Issue - meetings

Peter Stuart, the Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report.

The Leader supported the report and its recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning welcomed the report and the importance of vibrant town centres. 

The Deputy Leader highlighted that The Orchards is a complicated asset to own and the Council needs to try and maximise the potential income and provide an asset for the local community in a very challenging retail environment.  She confirmed that professional advice is essential.

The Cabinet Member for Community reminded Members that the centre was bought as a long term investment.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth supported the report and noted the good planning in the town centres, especially Burgess Hill. He welcomed the Masterplan for Haywards Heath.

The Deputy Leader welcomed the proposed use of the Reserves to develop options for the centre.

The Leader noted that no more Members wished to speak so took them to the recommendation contained in the report, which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet resolved to:

    (i)        note the use of the Orchards Specific Reserve to secure the appropriate

resources and external expertise to progress viability work, in order to create

options to modernise and improve the centre public realm and also develop a

detailed leisure proposal.

   (ii)        agree to delegate budgetary responsibility to procure necessary architects and consultants, instructing via the Scape Framework, to the Head of Corporate Resources.

 (iii)      note that a further report will be presented to Cabinet in due course to set out

progress and make detailed recommendations for construction works.