Minutes

2025/06: City Centre Improvements, Formal Council Questions and Responses - Thursday, 20th March, 2025

Items
No. Item

1.

Question to the Cabinet Member for Assets and Infrastructure and Regeneration and Democratic Services: 2025/06 - City Centre Improvements

Minutes:

Councillor Fouweather asked:

 

Can the cabinet member inform me of what plans are in place to.

 

a)     Upgrade or renew paving in the city centre

 

b)     To replace or upgrade street furniture such as benches and planters.

 

c)      To liaise with the owners of vacant premises from Westgate Square down to LLanarth Street to ensure that these empty shops are brought back into use

 

d)     How do you plan to manage footfall in the City Centre so that it continues to increase

 

 

Councillors R Howells and Clarke responded:

 

Highway assets, such as paving are managed in line with the Highway Asset Management Plan. The revised plan was discussed at Scrutiny in February.

 

However, potential enhancements for the city centre will be considered as part of the placemaking plan which is nearing completion following extensive public engagement and consideration by the Steering Group and Cross-Party Working Group.

 

Officers are targeting properties which are in a particularly poor state of repair and using the available regulatory powers. The Council works with the Business Improvement District to engage with empty property owners and seek alternative uses, including meanwhile uses.  The Council also provides direct financial support to city centre SMEs both through the rates reduction scheme in place for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, as well other grants, advice, and other support.