Eitem ar yr agenda

Ystyried adroddiad gan Reolwr Datblygiad Economaidd a Busnes (copi ynghlwm), sy’n gofyn am sylwadau’r Aelodau ynglŷn â’r cynnydd a wnaed hyd yn hyd i gyflawni Rhaglen Y Rhyl yn Symud Ymlaen.

                                                                                                           9.35 a.m.

 

A copy of a report by the Economic and Business Development Manager, which provided information regarding progress in terms implementing the Rhyl Going Forward (RGF) Regeneration Strategy, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting. 

 

Councillor H.H. Evans introduced and provided a detailed summary of the report.  The most recent Programme Update reports been attached as Appendices 1a to 1d.  These demonstrated that in terms of the four workstreams of the programme:-

 

·                     West Rhyl Regeneration Area had a current status of Yellow

·                     Town Centre had a current status of Red

·                     Seafront and Tourism had a current status of Yellow

·                     Live and Work in Rhyl had a current status of Orange

 

West Rhyl – Confirmation had now been received from the Welsh Government (WG) with respect to the Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) on the respective blocks.  The selection process for the appointment of the Design Team for the Green Space had been completed, but the final appointment would potentially be delayed until receipt of confirmation of the CPO to avoid any potential abortive costs.  Members were informed that the next phase of demolition in Gronant Street had now commenced

 

Town Centre – The Leader explained that the bid submitted by Denbighshire, to the WG’s Vibrant and Viable Places programme, for £12 million funding to support the regeneration of the Town Centre had been unsuccessful.  One possible reason for the bid’s failure was the change of WG Minister responsible for the programme and the subsequent change of emphasis towards housing.  He confirmed that work was continuing with partners, local Members and the Town Council to develop a strategy for the Town Centre and to seek alternative funding mechanisms as part of the wider process for developing the Town Plan for Rhyl.

 

In reply to concerns expressed by Councillor W. Mullen-James regarding the change of criteria during the Vibrant and Viable Places programme bidding process, the Leader confirmed he had made strong representations to the respective Minister and it had been implied that the bid to the Vibrant and Viable Places Scheme had not been appropriate for this aspect of the Rhyl Going Forward Programme.  Councillor Mullen-James agreed to pursue the matter through the appropriate political channels.

 

Options were currently being explored to replace the Town Centre Manager post.  These included having a more focused role looking at promoting and finding tenants for empty properties in the town centre.  The scope of similar posts in other towns were currently being studied.  The opening of the LEGO Innovation Centre at the former Bee and Station Hotel had taken place on the 20^th September.

 

Seafront and Tourism - Work was continuing on the development of the case for new leisure facilities along the coast.  The Honey Club had been demolished and the Development Agreement with Chesham Estates had been approved by Cabinet.  Designs for the new hotel were being developed and a planning application would be submitted by the end of the year.

 

The bridge was due to be opened the following week and works on the harbour building and square were scheduled to be completed in early 2014.

 

Rhyl Going Forward Group Programme Board - The Leader emphasised that the Rhyl Going Forward Group Programme Board was a strategic group and that its remit was not to focus on day to day issues.

 

Live and Work in Rhyl – The new mountain biking track at Glan Morfa was almost complete, and the design of the new school building at Rhyl High School was progressing.  The Coastal Team Leader (CTL) confirmed that smaller issues pertaining to Rhyl would be pursued through the development of a Town and Area Plan, and work on promoting Rhyl as a place to live and invest or work would be developed.

 

Details pertaining to the Corporate Priorities, Priority 1 and Priority 6, had been incorporated in the report, together with, cost implications, consultation process and possible risks and the steps implemented to address them.   

 

During the ensuing discussion, the following responses were provided to issues and concerns raised by Members:-      

 

- The Leader explained that he was unaware of any negative impact on the 21^st Century Schools programme following the recent announcement of funding cuts.  He agreed to raise the matter with the WG Minister for Education and Skills, and expressed the view that the Rhyl High School project should not be adversely affected by the cuts.  The Leader referred to the previous lack of investment in schools and the need to review the strategic approach to investment in schools.

 

- Members were informed by the CTL that Rhyl Town Centre had met the requirements and criteria in the original guidance, and had been the only town in the county eligible to bid for a grant from the Vibrant and Viable Places funding stream.  It was explained that the town centre was the only area in Rhyl which had not been addressed by other projects and initiatives in the Town.

 

-               The CTL referred to the possible support for the Rhyl Town Centre Strategy through the new European programme which would be commencing in 2014.  He explained that the Rhyl Town Centre Manager’s post had been reviewed by all the partners, who were examining good practice elsewhere, and details of the funding stream for the post were provided.  Members were informed that work pertaining to the branding and the web-site had been undertaken by the Council’s Communications, Marketing and Leisure Services.

 

-               Councillor H.C. Irving highlighted the importance of the Housing Improvement Project in progressing and improving the Rhyl area.  He made reference to the need for a change of culture and the significance of adopting an ethos towards owner occupation.

 

- Rhyl had not previously benefitted from a Town and Area Plan.  The creation of such a plan for Rhyl would help to bring all workstreams and projects in the Rhyl area together to complement each other.  The Corporate Priority Budget was a County wide budget and bids in respect of priorities identified from all settlements would be considered. 

    

-               With respect to Pont y Ddraig contractors would provide Denbighshire staff with training for the operation of the new bridge, and staffing costs would be incorporated in the operational costs of the harbour.  The Leader confirmed that the creation of an income source from the bridge was being examined, together with, a 25 year plan for its operational costs.  The Chair explained that details of costs had previously been presented to Scrutiny and the income potential had been positive and the business case presented had been favorable.  The CTL explained that the project had encompassed the improvement and expansion of facilities in the harbour and not just the provision of the new bridge.

 

-               In response to a request from the Chair, it was agreed that the maintenance agreement, and long-term operational costs of the new bridge, be presented to Scrutiny for consideration when completed.

 

-               Surveys had been undertaken to seek the views of residents and visitors to Rhyl regarding their perception of the town including the impact of the initiatives introduced under the RGF Programme.

 

-               In response to a question regarding the reduction in the provision of disabled parking spaces in Rhyl, the CTL explained that a report on the Council’s Parking Enforcement Strategy and its impact on economic development would be considered at the next meeting of the Committee.

 

-               The Head of Housing and Community Development (HHCD) explained that the WG was currently in the process of reviewing priority groups for rehousing and it was likely that ex-offenders would not be afforded a priority as they were as present.  He highlighted the need to re-balance the housing market in West Rhyl by reducing the number of multiple occupancy properties and attracting families to the area.  Councillor R.M. Murray referred to the need to improve employment prospects to assist in transforming the culture and ethos of the area, the Leader responded and referred to the work being undertaken in respect of the Rhyl City Strategy which involved working in partnership to create employment in the area.

 

In response to concerns expressed by the Chair regarding the importance of the inclusion of consistent and clearly defined objectives in the report to measure the initiatives being undertaken, the Leader explained that the colour status provided in the report related to the general status of the project in question. 

 

The CTL responded to concerns raised by the Chair regarding the need for a strategic document to incorporate the entire Rhyl Plan, he referred to the development of the Town and Area Plan and Town Centre Strategy which would assist in coordinating and delivering the work streams.  Following an in-depth discussion the Committee:

 

RESOLVED – subject to the above observations, to receive the report and note the progress made.

 

Councillor H O Williams left the meeting at this juncture.