Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 8^th January 2018

The notes of the meeting held 8^th January 2018 were received.

The Advisory Group noted the report presented by the Head of Property and Facilities on the appointment of a contactor for the development of 17 residential units for temporary accommodation of two schemes Peary Close, Horsham and Rowan Drive, Billingshurst.

These units would be utilised to bring down the number of families in Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the District.

The Group noted the presentation which detailed the current status of the project, the proposal to use one single professional team and contractor for both projects and the financial details.  

The Group raised no objections to the report and recommendations.

The Head of Property and Facilities presented the linked reports going to Cabinet on Piries Place Car Park.

The first report was a recommendation to approve the increase in budget for the redevelopment of Piries Place Car Park. A presentation was made to the Group detailing the current status of the redevelopment, the capital cost breakdown, financial details on the change in budget, the anticipated revenue from the car park at full capacity, the net income profile and the impact on existing revenue. The Group also noted that there would be fewer parking spaces compared to the original proposal, due to an increase in the width of the spaces.

The Members noted the report.

Some Members of the Advisory Group raised concerns such as a possible increase in evening parking charges in the future.

The Group felt that the figures presented, based on the Peter Brett report, seemed cautious. With the redevelopment in Piries Place including the Everyman cinema and the new hotel and restaurants it was anticipated that the reality would see an increase in parking figures in the area.

Members suggested an additional source of revenue could come from working with the hotel to provide overnight parking. However the officer explained that this suggestion was initially rejected by the hotel.

The anticipated completion date for the new car park was Spring 2019.

Trickle charge points for electric cars would be provided in the new car park, however it was noted that the capacity to enable fast charge points in the future would be incorporated into the development.

There was some concern amongst Members about the gap in the timing between the opening of the hotel, cinema and restaurants and the opening of the new car park, however this was not anticipated to be longer than a few weeks and the restaurant providers were being kept fully informed. Communication with the public  was essential. 

The second report was on the appropriation of land to facilitate the redevelopment of Piries Place Car Park. The Group noted that with the appropriation of the area of land referred to in the plan within the report, this would enable the Council to interfere with the property rights with payment of fair compensation and avoid the risk of injunction.

The Group noted the recommendations presented in both reports relating to Piries Place Car Park and raised no objections.

To note the Forward Plan extract (if any) for the Finance and Assets Portfolio

The Forward Plan Extract for the Finance and Assets Portfolio was noted.