Issue - meetings

This report asks the Executive Member to approve a proposed list of projects aimed at enhancing secondary shopping areas, and to agree funding for a study to guide future investment in these areas in order to enhance economic growth and strengthen the local retail environment.

Resolved:  (i)      That the proposed projects, aimed at enhancing secondary shopping areas in Acomb and Haxby, be approved.

(ii)      That the remaining budget be used to fund a study which will guide future investment into our secondary shopping areas, with the objectives of enhancing economic growth and strengthening the local retail environment.

Reason:     To enhance economic growth in these targeted secondary shopping areas.

The Executive Member considered a report which set out proposals to enhance economic growth in two secondary shopping areas in York; namely, Acomb Front Street and The Village, Haxby. These proposals included improvements to the public realm, measures to sustain and build footfall and the potential creation of a trader’s association in Haxby. As detailed in the report, it was proposed to:

·        Carry out a feasibility study for the creation of a local traders’ association in Haxby

·        Fund projects to drive footfall to Acomb Front Street and improve the streetscene, through targeted grants to community organisations

·        Provide a capital investment fund (£23k) open to traders in Acomb Front Street and Haxby village to support the objectives of the scheme.

·        Procure consultants (£50k) to carry out a study exploring how long term trends in retail might impact on growth in these areas, to inform potential future investments.

In response to questions from the Executive Member, officers acknowledged that Haxby, given its important role as a secondary shopping area, should be looked at within its broader economic context, including businesses other than retail, and looking beyond the Local Plan definition of the area.  It was confirmed that consultation would be carried out with existing and potential customers in the area, as well as with traders.  Having noted the written comments submitted, the Executive Member

Resolved:  (i)      That the proposed projects, aimed at enhancing secondary shopping areas in Acomb and Haxby, be approved.

(ii)     That the remaining budget be used to fund a study which will guide future investment into our secondary shopping areas, with the objectives of enhancing economic growth and strengthening the local retail environment.

Reason:     To enhance economic growth in these targeted secondary shopping areas.

CLLR C Runciman, Executive Member

[The meeting started at 2.00 pm and finished at 2.15 pm].