To receive an update report on the progress with the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan

Contact:  Gemma Davies, Head of Economic Growth, Tel 01743 253869

The Economic Growth Key Account and Investment Senior Officer gave a presentation on the progress of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan and the development and delivery of growth strategies for the key market towns [copy attached to the signed minutes].  Members noted that the work was being undertaken jointly and funded in partnership with Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury Business Improvement District [BID].  It was anticipated that the draft plan would go the Shrewsbury BID Board on the 19^th July 2018, then be considered by Cabinet on 25^th July 2018 and by Shrewsbury Town Council on 30^th July 2018.  Further consultation would be undertaken before the final draft of the report was prepared with the identification of priority projects and initiatives with associated action and delivery plans. 

The Economic Growth Key Account and Investment Senior Officer advised that extensive consultation following the launch of the project had identified the four key themes of the work:

·  Movement and Place

·  A Place for Enterprise

·  Vitality, Life and Mix

·  Nurturing Natural Shrewsbury

Members noted that the proposed North West Relief Road [NWRR] was not shown on any of the maps in the presentation, the Economic Growth Key Account and Investment Senior Officer explained that should permission for the road be given by Central Government it would alleviate many of the problems identified in the report, but until a decision was made the project would only incorporate the existing infrastructure.  She continued that movement around the town centre could be improved through the rationalisation and improvement of car parks, improving access points and public transport hubs and instigating cycle routes.  It was not considered necessary to completely pedestrianize the town centre but priority would be given to pedestrians and cyclists. 

Members heard that a better balance would be achieved in future between the growth at the edge of the town and that located in and around the town centre.  This would allow a greater choice and diversity for housing and workspace. Public open spaces and access to green space would also be improved.  Smarter working and better networks, both physical and virtual, between important sectors such as education, healthcare, sports and leisure as well as industry and business would be developed.  New technologies could be harnessed to connect people and businesses. Work had been undertaken to identify where the new technologies were located and how they disrupted existing ways of working and land use.  It was recognised that the new technology users could bring vitality to the town centre and deliver better outcomes for communities.

The Economic Growth Key Account and Investment Senior Officer explained that it was intended to raise the standards of all new development within the town through the implementation of a design charter which would embed the ‘Shrewsbury Test’ in the development planning process through the Local Plan Review.  The intention would then be to consider this on a Shropshire wide basis.

Referring Members to the slide showing the Big Connection, the Economic Growth Key Account and Investment Senior Officer, explained that it illustrated how all the principles of the Big Town Plan came together and formed the biggest regeneration opportunity in Shrewsbury.  Each area shown had its own individual character and when viewed together formed a large corridor of opportunity running from the West End to the Flaxmill. She outlined the proposals for each area:

·       Westend:  this would be a balance of new mixed use and high quality public realm development.  There would be improved access to the river, including works at Victoria Quay.

·       Riverside: key development opportunity, access to the river would be opened up.

·       Norther Corridor and Station:  Development would be undertaken on both sides of the station and through traffic could be removed to create a better environment.  Lighting around the station and under the railway bridge would be improved, and workspace and housing developed on the underused sites.

·       Flaxmill:  there was an intention to enhance and improve accessibility to the Flaxmill scheme and enhance the northern gateway into and out of Shrewsbury.

Members noted that in addition to the Big Town Plan, Local Economic Growth Strategies were being developed for the key market towns to encourage growth and business development and to promote the ambition for each area.  These strategies would be aligned with all other planning policy documents.   Members welcomed the Local Economic Growth Strategies and the recognition that each town had its individual characteristics which precluded a one size fits all approach. 

The Head of Economic Growth confirmed that the Shrewsbury BID was reaching the end of its first 5 year term and businesses would be re-balloted in October about continuing the project.  Members observed that Oswestry had established a BID in April 2018 and some of the other towns had indicated interest in BIDs.

In response to a Member’s request for more information about the status of the Shrewsbury Test, the Head of Economic Growth explained that the intention was that Cabinet would be asked to endorse the Big Town Plan which included this test, more work would then need to be done to develop it further.  The final BTP document would be presented to Cabinet, with the intention of it being approved as a material consideration as part of the planning process.  Members suggested that it should be widened to become a Shropshire Test and it was confirmed that that would be the intention.

The Economic Growth Key Account and Investment Senior Officer confirmed that discussions had been held with Network Rail, the owner of the station and surrounding land, regarding its redevelopment.  She observed that both Network Rail and the Royal Mail were open to early engagement. 

RESOLVED:

                i.   To continue to support the Economic Growth function of Shropshire Council as it remains an active, lead partner in the Big Town Plan alongside Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury BID to coordinate the action planning and implementation of the development opportunities detailed within the Big Town Plan.

              ii.    To endorse the approach adopted to produce the key market town growth strategies and the timescales in place for their delivery.

             iii.   That the project be added to the Committee’s Work Programme for review every 6 to 9 months.