-
Agenda item
White Rock Area Promenade Improvements
- Meeting of Charity Committee, Monday, 27th July, 2015 6.00 pm (Item 2.)
- View the background to item 2.
Minutes:
The Assistant Director Regeneration and Culture presented a report which provided background information to a proposed scheme of promenade improvements at the White Rock.
The report noted that a number of significant developments were already underway in this area, including the restoration of Hastings Pier and the redevelopment of the White Rock Baths. The new attractions would result in an increase in footfall in the White Rock area, and it was therefore essential to explore opportunities to improve the area visually and provide for greater community use which would support the economic regeneration of the seafront.
Following a successful bid for Coastal Communities Funding by Hastings Borough Council, a package of improvements for the area had been developed; this included public realm repairs, a new set of access steps to the beach and the creation of decked areas with provision for pop up trading stalls. The promenade would also become a shared use area for cyclists and pedestrians. The area will also be aesthetically improved by the redecoration of the White Rock Baths and additional planting. Further proposals for a new water feature and kiosk may be undertaken separately, if they are affordable to the Foreshore Trust. The funding for the project included contributions from the Foreshore Trust, Hastings Borough Council and the Coastal Communities Fund. The report requested additional funding, above the allocation set out in the business plan, of £18,000 from the Foreshore Trust to cover the cost of surfacing.
The proposals had been well received at a public consultation and were supported by the Coastal Users Group. It was anticipated that a planning application for the works would be submitted in early July 2015, which if approved, would enable works to begin on site in early November 2015.
Councillor Cartwright proposed an amendment to recommendation 5 of the report, seconded by Councillor Davies, as follows “delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director of Financial Services and Revenues, in consultation with the Chair to proceed, or otherwise, with recommendations 3 and 4 once the financial position is confirmed”. The proposed amendment was agreed by the committee.
Councillor Cartwright proposed approval of the recommendations, as set out in the resolution below, seconded by Councillor Davies.
RESOLVED (unanimously) that:
1) Support be given to proposed improvements subject to planning consent;
2) An additional £18k is approved to supplement the existing business plan allocation towards the scheme for surfacing costs;
3) An option to improve the White Rock water feature is considered after the tendered prices are received and there is more certainty over the Trust’s financial position;
4) An option for invest to save funding for a kiosk is considered after an independent commercial appraisal and marketing exercise, and;
5) Delegated authority is given to the Assistant Director of Financial Services and Revenues, in consultation with the Chair, to proceed or otherwise with recommendations 3 and 4 once the financial position is confirmed
The reason for this decision was:
Hastings Borough Council successfully bid for Coastal Communities Fund grant funding for a range of initiatives to promote a cultural trail and support economic growth along the seafront.
The bid included a proposed scheme to make improvements to the public realm on the promenade area of White Rock to support the ongoing investment in the White Rock Baths and Hastings Pier.
Support is required from the Foreshore Trust for the proposal and to provide match funding for parts of the scheme.
Supporting documents:
-
My council
Contact
Got a question about democratic services?
Content
The content on this page is the responsibility of our Democratic Services team.