Cabinet Member Infrastructure and Transport took a decision 3 December 2020 to approve the progression of the HCCI project. This included a provision of streetscape and green infrastructure elements to form part of the outlined public realm improvements.

A design process to identify the planters to be purchased was undertaken which included consultation with the Cabinet Member Infrastructure and Transport, Ward Member, Hereford City Council, Hereford Business Improvement District and the Hereford Tree Forum. Feedback from this consultation identified a preferred style of planter and tree species which was agreed with the Cabinet Member Infrastructure and Transport.

A Record of Officer Decision taken 26 February 2021 outlined the value for money assessment that BBLP had undertaken to confirm a provider and approved the budget envelope. This decision can be viewed using the following link:
https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8287

The Cabinet Member Infrastructure and Transport took a further decision 7 October 2021 which approved an update to the HCCI programme elements and associated spend profile. This decision approved the purchase of planters for the Cathedral and River Wye Quarter and identified the need to deliver this programme element within the 2021/22 financial year in order to meet the required Marches LEP spend.

The same provider has been selected to procure these further planters based on the value for money assessment undertaken by BBLP previously, to provide consistency with the new planters installed within the central High Town area and due to the provider’s ability to deliver these planters before the end of March 2022.