Agenda item

This report provides an update to the Economy Committee on the completion of public realm works to Littlehampton Town Centre (phases 2&3). 

(Councillor Walsh redeclared his Personal interest as a member of Littlehampton Town Council (LTC) and WSCC.)

The Chair invited the Group Head of Business and Economy to provide members with an update on the public realm works in Littlehampton Town centre for phases 2 & 3. In 2016 there was extensive public consultation regarding improvements to the town centre which had been set out in 5 phases, it included improvements to paving, lighting, planting and some artwork. The council had been awarded external funds from the Coastal Communities Fund in 2019 £2.54 million, due to the economic challenges, the project had saw a rise in material and construction costs a decision was made that this funding was to be spent on Phase 2 of the project, which was the area Highstreet, Duke Street, St Martins Lane and Clifton Road. The Council then pursued additional external funding through Coast to Capital, Local Growth Fund where it was awarded a further £564,000 for Beach Road and East Street in October 2019 as the full award was not awarded from the bid both, Arun District Council and Littlehampton Town Council contributed a further £200,000 each to complete the delivery for phase 3, the total budget for phases 2 and 3 was £302 million.

As work progressed on the project other opportunities and enhancements were identified, it was requested for further funds from the council to support a ‘dig once’ approach which allowed for funding to place ducting in the ground to allow for the fibre network can then be installed by city fibre in the future. Successful funding from WSCC was also obtained to allow for the continuation of phase 1 of the project. The team were pleased to report that phases 2 and 3 were delivered on time and on budget in March 2023. Moving to the lessons learned throughout the project the officer highlighted that the early engagement of the project management team was key, early ordering of materials to secure best prices and allow for delivery lead in times to fit with scheduled works was a sound way to fix the overall project cost.  The need to understand and identify underground services, through comprehensive surveys completed at the start of the project, however it was found in reality that there were a few surprises that showed up as work was started, this could impact on project delivery timescales along with impacting on the original designs such as the planting of trees that had to be potted, rather than planted into the ground. The teams work on sourcing additional funding to accommodate design changes and increasing costs was particularly important in the delivery of these phases. In summing up the officer confirmed that phases 4 and 5 of the project would be completed, however, was reliant on further external funding. She thanked all the contactors, businesses and traders for their patience whilst the work was being completed and thanked Littlehampton Town Council and WSCC for their financial contributions.

          The Chair then asked members for their comments, where it was commented that members were delighted to hear and read the update on the project, however concerns were raised regarding the new paving and the importance of sealing this as soon as possible and properly alongside regular and proper cleanings due to the light colour of the paving. A suggestion was made that the council talk to Littlehampton Town Council who may be able to help with the cleaning or assist in sourcing the right contractor for the work. It was also commented that the ‘temporary’ edges on the flower beds should be removed as they look unfinished. In reference to the clock tower, it was requested that it should be checked over as it was made from fibreglass and given the confirmed underspend on the project perhaps some of that money could be used to accommodate the request. Comments were made regarding the temporary traffic lights that had to be in place throughout the work and were still in place with the ongoing work, was found to be a nuisance and cause a lot of traffic build up during peak travel times.

It was confirmed that the clock tower belonged and was the responsibility of Littlehampton Town Council, members were of the agreement that some of the underspend should be used to keep the clock tower in good, clean working order. It was thought by some that the potential cost could be somewhere in the region of £5,500.

          Councillor Needs thanked the officer team for the update provided and commented that since the work had started and now completed in these areas, she has found as a wheelchair user that the ease of getting in and around the town centre was much improved and she now visited the town much more frequently due to this.

          Members were heartened to hear the comments from Councillor Needs and applauded the team for the work that had been delivered for Littlehampton Town. There was favour expressed to continue to the project with a wider scope to see the work continue and wrap around the town centre and it was hoped that the team would continue to obtain the additional funding for this to be considered.

          The Leader of the Opposition stated he was delighted to hear the progressed made with the project and the up coming work yet to be completed, however, he stated he struggled to agree with these comments regarding the project coming in on time and on budget. He talked passionately about the need for members to be consulted on any and all changes, specifically referencing the changes made to the blue tiles that are a part of the paving. He agreed that full and proper cleaning of the paving was important to keep the areas looking clean and tidy and that he felt the paving had brightened up the town centre in particular. He was pleased to see that owners and businesses were moving into the units within the arcade also.

          Discussion then moved on to making a formal proposal in order to ensure that the necessary maintenance and upkeep of the Clock Tower was completed, where costing was discussed and commented that it could require a spend of up to £8,000 which could come from the current underspend.

A proposal from Councillor Northeast seconded by Councillor Needs was put to the committee;

To provide financial support up to £8k figure to LTC to ensure that the necessary maintenance and upkeep are completed.

          Throughout this discussion concerns were raised and addressed by officers which resulted in the following wording being suggested by Councillor Gunner;

The Committee delegate the Group Head of Business and Economy to liaise with LTC to come up with proposals for financial support of up to £10k for necessary maintenance and upkeep of the clock tower.

          The original proposer Councillor Northeast and seconder councillor Needs were happy with the suggested wording from Councillor Gunner at which point it was put to the vote.

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED

Delegation be given to the Group Head of Business and Economy to liaise with LTC to come up with proposals for financial support of up to £10k for necessary maintenance and upkeep of the clock tower.

The Committee then noted the rest of the report.