Issue - meetings

This report picks up on any matters arising from the last meeting of the Board and briefs Board members on issues/progress in other areas of economic development activity. 

Members considered a report on matters arising from the last meeting of the Board and briefed Board members on issues/progress in other areas of economic development activity.

Matters Arising

York Christmas Lights - It was reported that the approach agreed at the March Board meeting had been fed back to the Christmas Lights Group.  Council economic development staff were leading the work to explore options for innovative lighting installations, and retailers were enquiring about the potential to take on and fund the cross-street lighting.

Tourism

It was noted that York had seen better hotel occupancy performance in the first four months of 2006 compared with the same period last year with April (Easter) figures well up on 2005. Visitor numbers to attractions had also improved over Easter.

Future Prospects

It was reported that even though Future Prospects were seeing slightly fewer contacts, the number of people they were helping in detail was increasing, due to the nature of funding which was more outcome focussed.

Rail-related issues

It was reported that the issue of a high speed rail link to Scotland was being discussed again and that this should be investigated in order to assess the implications for York.

Science City York

It was noted that as part of the Northern Way Investment Funding, work was underway to secure a potential capital funding allocation of £2.63m for each Science City in the North (York, Manchester and Newcastle). Outline proposals needed to be drawn together by the end of June, with a view to projects starting in September 2006 and capital projects completed by March 2008.

City Centre Partnership (CCP)

It was reported that there was a need for investment in CCP, in particular for CCTV and a digital radio system.