Agenda item

A strategic framework for Bromsgrove Town Centre was presented to Members which had been developed in collaboration with the portfolio holder and shaped through two stakeholder workshops. The framework aimed to consolidate various existing policies and plans into a unified vision for the town centre’s future. It was designed to be inclusive and community-owned, rather than solely a Council initiative, to ensure resilience and relevance post Local Government Re-organisation (LGR).

The framework was grounded in placemaking principles and intended to guide regeneration activity, partnership engagement and investment priorities. It incorporated elements from the Bromsgrove Town 2040 Vision, Local Plan and regeneration projects funded through the Levelling-Up project.

Key strategic aims included the following:

• Transforming public spaces and connectivity
• Celebrating Bromsgrove’s unique identity
• Enhancing town centre links and visitor access
• Building a safe and inclusive community
• Cultivating a thriving local business ecosystem
• Creating vibrancy to attract more visitors

The vision had been previously considered by Stakeholders and Members during various group activities to ensure all the aims and objectives were included.

An action plan encompassing the key strategic aims was to be developed under the oversight of a newly formed Town Centre Steering Group, comprising various stakeholders. This group would define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), milestones, resource implications and explore the feasibility of establishing a Business Improvement District (BID). Progress would be monitored through an annual “State of the Town” health check which would link in with planning policies and quarterly reports would be provided as and where necessary.

During the meeting, Members raised several points which included the following:

• What health checks would be considered and how they would be graded?  It was advised that the health checks would be assessed as part of the Council’s planning policy framework which would include baselines for footfall, vacancy rates, business support, rental values and other indicators.  The Board were also encouraged to provide other health checks which they felt were important, for consideration.

• The importance of monitoring space usage in the town centre was highlighted.

• Clarity of the diversity of stakeholders involved in consultations was requested.  In response Members were informed that representatives within different sectors across the town centre were considered during workshop sessions.

• Clarification on the enhanced town centre links and visitor access approval was requested.  A timeline was proposed to establish the steering group by the end of Quarter 4 to draft an action plan.  Members were also advised that existing work with Worcestershire County Council (WCC) on local cycling and walking improvements and public realm enhancements were underway.

• Concerns were expressed regarding aligning the strategy with the future LGR and that learning from other models should be a consideration.  Officers suggested that the priority was to establish the Town Centre Steering Group, however, it was noted that leaving a legacy for the local people to be proud of was a key priority.

• Suggestions were made to produce a promotional video to communicate the vision to the public.

• The need to include town centre living within the strategy was emphasised to attract people of all ages, with proposals to encourage residential development above shops and within key sites.  Members were advised that part of the action plan would including forwarding development plans within key site areas.

• It was suggested that the Town Centre Steering Group should consider having a Member included to provide relevant expertise and report back findings to the Board.

• The BID process was clarified which included the requirement for a successful ballot among fifty percent of the rateable value of businesses within a defined area.  This bid would determine the chargeable business rates to local businesses and the revenue generated for the Council.

There were no recommendations raised during the meeting for Cabinet based on the content of the report.

RESOLVED that the Bromsgrove Town Centre Strategic Framework report be noted.