Agenda and minutes

Councillors Bright and Linton

Councillor Chris Reeks declared an interest for various strategies involved in the Environment and Public Protection report.

Councillor Kate Thomas declared an interest due to work within the private housing sector.

Councillor Matthew Pimm declared an interest for recent work within the community for Shared Prosperity Fund.

a)    Officer presentation

b)    Committee questioning and discussion

c)     Formation of comments and recommendations

Regeneration and Economic Development

Invitees:

-          Paul Jones – Strategic Director – Environment and Sustainability

-          Councillor Saeed Adan- Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities

-          Tracey Brooks – Head of Regeneration and Economic Development

-          Matt Tribbeck – Regeneration and Place Manager

-          Alistair Shankland – Strategic Economic Development Manager

The Head of Regeneration and Economic Development gave an overview of the report.

The Committee asked the following:

• The Committee asked about the engagement with businesses for the "What's On" website feature. The Committee were advised that various contributors are involved in the website and recently QR codes have been installed on barriers around licensed premises in the city centre which link to the website. Businesses are encouraged to make use of these. The website has received over 4000 hits, and the Regeneration and Place Manager agreed to provide updated numbers to the Committee.

• Concerns were raised regarding the regeneration around the Transporter Bridge area and the potential for additional amenities. The Committee were informed about challenges due to the bridge's location next to Newport Docks, but the presence of Coronation Park nearby was noted positively. Suggestions for further development, including installing boat ties and engagement with local businesses and community groups, were discussed.

• The Committee asked for clarification on the completion dates and financial implications of the Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre. The Committee were advised that the Visitor Centre is expected to open for schools and organised visits in January 2025, but the overall project had faced challenges. The handover is planned for November 2024, with no financial implications.

• The Committee asked about the progress of the Placemaking Plan. The Committee were advised that the plan is still developing, having completed Stage 1, with Stage 2 focusing on engagement. The Committee were advised that the plan is expected to be presented before the Cabinet in October 2024.

• Concerns were raised regarding Service Area Risks, particularly with regards to the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP), Transport Bridge (TB), Leisure Centre (LC), and Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), especially with funding ending on March 302025.

• The Committee queried about the Newport Ship funding and its location. The Committee were advised that ongoing work is being done to determine options for relocating the ship, with a feasibility project to follow once options are identified.

• Concerns were raised about the promotion and advertising of parks on the website, noting a perceived bias towards Tredegar Park over Beechwood Park. The Committee were advised that the Parks Team should address these issues to ensure better advertising and representation of all parks.

• The Committee commented that reports, especially regarding project timelines like the Leisure Centre, sometimes do not provide a clear picture. The Committee were advised that reports should be reviewed for clarity before being presented. For the Leisure Centre, the contract is out to tender, aiming for an 18-month completion goal.

• The Committee sought clarity on why the old Leisure Centre had to be demolished before the new one could be built. The Committee were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

a) Actions Arising (Appendix 1)

b) Forward Work Programme Update (Appendix 2)

c) Outcomes Monitoring (Appendix 3)

Invitees:

-          Neil Barnett – Scrutiny Adviser

a) Actions Arising

The Committee were advised of Actions Arising. 

b) Draft Annual Forward Work Programme Update

The Committee were advised of the draft Annual Forward Work Programme. The Committee accepted the dates and agenda items.

c) Outcomes Monitoring

The Committee were advised of the up-to-date outcomes.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 19^th February 2024 were agreed as a true and accurate record.