Issue - meetings

(i)         That the progress made on the York Place project, made through the

  Future High Street Fund grant funding, be noted.

(ii)             That, subject to planning permission the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, Finance, Town Centres and Growth, be authorised to enter into a contract to Willmott Dixon for the demolition of the existing York Place shopping complex.

The Leader introduced a report seeking authority for the awarding of a contract for the demolition of the York Place shopping centre as part of the Future High Street Fund Programme of Works.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centre’s and Growth stated that York Place held an important position in the town and the development would give back some of the style and class that had been lost over the years.

The Leader assured that during the period of demolition and rebuilding, it would remain an area that people could walk through for access to that part of the town.  

Reference was made to the development site’s proximity to the Cenotaph which would be part of the Remembrance Day commemorations.  It was asked if the developer could be asked to use appropriate boarding around the site to preserve the dignity of the occasion.  The Leader confirmed that there would be a sequencing of the demolition to ensure that conditions would be good around Remembrance Day.

Councillor Wendy Brockie asked for assurance that more detail about the delivery options which were continuing to be explored would be put before the public.  The Leader advised that the Planning application would give a flavour of the site and there were visuals showing what the site would look like.  Through the Scrutiny Committees, the Cabinet and press releases the public would be kept updated as it moved forward.

Resolved:       (i)         That the progress made on the York Place project, made

through the Future High Street Fund grant funding, be noted.

(ii)           That, subject to planning permission the Deputy Chief

Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, Finance, Town Centres and Growth, be authorised to enter into a contract to Willmott Dixon for the demolition of the existing York Place shopping complex.

Watch the debate here