Decision details

HEREFORD CITY CENTRE IMPROVEMENTS

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To consider consultation feedback and approve the Hereford city centre improvements delivery programme including on street parking in Hereford.

Decision:

THAT:

(a)  The High Town public realm scheme shown in appendix A to the report be approved for phased implementation;

(b)  Funding of up to £1.6m be allocated from within the existing highways and transport capital budgets within the approved capital programme to enable the delivery of phase 1 of the High Town public realm scheme as set out in appendix B to the report to be delivered in 2016/17 and the schemes identified in (c) and (d) below. Subject to funding being available, further phases be included in future public realm annual plans from 2017/18 until the schemes are completed;

(c)  a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) be promoted to enable the introduction of on-street parking charges together with appropriate consequential changes to existing restrictions in the streets listed in paragraph 12 of this report and that authority is delegated to the assistant director environment and place to finalise the details required to commence the formal consultation process, and that, subject to the consideration of any representations received, take the necessary operational decisions required to implement an appropriate TRO; and

(d)   

public consultation be carried out in relation to the potential introduction of residents parking schemes within residential areas to the west of the A49 trunk road between the River Wye and Widemarsh Common and the introduction of a cycle contraflow on St Owen Street as shown in Appendix C to the report.

Reasons for the decision:

The proposals support the objectives of the Local Transport Plan and aim to support the local economy. 

 

Alternative options considered:

The proposals outlined in this report are inter-related and aim to improve the city centre and encourage economic vitality whilst also promoting active and sustainable forms of transport.  However, three alternative options have been identified.

Firstly that not all elements of the recommended improvements for the city centre outlined in this report are delivered.  Whilst it would be possible to progress the elements individually or not at all, this is not recommended as the package of measures proposed are inter-related and together form a comprehensive set of proposals to improve the retail environment whilst promoting active travel and effectively managing access and parking of vehicles within the area.  It is considered that not proceeding with all elements would undermine the overall objectives of the scheme to promote economic vitality within the city centre and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Secondly, an option could be to reduce the area covered and standard of the proposed refurbishment scheme.  This is not recommended as this could compromise the attractiveness of the Hightown area with different types and standards of pavements in close proximity and would weaken the benefits to the economy that the full refurbishment scheme could provide. It would also result in continued maintenance problems associated with areas left untreated.  Recent experience gained through the implementation of Widemarsh Street refurbishment has shown that the effective use of high quality materials can reduce ongoing maintenance costs and produces a much more attractive street environment.  As such this option is not recommended.

Thirdly, not to progress any improvements to High Town. This option is not recommended because the council has given commitments to invest in improvements to the historic retail centre of the city maintaining its attractiveness to shoppers and visitors and supporting the local economy from the heart of the county.

 

Contact: Mairead Lane, Acting Assistant Director for Highways and Transport / Head of Infrastructure Delivery Email: mlane@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 260944.

Publication date: 21/07/2016

Date of decision: 21/07/2016

Effective from: 27/07/2016