Agenda item

To receive the report of Andrew Catcheside, Place Shaping Team Lead.

Richard Eason (Programme Director, Journeys & Place) and Andrea Bugli (Capital Delivery Manager Place Shaping Team) provided the Panel with a presentation capturing the latest activity, opportunities, engagement activities and local support within the Borough’s primary Town Centres.

Questions were invited from Members.

Members had queries on the Pearson’s refurbishment, to which officers explained that Palace Gardens are considering a ‘light-touch’ redesign, which could possibly see the rear exterior shop front being pushed forward to the overhang to allow for better dressing of the shop window. The Councils role is to provide planning permissions. The Council has held discussions with Palace Gardens and owner representatives on their proposals. Officers confirmed they are having active conversations to ensure that the proposals are attractive while offering a safe environment for all and, by improving the quality of the public realm, the hope was to attract more people to Enfield Town Centre. It was advised that the planning application for Pearson’s can be viewed on the Enfield Council Planning Portal.

Members raised concerns on possible plans to change the market square cobble stones which have been in place since Tudor times, and it was reiterated that residents would not be happy to see these removed. Officers advised that they had received a wide range of public opinion on the cobbles. However, to move forward with any proposal for this area, a planning application would have to be submitted to Enfield Council which would follow the same process as any other development issue. The heritage of this area would play a key role in any planned development and no changes would be made without a discussion with the Market Trust.

Members requested clarification on the proposed plans for Coleman Parade and whether these included a dedicated loading bay. Officers advised that the current plans would see the slip road pedestrianised, and the loading bay moved forward to the carriage side of the road.

As requested at the previous meeting of the Regeneration & Economic Development Scrutiny Panel, Members were still awaiting an update on the proposed numbers and location of the electrical charging points which were currently situated at Coleman Parade.

Action: Officers will clarify and circulate this information to Members as soon as possible.

In response to questions regarding the Enfield Town Art mural alongside Marks & Spencer, towards Cecil Road, Officers advised that it is designed to lighten the alleyway making it feel more pleasant to walk through. Close work will continue with council colleagues who inherit the maintenance of the mural with careful thought being given to the future revenue stream for its ongoing upkeep. It was also confirmed that there was a Youth Engagement Action Plan in place and the young people champions had been involved with the murals in other town centres in the borough.

In response to concerns raised regarding the safety of the proposed neighbourhood spaces, especially at night-time, Officers confirmed that they are working closely with the council’s Community Safety and CCTV teams together with the Met Police’s Design Out Crime Team to ensure the safety of these areas and this has always been a priority in the design process.

Further information was provided on the launch of Angel Yard, the Living Room Library and the Fore Street murals and officers answered questions raised by members relating to these projects. The presentation also included further updates on the proposed plans for Palmers Green and Southgate.

The Chair thanked Officers for their informative update.

The Panel agreed:

i.              To note the report and looked forward to receiving further updates when available.

Richard and Andrea left the meeting at this point.