Agenda item

To receive updates on the following projects:

·         Sustainable Transport Modes

·         Arcade

·         Market

·         Town Park – Public Realm

·         Daisy Hill

·         Building Grant Revival Scheme

·         Kirklees Build

Contact: Michelle Illingworth, Project Officer, Town Investment Plan.

Andy Raleigh, Economic Resilience Manager, Development, Major    

Projects. 

The Board received the project updates and significant events were highlighted.  In relation to the Market and Town Park, the planning application would be submitted in August with some changes to the loading bays being replaced with planting. The Board was assured that access would still be available for the market and events taking place, although the area would be car free during markets and events.

The Board was asked to consider whether it still felt the water feature was the most appropriate use of the area identified for animation, given the cost to maintain the feature, as this needed to be decided before planning permission was requested. The water feature was at the heart of the scheme and would have low level fountains with a pump and channel for incidental play.

The Board was advised that the consultation identified public support for the water feature as part of a unique offer to Dewsbury, to help activate the space and encourage a mix of visitors including young families. The cost to maintain would be c£30k per year. Initially this would be paid for through commuted sums from capital funding, but future costs could be sought through donations, grants, and sponsorships.

RESOLVED –

1)    That officers be thanked for their attendance and updates on the projects.

2)    That it be agreed the water feature remain part of the Town Park Scheme for the purposes of the planning application.

3)    That in relation to the ongoing costs for the water feature in the Town Park, an options paper be considered at a future meeting of the Board.