Agenda item

This report sets out progress made within the areas covered by the Portfolio Holder for Inward Investment, Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships Councillor Rodney Chambers, OBE which fall within the remit of this Committee.

Discussion:

Members received an overview of progress on the areas of work within the terms of reference of this Committee and covered by the Portfolio Holder for Inward Investment, Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships, Councillor Rodney Chambers, OBE as set out below:

·         Inward investment

·         Strategic Regeneration and Planning

·         Strategic Partnerships

·         Local Growth Fund

·         Medway Ambassadors

·         Heritage Champion

The Portfolio Holder for Inward Investment, Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships, Councillor Rodney Chambers, OBE responded to Members’ questions and comments as follows: 

·         Regeneration in Gillingham and Rainham – A Member referred to the various regeneration projects listed in the Portfolio Holder’s report and asked why there was no mention of regeneration in Gillingham and Rainham.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the regeneration sites referred to in paragraph 3.1 of his report formed part of the Regeneration Masterplan 2004. He drew attention to paragraph 3.2 of his report and confirmed that work began in 2017 on a refreshed Regeneration Vision for Medway to complement the forthcoming Local Plan and this would cover the whole of Medway, including both Gillingham and Rainham.

The Portfolio Holder also drew attention to various sites in Gillingham and Rainham that had benefitted from significant investment and regeneration including the waterfront, Medway Park, provision of a new College and major refurbishment works at both Gillingham and Rainham Railway Stations.

Reference was made to Gillingham High Street and concern was expressed over the lack of investment in the High Street and the surrounding area and, in particular, Britton Farm Mall. Attention was also drawn to the concentration of older housing stock in Gillingham, particularly by the river and the high levels of deprivation in this area.

It was suggested that action be taken to ensure that Gillingham Business Park be filled to capacity and if possible, extra units be provided so as to increase employment opportunities.

The Portfolio Holder referred to Gillingham High Street and commented that market forces dictated the level and type of shops available in High Streets. The decline of the ‘High Street’ as it was once known was not confined to Medway but a problem experienced by towns across the country. The shopping experience had changed over the years and it was often the case that High Streets were no longer major retail areas but district shopping areas. Referring to Gillingham High Street in particular, he advised that very few units were vacant and existing shops would not remain in the High Street if they were not operating as successful businesses.

A Member drew specific attention to Britton Farm Mall and advised that a major supermarket operator had shown an interest in opening a supermarket at this site but only if the Council, as landlord, was willing to invest in improving the unit. With the lack of investment being made available, he considered this to be a missed opportunity to secure a major supermarket retailer in Gillingham High Street.

·         Medway Local Plan – A Member referred to the level of affordable housing delivered in 2017 and enquired as to whether the required level of housing could be delivered in Medway by 2020.

The Portfolio Holder advised that housebuilding fell within the remit of the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation. However, he commented that developers were responsible for determining the speed at which house building projects were delivered and he gave an assurance that the development site at Rochester Riverside was currently being prepared for works to commence in the near future.

·         Rochester Airport – A Member referred to paragraph 4.2. of the report and sought information as to why funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) would be subject to further scrutiny of financial viability.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the regeneration project at Rochester Airport was to be delivered in 2 phases and each funding allocation was required to meet scrutiny of its financial viability. There was no reason to believe that the current screening would pose a problem.

·         Partnership working with the Universities – A Member questioned whether there were opportunities for the Universities to be involved in the regeneration of Medway and in particular, working with the hospital.

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that all the Universities had been involved in regeneration projects and provided the following examples:

-       University of Greenwich -  Innovation Centre Medway

-       University of Kent – School of Sport Science at Medway Park

-       University of Greenwich – Provision of qualifications for careers in Social Sciences

-       University of Creative Arts – Provision of assistance with businesses within the creative sector

-       Canterbury Christchurch University – Provision of qualifications for careers in education, health and social care sectors.

He advised that many staff members at Medway Hospital had obtained their qualifications at Canterbury Christchurch University.

Decision:

The Committee thanked the Portfolio Holder for Inward Investment, Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships for attending the meeting and answering questions.