Issue - meetings

This report seeks to brief members on research on the evening economy and the experience of York city centre in the evening, undertaken in association with the First Stop York Product Development Group.   It seeks views on the principles of the draft vision and action plan prior to a costed action plan being presented later in the year.

RESOLVED:(i) That officers be requested to pursue the production of an action plan based on the views expressed by the Executive and Shadow Executive on the key findings of the research and the principles outlined in the draft proposed vision and action plan for the evening economy in York;

(ii)               That the development of a vibrant, diverse and inclusive evening economy in York be supported in principle;

(iii)That a further report be presented incorporating a costed action plan to support the development of the evening economy in York city centre.

REASON:            To help shape the effectiveness of future action.

Members received a report which sought to brief them on research on the evening economy and the experience of York city centre in the evening, undertaken in association with the First Stop York Product Development Group.  It sought views on the principles of the draft vision and action plan prior to a costed action plan being presented later in the year.

The research suggested that the correct “steer” for the York evening economy was towards a more inclusive evening experience with a more exciting and diverse range of evening activities, a higher amenity value and a higher perception of safety in the city centre.   The research also highlighted the need for co-ordination of activity in the evening economy to allow for greater communication and cooperation between the stakeholders involved including retail, hospitality, entertainment, accommodation and the local authority. 

Paragraphs 6-7 of the report set out the key findings from the research and a draft vision and action plan to stimulate the evening economy in York.

Members noted that the trend towards a 24/7 City would continue and highlighted the need for the Council to cooperate in trying to attract additional income to the City.

Having considered the advice of the Shadow Executive, it was

RESOLVED:(i) That officers be requested to pursue the production of an action plan based on the views expressed by the Executive and Shadow Executive on the key findings of the research and the principles outlined in the draft proposed vision and action plan for the evening economy in York;

(ii)               That the development of a vibrant, diverse and inclusive evening economy in York be supported in principle;

(iii)That a further report be presented incorporating a costed action plan to support the development of the evening economy in York city centre.

REASON:            To help shape the effectiveness of future action.