroom as a concept and similar projects around the northwest that were successful were researched e.g. Bracknall, Barnsley, Rochdale, Manchester Library and Chester and the footfall had increased.

·         There were currently a number of empty retail units in Stockport, but what the borough needed was a flagship superstore to attract people to Stockport to spend money. In response, it was commented that if there were superstores that were looking for a site, contact would have been made already, however, a number of superstores/chains around the country were closing on the high streets as it was an outdated concept with more and more people shopping online.

·         The existing and proposed developments in Stockport Town Centre relating to Stockroom, Next, M&S Employment Unit, Mersey Innovation Centre, Leisure facilities at Redrock and the relocation of Stepping Hill Hospital would impact the smaller units and decrease footfall which could potentially close these units.

·         It was noted that there would be an increase in footfall with these existing and new proposed developments which could have the opposite effect increase footfall and the demand for more units.

·         Clarification was sought relating to £14.5m fund from Government and the cost to taxpayers in Stockport for the Stockroom development. In response, it was stated that the capital costs would be £400,000, with the revenue costs being cost neutral, with some modest income generation.

·         It was commented that the children’s promise sets out that ‘public libraries would welcome children from the very earliest months, helping parents and carers to support their child as they grow’.

·         Information was sought relating to the consultation and what the views were of the young people that were engaged. In response, it was noted that 82% of young people who completed the survey were between the ages of 15-17 years old, with 65% who thought it was a good idea, 31% were unsure, 4% thought it was a bad idea and 37% who said it would make them more likely to use the library if it was moved.

·         A number of focus groups were conducted involving parents with school aged children, people with disabilities, older people, younger people, members of the library staff, the Youth Council and the Leaving Care Group.

·         Sensory issues were increasing in young children and the first 1,001 days to 5 years old were important to a young child and given that there were no ‘sensory rooms’ in Stockport with the nearest one being in Wythenshawe and a lack of changing rooms with a hoist. It was noted that the proposed ‘sensory room’ in Stockroom would be the only one in the borough with the changing facilities being accessible for all.

·         Members enquired about the use of the purpose built classrooms in the Stockport Museum that were designed for young people. In response, it was stated that a written response would be provided to the Committee.

·         Members welcomed some of the good initiatives that were planned for Stockroom as part of the proposals for the children and young people in the Borough.

·         Members enquired about Stockroom and the provisions for young people to be in a quiet and calm space for those who may want to study with all the proposed activities including cafes, office space, a wedding venue and the impact this would have on other businesses locally. In response, it was noted that Stockroom was a substantial size similar to that of a football pitch with different floors identified for different purposes including quiet spaces for young people, autism friendly spaces, meeting rooms, café space, with the design supporting the lack of sound moving around the venue.

·         It was noted that regarding the impact on other businesses, a consultant was being used to look at the space and the impact on other businesses.

·         Was there any confusion relating to the consultation and objections in the petition regarding what was being asked. In response, it was stated that the consultation carried out was to understand the impact on the proposals and consider the mitigation of anything negative. A number of methods were used including online and face to face surveys and focus groups as set out in the report.

·         It was noted that the Council did receive a number of petitions that had already been formally responded to and sought to clarify with the petitioners that the proposals were note for a reduced library service but rather for an enhanced library service.

·         Buildings were important including the traditional ones and take into account the current Central Library where young people feel safe, secure and peaceful primarily for books with a librarian. As part of the proposals why not modernise the library similar to Manchester Library and then move all the other services that were needed into Stockroom.

·         The proposal would be massive for Stockport and it would be important to listen and take the public on the journey even if it means tweaking the plans along the way to respond to the views of the public.

MOVED AND SECONDED – That the Cabinet be recommended to not proceed with the relocation of library services from Central Library.

For the motion 5, against 4

MOTION CARRIED

MOVED AND SECONDED - That a site visit to both sites be arranged (proposed site for Stockroom and existing site of Central Library) to understand the scale and size of both sites, to understand what it means to have special educational needs and to understand their journey.

MOTION CARRIED (UNANIMOUSLY)

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) (5 for, 4 against) That the Cabinet be recommended to not proceed with the relocation of library services from Central Library.

(2) That a site visit to both sites be arranged (proposed site for Stockroom and existing site of Central Library) to understand the scale and size of both sites, to understand what it means to have special educational needs and to understand their journey.