To provide an update to HCCI project elements and associated spend profile from that outlined within the 3 December 2020 Cabinet Member decision, and to grant delegated authority to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer to progress and deliver the project elements within the outlined budget.

That:

a)    The following elements of the Hereford City Centre Improvements programme are progressed in place of these originally  set out in the cabinet report dated 3 December 2020:

a.    High Town existing enhancements

b.    High Town area minor works

c.    Market and event infrastructure

d.    CCTV enhancements

e.    Façade improvement grants / business grants

f.      Cathedral and River Wye Quarter design

g.    St Owen’s Street cycle contraflow

h.    Widemarsh Street kerb improvements

i.      Cathedral & River Wye Quarter planters

j.      City Link Road planters and Trees

k.    City Greening

l.      “City Trees”

m.  City green cycle shelters

n.    Public art/Installations

o.    Hostile Vehicle Mitigation

p.    Programme project management

b)    The Director for Economy and Place be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer to progress and deliver the programme elements within the overall programme budget outlined within paragraph 17 of the report on a programme basis across the projects; and

c)    The Chief Financial Officer be authorised to vary the grant funding agreement if acceptance of the updated project elements and spend profile outlined within this decision is received from the Marches LEP.

1.             Not to progress with the project. This is not recommended as this will either reduce investment in Hereford city centre which is not consistent with the council’s corporate policy to support the local economy and growth or place additional pressures on the Council’s capital programme.

2.             To payback the Marches LEP grant funding and continue the scheme with Council capital only. This is not recommended as it will reduce the overall budget to £3m for investment within Hereford city centre reducing the programme scope and impact.