Issue - meetings

To receive an update on activity across the strands of the Market Town Programme, including an update on funding opportunities.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford.

Contact officer: P Scott

01480 388486

The Cabinet has

a)  noted progress on the Market Towns Programme (MTP) over the last quarter; and

b)  noted and discussed feedback regarding the potential extension of the Shop Front Grant scheme to St Neots and Ramsey town centres.

The Cabinet received a report by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the Market Towns Programme (MTP). The Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy and Housing then reported upon progress with the MTP. With particular reference tothe start of work on the Town Centre Improvements (St Neots), the progress towards the refurbishment of the Priory Centre (St Neots) and delivery of the wider Market Town Programme focusing on activities across Huntingdon, St Neots, St Ives, and Ramsey.

The Cabinet noted that whilst there will unfortunately be disruption as part of the improvement programme, it was stressed that this was intended to be a seamless process with businesses still being able to trade. Accordingly, the MTP governance and reporting lines will be continually monitored to ensure that the key programme milestones are managed and achieved.

Members notedthat a key element of the MTP is having in place a well-planned communications strategy that is both monitored weekly and designed to be initiative-taking, looking ahead several months for any likely challenges and situations for which communications and publicity are vital tools in facilitation any successful resolution.

The Cabinet were advised that good planning and effective regeneration can renew and reshape local town centres and high streets in a way that promotes growth, improves experiences and ensures sustainability in the future.

As a result of discussions on the report, it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that progress regarding the projects (part of the Market Towns Programme) over the last quarter be noted; and

(b)  that discussion was noted on feedback concerning the potential extension of the Shop Front Grant scheme to St Neots and Ramsey town centres.