Agenda item

Northampton Market Square Redevelopment

Decision:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

A.    Noted the work to date on securing £8,427,625 for the redevelopment of Northampton Market Square and the next steps that are required to take forward this project.

B.    Approved the use of the ring fenced Future High Street Grant Funding of £8,427,625 for the Northampton Market Square public realm improvements as set out in this report and the Stage 2 Design report (appendix 1).

C.    Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, the Monitoring Officer and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth to:

                 i.                         appoint the Design Team to develop the Market Square proposals following an OJEU compliant procurement process.

                ii.                         appoint the principle contractor that demonstrates best value and quality using an OJEU compliant procurement process.

D.    Delegated authority to the Head of Major Projects and Regeneration to approve the final design ahead of the procurement of a principal contractor. This will be taken through the Northampton Town Deals Board, Northampton Forward, to seek their agreement and incorporate feedback following the public consultation while ensuring that the design principles set out in the current stage of work are adhered to.

E.    Noted that a full planning application using the detailed design proposals will be submitted as part of this work.

F.    Noted the additional revenue pressure that this project will create to West Northamptonshire Council as a result of different maintenance regimes being required and as a result of the monitoring and evaluation obligation upon completion

 

REASONS:

A.    The recommendations proposed align closely with the objectives established in the West Northamptonshire Council Corporate Plan 2021-2025, specifically the Green and Clean, Thriving Villages & Towns and Economic Development priorities. 

B.    The recommendations proposed align with the Northampton Town Centre Masterplan and will see the design and implementation of the catalyst regeneration project for the Town.

C.    The recommended course of action is in line with the objectives, outputs and benefits expected from the Future High Street Fund to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability.

D.    The recommendations above are required to progress the public realm improvement as submitted to the FHSF

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

 

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS DECLARED AND DISPENSATIONS GRANTED: None.

Minutes:

At the Chairman’s invitation Councillor Bowen presented the report, copies of which had been previously circulated. The Committee was advised that the purpose of the report was to seek approval for the proposal and that the grant had been ring-fenced for this proposal. This redevelopment was a critical one as there had been a lack of investment for many years, with footfall decreasing by 15% yearly. Northampton Forward Board had been involved with the proposal, this group consisted of a number of different groups and was currently chaired by Martin Mason the Managing Director of Trickers. Items such as double-sided seating and fixed market stalls would be provided as well as others. It was advised that the principle contract would be external and that there had been a tender process as was required. Market Traders would be required to temporarily move in order for work to be completed. It was noted that it was a challenging budget and timeframe with no match funding. The project would be scrutinised by a quantity surveyor and senior finance officers would attend any meeting conducted. There had been substantial consultation undertaken with work projected to start in the Summer of 2022.

 

Councillors made the following comments.

·         It was felt that the Northampton Forward Board needed to be reviewed and that all parties should be involved in it.

·         With regards to consultations, many members of the public had noted that they had not been consulted.

·         It was asked if historians had been consulted.

 

Councillor Bowen advised that consultation outcomes were being reviewed and as such it was not too late to feedback and noted that she was happy to talk about any concerns. Councillor Bowen also advised that the Northampton Forward Board had made clear that they did not wish to be a political environment.

 

Councillor Nunn advised that the Northampton Forward Board had been open to everyone to attend and that he was happy to have a conversation with the opposition. This project had been covered by the news and leafletting had taken place. Councillor Nunn was happy to conduct a member briefing if needed and talk about the consultation that had taken place.

 

Councillor Brown advised that a Conservation Advisor had been appointed for heritage sites who would be involved in the Market Square project.

 

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

  1. Noted the work to date on securing £8,427,625 for the redevelopment of Northampton Market Square and the next steps that are required to take forward this project.
  2. Approved the use of the ring fenced Future High Street Grant Funding of £8,427,625 for the Northampton Market Square public realm improvements as set out in this report and the Stage 2 Design report (appendix 1).
  3. Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, the Monitoring Officer and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth

i.             appointed the Design Team to develop the Market Square proposals following an OJEU compliant procurement process.

ii.            appointed the principle contractor that demonstrates best value and quality using an OJEU compliant procurement process.

  1. Delegated authority to the Head of Major Projects and Regeneration to approve the final design ahead of the procurement of a principal contractor. This will be taken through the Northampton Town Deals Board, Northampton Forward, to seek their agreement and incorporate feedback following the public consultation while ensuring that the design principles set out in the current stage of work are adhered to.
  2. Noted that a full planning application using the detailed design proposals will be submitted as part of this work.

F.    Noted the additional revenue pressure that this project will create to West Northamptonshire Council as a result of different maintenance regimes being required and as a result of the monitoring and evaluation obligation upon completion.

Supporting documents: