Lead Member - Councillor Mark Jones - Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

3.1.     That Cabinet:

3.1.1. Approved the submission of a planning application for the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre and the former Riverside medical practice, and enabling work, construction of the proposed park and temporary greenspace (as set out in the Council report 6 July 2023), all aligned to the Levelling Up Fund bid award for the Smithfield Riverside Redevelopment Programme (Project 1) of £14.85m.

3.1.2. Agreed to commencement of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme on the emerging masterplan for Smithfield Riverside.

3.2.     Delegated responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holders for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, Economic Growth and Regeneration and Housing and Assets, to progress the capital project (item 3.2.1 above), to include, but not limited to, the following:

3.2.1. Finalise the masterplan for the wider Smithfield Riverside redevelopment area following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in Recommendation 3.1.2 above, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Council.

3.2.2.  Finalise planning strategy for future phases of development for the Shrewsbury Town Centre Redevelopment Programme: Smithfield Riverside Phase One, following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in Recommendation 3.1.2 above, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Council

3.2.3. Undertake an options and feasibility study for the retention, reconstruction and/or replacement of Ravens Meadow multi-storey car park, necessary to inform future phases of the Smithfield Riverside masterplan, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Cabinet and Council.

3.3.     That Cabinet agreed to recommend to Council to:

3.3.1. Progress the above works as a capital project to completion of contract documentation and receipt of tenders, for demolition, enabling works and construction of the park and associated temporary greenspace within the Levelling Up Fund bid award for the Smithfield Riverside Redevelopment Programme (Project 1) of £14.85m.

After declaring an interest, the Chair left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or the vote. The Vice Chair, Councillor Ian Nellins, took the Chair for this item.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport presented the report which sought approval to consult on the emerging masterplan and submit an initial planning application to demolish the former Riverside shopping centre and construct parkland and meanwhile greenspace, amended to align to the LUF2 Grant award.

Members were advised that it was proposed to commence stakeholder engagement and public consultation on the emerging masterplan, including the quantum, mix, and location of future development sites. It will also consider the sequence and phasing of activities, and implications for the planning strategy, with reference to the scope of works to be delivered by the LUF2 grant award and the associated, initial planning application referred to above. The engagement and consultation process will be delivered over a 4-week period, concluding late November 2023, from which the outcomes will inform the final masterplan, for consideration at future Cabinet and Council meetings.

Members questioned the plans surrounding the bus station and the Premier Inn, and how the consultation would capture the voice of young people. Members were advised that the bus station was a longer term project but it had been deemed essential that it remains within the town centre. With regards to consultation, the team had been working with Age UK and had been pushed out to local schools. Members urged the consultation to be pushed out into the wider area.

It was noted that the Movement Strategy which would inform the project had been delayed, but this would be brought forward to a future Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:

3.1.     That Cabinet:

3.1.1. Approved the submission of a planning application for the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre and the former Riverside medical practice, and enabling work, construction of the proposed park and temporary greenspace (as set out in the Council report 6 July 2023), all aligned to the Levelling Up Fund bid award for the Smithfield Riverside Redevelopment Programme (Project 1) of £14.85m.

3.1.2. Agreed to commencement of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme on the emerging masterplan for Smithfield Riverside.

3.2.     Delegated responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holders for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, Economic Growth and Regeneration and Housing and Assets, to progress the capital project (item 3.2.1 above), to include, but not limited to, the following:

3.2.1. Finalise the masterplan for the wider Smithfield Riverside redevelopment area following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in Recommendation 3.1.2 above, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Council.

3.2.2.  Finalise planning strategy for future phases of development for the Shrewsbury Town Centre Redevelopment Programme: Smithfield Riverside Phase One, following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in Recommendation 3.1.2 above, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Council

3.2.3. Undertake an options and feasibility study for the retention, reconstruction and/or replacement of Ravens Meadow multi-storey car park, necessary to inform future phases of the Smithfield Riverside masterplan, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Cabinet and Council.

3.3.     That Cabinet agreed to recommend to Council to:

3.3.1. Progress the above works as a capital project to completion of contract documentation and receipt of tenders, for demolition, enabling works and construction of the park and associated temporary greenspace within the Levelling Up Fund bid award for the Smithfield Riverside Redevelopment Programme (Project 1) of £14.85m.