Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Strategic Planning and Policy

Purpose of Report

To propose a series of projects in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington for the use of the Town Centre Innovation Fund (Portas Monies).

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To approve the following projects and release resources from the Town Centre Initiatives Fund:

·         Bicester: Promoting local trade though effective marketing; Enabling traders in Bicester to develop their website so it can be viewed on smart phones.

·         Banbury: Adding Town Team Co-ordination to provide overview and action to create town centre vitality; Improved signage - in car parks (maps highlighting tourist attractions and old town), from the coach park, St Mary’s, The Cross and the Tourist Information Centre.

·         Kidlington: Environmental improvement works to Watts Way (near the Kidlington Centre). 

Resolved

(1)          That the following projects be approved and resources released from the Town Centre Initiatives Fund:

·         Bicester: Promoting local trade though effective marketing; Enabling traders in Bicester to develop their website so it can be viewed on smart phones.

·         Banbury: Adding Town Team Co-ordination to provide overview and action to create town centre vitality; Improved signage - in car parks (maps highlighting tourist attractions and old town), from the coach park, St Mary’s, The Cross and the Tourist Information Centre.

·         Kidlington: Environmental improvement works to Watts Way (near the Kidlington Centre).

The Head of Strategic Planning and Policy submitted a report which proposed a series of projects in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington for the use of the Town Centre Innovation Fund (Portas Monies).

Resolved

(1)          That the following projects be approved and resources released from the Town Centre Initiatives Fund:

·         Bicester: Promoting local trade though effective marketing; Enabling traders in Bicester to develop their website so it can be viewed on smart phones.

·         Banbury: Adding Town Team Co-ordination to provide overview and action to create town centre vitality; Improved signage - in car parks (maps highlighting tourist attractions and old town), from the coach park, St Mary’s, The Cross and the Tourist Information Centre.

·         Kidlington: Environmental improvement works to Watts Way (near the Kidlington Centre).

Reasons

The Town Centre Innovation funding is proposed for specific activities that contribute to the individual needs of Bicester, Banbury and Kidlington, to promote the vibrancy of businesses and the long-term strength of the centres. The plan for each proposed project is attached as appendices for approval.

In the light of the consultation and engagement with local partnerships within each settlement the proposed approach is believed to be the best way for use of the available funding.

Options Available

Option 1: To take no action and retain the funding for other purposes.

Option 2: To be more prescriptive about what can be funded

Option 3: To change the proposed allocation of funding