Issue - meetings

To provide Cabinet with an update on progress related to the 24 High Street Wisbech redevelopment project.

Councillor Seaton provided Cabinet with an update on progress with the 24 High Street, Wisbech redevelopment project.

Councillor Seaton reminded members that at the last Cabinet meeting it was recommended to Council that the Council enters into a contract with the preferred bidder to develop this site and the Council is now in a pre-contract arrangement with the preferred bidder establishing some key facts of the work in advance of signing the full build contract and starting on site. He stated that the work that is on-going at present will deliver more cost certainty prior to entering into the main contract by establishing the contractor’s accurate construction phase plan, an engineering assessment of the current steel supports with a view to their current safety and how much movement some will need to allow construction and further assessment of any potential highway closures in the High Street, with these being limited as much as possible both in terms of the build cost as well as inconvenience to the community and adjacent businesses.

Councillor Seaton made the point that this work is necessary as part of the project and will not delay the start on site date. He suggested that the next update should be when the Council has a start date and has signed the main build contract.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Hoy referred to the piece of art that is on the façade, which she feels look quite nice, and that it would be a shame for this to be lost, although she does want the new building to take place. Councillor Seaton responded that he will speak to officers and see what options there are in retaining this piece of artwork.

·       Councillor Tierney endorsed Councillor Hoy’s comments, he stated the artists were excited about doing this artwork and pleased to be doing something good in the town and any time someone puts time, energy and effort into improving a place the Council should remember to thank them and champion them for it, which does not always happen.

·       Councillor Seaton stated that 24 High Street has been a long time in its gestation period and the Council needs to press on with it as soon as it can.

Proposed by Councillor Seaton, seconded by Councillor Hoy and AGREED that the current position in relation to 24 High Street, Wisbech be noted.