Issue - meetings

(a)        That Newcastle under Lyme B.C. becoming a director of the Newcastle town centre partnership company and officers be authorised to take the necessary steps to facilitate the same; the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning would represent the Council on the company.

(b)        That officers work under the auspices of the Newcastle town centre partnership to prepare and submit a bid to become a “Portas pilot”, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning and for the Council to act as the accountable body for administering any grant.

(c)        That the Council be involved in campaigns to support the safeguarding and growth of markets (e.g. Love your local market) and independent retailers (Independents’ month in July) by running its own campaign themed around what Newcastle town centre had to offer for shoppers, visitors and those interested in starting a new business, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning.

(d)        That the preparation and execution of a town centre user survey be carried out, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning.

A report was received updating Members on the activities of the embryonic town centre partnership and seeking approval for council involvement and / or action in respect of the following emerging initiatives:

(a)        The council becoming a director of the town centre Partnership Company (not-for-profit and limited by guarantee).

(b)       Submission of a bid in response to the Government’s invitation to become a “Portas Pilot”.

(c)       Taking part in national campaigns to support street markets and independent retailers.

(d)        Consulting users (and non-users) of Newcastle town centre as to why they do/do not visit the town and, in particular, the effect of parking charges on their decision.

RESOLVED    (a)        That Newcastle under Lyme B.C. becoming a director of the Newcastle town centre partnership company and officers be authorised to take the necessary steps to facilitate the same; the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning would represent the Council on the company.

(b)        That officers work under the auspices of the Newcastle town centre partnership to prepare and submit a bid to become a “Portas pilot”, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning and for the Council to act as the accountable body for administering any grant.

(c)        That the Council be involved in campaigns to support the safeguarding and growth of markets (e.g. Love your local market) and independent retailers (Independents’ month in July) by running its own campaign themed around what Newcastle town centre had to offer for shoppers, visitors and those interested in starting a new business, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning.

(d)        That the preparation and execution of a town centre user survey be carried out, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning.