The Subcommittee will receive a presentation from Mr Tim South, Principal Consultant, LDA Design.
Minutes:
The Chairman was pleased to welcome to the meeting:-
Tim South, Principal Design Consultant, LDA Design
Max Barnes, Landscape Architect, LDA Design
Tom Newman, Senior Project Manager for the regeneration scheme, Faithful + Gould
Mr South gave a comprehensive slide presentation on the detail of what was envisaged to improve Littlehampton’s public realm and to create a more positive and welcoming vista for the town. He congratulated officers on their efforts in securing external funding to make the project achievable.
The importance of Littlehampton’s maritime heritage had been acknowledged in the design and it was suggested that perhaps the clock tower could be retained but moved as its present location reduced the flexibility of that space and detracted from the open aspect that was integral to the overall feel of the whole scheme. It was hoped that it could be worked into the design proposal in an alternative way.
Members were advised that this ambitious but deliverable plan would take the emphasis away from the car with traffic calming measures to reclaim the town centre for pedestrians.
In opening up the debate, the Chairman expressed his thanks for the extremely interesting and informative presentation that have been given on the principles behind the design.
The Subcommittee participated in a lengthy question and answer session with the consultants, during the course of which a concern was raised with regard to The Arcade and the need for the surface there to be upgraded. The Group Head of Economy advised that that was outside of the remit of this scheme as it fell under the responsibility of West Sussex County Council. However, discussions could be undertaken to explore with the County Council whether something could be negotiated to enable improvements to The Arcade.
Further matters raised related to disability issues; disabled parking; traffic flows; cycling racks; the link between the High Street and East Bank; signage; events infrastructure; and street furniture, all of which were addressed at the meeting. A question was asked relating to the economic benefit of such schemes and the Group Head of Economy stated that could be provided to Members as the information had been included in the bid documents covering outcomes and impact on the local economy.
A concern was raised in respect of unauthorised changes being made to the scheme by the contractor during the course of work. An assurance was given that it would be a Design and Build contract so if the contractor wished to make changes for technical reasons or such like, any such changes would require the prior approval of the Council.
With regard to the proposals put forward for street furniture, a request was made that the Subcommittee indicate its preference to give a steer to the consultants. An informal vote was taken and an overwhelming majority indicated that their preference would be for the natural finish suite to be installed as that would be a better match with what was at the East Bank.
It was emphasised that, under the terms of the funding agreement, work had to commence in January 2021 in order to ensure the project was delivered on time.
The Chairman closed the debate by thanking Mr South, Mr Barnes and Mr Newman for their attendance and contribution to an interesting and informative presentation.