Minute No. 315 (Cabinet Book 1, Agenda Item No. 6 refers)

Referred direct by Cabinet

The Committee considered Minute 315 of Cabinet held on 29^th September 2022, which had been referred direct by Cabinet for scrutiny, together with the report of the Interim Director for Growth and Housing presenting the City Centre Strategy and Implementation Plan.  This had been developed with partners following significant public and stakeholder engagement, and outlined the actions, both short and long term, to create a thriving, active, safe, and sustainable City Centre.

Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:-

“1. That the City Centre Strategy & Investment Plan, set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, as a means to create a thriving, active, safe and sustainable City Centre, be approved.

2. That the governance arrangements and next steps, including Day One actions, be approved.”

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Director for Growth and Housing presenting the City Centre Strategy and Implementation Plan developed with partners following significant public and stakeholder engagement, and outlined the actions, both short and long term, to create a thriving, active, safe, and sustainable City Centre.

Resolved:

1. That the City Centre Strategy & Investment Plan, set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, as a means to create a thriving, active, safe and sustainable City Centre, be approved.

2. That the governance arrangements and next steps, including Day One actions, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

1. Evidence highlights that culture-led regeneration can have positive effects on myriad socio-economic factors including health and well-being, skills and learning, commercial opportunity, investment, and social connection. It underpins and adds value to a number of the 2050 outcomes and recovery priorities.

2. This Strategy builds on developments already in progress in the City Centre.  The principle aim of the strategy and investment plan is to bring about social, health, economic, and environmental improvement for local people. This is central to delivery of Southend 2050.  The Strategy also uses the creative & cultural industries in the City as a catalyst for positive regeneration of the City which reflects the priority it has as part of the Southend 2050 ambition and the underpinning role it plays across several 2050 themes and outcomes.

3. The Strategy provides strategic direction and a statement of intent for the City Centre and is intended as a tool to support and guide investment.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Director of Regeneration and Growth