Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 13 July 2022

The notes of the meeting held on 13 July 2022 were received by the Group.

The Group are invited to review and consider proposals to redesign the junction in the light of issues with inconsiderate parking and take-away food operations.

The Senior Projects Engineer updated the Group on the Queensway to Queen Street junction public realm improvements.

The Council had received several complaints regarding parking in this area, especially with fast food delivery vehicles parking on the pavement and blocking pedestrian access.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) had been consulted and it was agreed that the issue was predominantly with short-term parking that was hard to enforce with new road markings and signage.

A proposal had been put forward to engage with the local businesses to introduce a designated scooter parking area, and to provide a street scene refresh surrounding the junction.  The next steps would be to consult the Neighbourhood Council and further consult WSCC regarding this proposal.

The Economic Development Officer provided an update on the Carfax Market Contract for the Group.

The contract had been put out to tender and was at the point of award. A report on the contract would be considered at the Cabinet Meeting on 24 November, with a three-year contract scheduled to start in January 2023 with an option to extend for a further year.

The Corporate Project Manager provided the Group with an update on progress being made with the Forum Walk, Blackhorse Way crossing, and West Walk improvement works.  Members were supportive of the choice of paviours for the area, and noted that the works were due to be completed in November 2022.

The Corporate Project Manager provided an update on the Forum Fountains.  There had been a very positive public response when the fountains became operational again in April 2022.

Members raised some concerns regarding the glare caused by the paviours surrounding the fountains.  Officers confirmed that the paviours would be replaced as part of the fountain upgrade with a surface that would provide sufficient slip resistance.   It was suggested by Members that a darker coloured paviour could be used to reduce glare and better delineate the fountain area.

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Horsham Town Centre portfolio

Members noted the content of the Forward Plan extract.