To receive
a presentation from Tim Mills, Head of Economy, Planning and Strategic Housing
on the revised Aldershot transition and recovery
plan.
Minutes:
The Board
welcomed Tim Mills, Head of Economy, Planning and Strategic Housing, who
reported on the Transition and Recovery Plan for Aldershot.
The Board noted
that the Council’s approach to Aldershot had been
split into two elements:
·
Support
for the town to transition during the re-development works (Transition Plan)
·
Longer-term
strategy
However,
since the Transition Plan had last been presented to the Board, COVID-19 had
emerged and the Institute of Place Management, who delivered the High Street
Task Force, had developed a Post COVID-19 Framework for Recovery which had four
stages; crisis, pre-recovery, recovery and transformation. The Council was currently
in the recovery stage.
The
framework had four elements; managing social distancing and cleaning, gathering
data and managing footfall, telling the story and showing kindness and reacting
quickly. The Board noted that under the main framework there had been seven
priorities identified by the Council:
1. Managing safety, distancing and
cleaning – measures taken included zoning, signage, marshals, hotspot areas and
use of planters to create flexible safe spaces/pop up performance spaces.
Issues around anti-social behaviour in Aldershot were reported on an and it was noted that work
had been stepped up, in conjunction with the Police, to help tackle the
problem.
2. Gathering data and monitoring
footfall – the key aim was to collate good data through tracking businesses and
monitoring footfall. A new automatic footfall tracking system was hoped to be
in place by March, 2021.
3. Telling the story and communication
– A new communications officer would be in post from November, 2020 to work
specifically on the promotion of the town centre. Engagement
with key stakeholders/businesses would continue through fortnightly
newsletters.
4. Encouraging town centre
use – work had been carried out on the adaptation of events and on information
on using public spaces i.e. parks and accessibility.
5. Supporting businesses – a number of
initiatives were in place including support and advice from the environmental
health teams, business rate grants until 31st March, 2021, business support
provider schemes, in particular a Building Business Resilience package, digital
training and advice.
6. Attracting and monitoring external
funding – it was noted that £82,000 had been received from the “Re-opening High
Streets Safely Fund” and exploration of further funding options, with the Local
Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Hampshire County Council (HCC) and Department for
Transport (DfT) was underway.
7. Engaging with the High Street Task
Force – virtual guidance and webinars had replaced the original process at the
peak of the pandemic. However, it was advised that resumption of the original
processes was imminent.
In response
to a query, it was noted that the Princes Hall was currently being used by
local community groups in a socially distanced environment, but all large scale
performances had been cancelled. It was noted that an update was expected from
the central Government in November, 2020. In respect of digital performances, options
were being explored, although as most shows were provided commercially,
ultimately the decision would lie with the provider.
In response
to a comment on the digital games hub, it was advised that the building would
be ready to occupy imminently. However, some legalities had been delayed by
COVID-19 and these were currently being finalised to
enable the first occupier, Rocket Desk, to move in. The first floor of the
building had faced some issues but procurement options were being considered for
leasing the space.
Following discussions
on the planters creating space for pop up performances, it was advised that the
procurement of the planters had considered the risk of antisocial behavior and
would not be easily moved by individuals. Consideration would also be given to
locating some in the Westgate area to support the existing businesses with the
temporary closure of Cineworld.
A request
was made for some pre-COVID-19 comparable data on footfall figures and this
would be provided to the Board.
The
presentation was NOTED.