Agenda item

The Buckinghamshire Regeneration Framework and a series of town centre strategies had been developed to set out a coherent approach to regeneration across the whole of the county.  It provided the framework for how communities could organise themselves to determine their local ambitions and set out the regeneration vision for their local area. Three town centre regeneration strategies provided the local vision and place-based ambitions for Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe, which were summarised with more details at Section 2 of the Cabinet report.

RESOLVED –

That the Buckinghamshire Regeneration Framework and the Town Centre regeneration strategies for Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Chesham, as key corporate documents of Buckinghamshire Council, be ADOPTED.

The Buckinghamshire Regeneration Framework and a series of town centre strategies had been developed to set out a coherent approach to regeneration across the whole of the county.  It provided the framework for how communities could organise themselves to determine their local ambitions and set out the regeneration vision for their local area. Three town centre regeneration strategies provided the local vision and place-based ambitions for Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe, which were summarised with more details at Section 2 of the Cabinet report. The Cabinet Member made the following points on the three areas:-

Aylesbury  - the Strategy supported the town centre to become a thriving community with greener streets more outdoor spaces improved accessibility and greater biodiversity.

Chesham was an ambitious town recognised as a strong creative community town represented by many artists, musicians and other creatives. The Strategy wanted to capture this momentum and to explore opportunities to see how culture and creative sectors could be leveraged to drive regeneration forward.

High Wycombe and Cressex Business park – the Council had a strong track record in delivering in this area including the multi million pound Future High Street Fund demonstrated that this was a place that can deliver regeneration and heritage led development. The Strategy had been widened to include the Cressex Business Park given its economic significance to the town.

The Council would need to work in partnership with key local stakeholders to bring these strategies to life. Local councillors and stakeholders have helped shape these strategies and would be pivotal in realising the changes. The Council’s Growth Board has a Regeneration Sub Board, chaired by the Leader of the Council to ensure that these Strategies were implemented. The Leader referred to the changing high street with an increase in online shopping and less use of department stores e.g. House of Fraser. The high street needs to remain vibrant and adapt and change. Many Councils did not have lots of funding for this area so needed to act as a catalyst for change and work with partners, particularly the private sector.

During discussion Cabinet Members made the following points:-

·       Whilst it would be good to have regeneration strategies for all towns, with the limited amount of funding available it was important to concentrate on Opportunity Bucks areas. A question was asked on whether there was enough funding to pump prime match funding from other organisations. In response it was noted that funding was a challenge and there were small pots of funding available e.g. from legacy AVDC. However it should be realised that Aylesbury was a bigger town centre than Kingsbury Square. The council was alert to available government funding and making bids including working with the private sector. Rather than do a wholescale project with limited funding small projects should be undertaken with the funds currently available. The Cabinet Member then asked the Deputy Cabinet Member for Regeneration to speak as she had been the main driver of these Strategies. The Deputy Cabinet Member reported that there was some funding for projects in Aylesbury and High Wycombe including public realm work and improving green and open spaces which would help the overall environment; the private sector were key partners and there were lots of opportunities for development in Buckinghamshire.

·       In terms of Future High Street funding £12 million was granted by the Government and the Council added an additional £3 million. This funding had been deployed in the last couple of years in addition to private investment in High Wycombe such as The Curve and the Chiltern Shopping Centre. There were a number of ideas regarding the use of funding for Aylesbury.

·       A question was asked about the monitoring of the Strategies and also how long before these Strategies were refreshed and revised. The Place Based Growth Board would be monitoring performance and each town had their own Regeneration Board reporting to an overarching Regeneration Board for the whole County. This also linked well to the Opportunity Bucks projects. The Deputy Cabinet Member was also working closely with the business community in each of the three areas and universities which almost covered one third of the residents of Buckinghamshire. Close links to the skills sector were key including the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield.

·       Public engagement and communications with the local communities was essential to make these Strategies deliver including the involvement of local members. Presentations were given to Community Boards and Town and Parish Councils to provide an update on ongoing work. It was important also to ensure that the short- and longer-term strategies were aligned to ensure the best outcomes for regeneration.

RESOLVED –

That the Buckinghamshire Regeneration Framework and the Town Centre regeneration strategies for Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Chesham, as key corporate documents of Buckinghamshire Council, be ADOPTED.