To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2018.

Decision

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2018.

Report of the Strategic Director (Development)

This report provides the Subgroup with an update on progress with the District Centre Place Management Pilot projects that are being delivered by the Institute of Place Management (IPM) at Manchester Metropolitan University, with the support of the Council. The Place Management Pilots are a key aspect of the work programme overseen by the District Centres subgroup, and are considering new opportunities to engage local stakeholders and enhance the quality of Manchester neighbourhoods.

The report summarises the outcomes of the Northenden and Gorton Place Management Pilots, both of which have reached the final report stage.

The Subgroup will also consider a presentation from the Institute of Place Management.

The Group considered the report of the Strategic Director (Development) which provided Members with an update on progress with the District Centre Place Management Pilot projects that were being delivered by the Institute of Place Management (IPM) at Manchester Metropolitan University, with the support of the Council. The Place Management Pilots were a key aspect of the work programme overseen by the District Centres Subgroup, and were considering new opportunities to engage local stakeholders and enhance the quality of Manchester neighbourhoods.

The report, which was accompanied by a presentation, summarised the outcomes of the Northenden and Gorton Place Management Pilots, both of which had reached the final report stage.

Dr Millington referred to the main points and themes within the report which included:-

·         Work to identify the most effective policy approach the Council and its partners could take to promote successful centres in Manchester;

·         The approach to the Place Management Pilots;

·         A description of the Northenden Place Management Pilot and an overview of the recommendations;

·         A description of the Gorton Place Management Pilot and an overview of the recommendations; and

·         Noting that once the reports for all four pilots were available, it was suggested that the Council review all recommendations and determine key general policy and practice to be considered across the city.

Some of the key points that arose from the discussions with Ward Councillors were: -

·         Northenden Ward Councillors welcomed the report and the work undertaken by the IPM, noting that there were many positive and unique aspects to the area that needed to be promoted, and the need to engage with and involve more residents in this activity;

·         What was being done to promote the evening economy in Northenden, noting that the footfall data indicated a significant decline in the evening; and

·         Welcoming the collective effort and dedication from Ward Councillors, officers and local resident groups that had contributed to the improvements experienced in Northenden.

·         Gorton Ward Councillors felt attendance at the Gorton workshop was low, and were confident that a further workshop could improve engagement with local groups;

?       Although the report suggested that Gorton lacked a central hub, the market was very popular with local residents;

·         Welcoming the inclusion of the shops along Hyde Road in the study, commenting that they presented a visual disamenity in the area;

·         The relevant Executive Member should look at the legislation relating to shops using the pavement in front of their store to display goods, and where necessary use enforcement powers to prevent this;

·         There was a need to improve the food offer such as cafés and restaurants in the centre of Gorton;

·         What was the purpose of the report and how much had it cost and how would the report be used to drive improvements and influence change in the Gorton area;

·         Noting that people were moving into Gorton as neighbouring areas were becoming increasingly expensive and this provided an opportunity and stimulus for regeneration and redesigning the local offer to ensure it met the needs of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Report of the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit

To review the terms of reference and work programme of the Subgroup.

The Chair informed Members that the date and time for the next meeting would be circulated following consultation with Members. She stated that at the next meeting the group would consider the Harpurhey Place Management Pilot report and the Underserved Communities report.

Decisions

The Subgroup :-

1. Noted that the date and time of the next meeting would be agreed in consultation with Members;

2. Noted that Members would consider the Harpurhey Place Management Pilot report and the report on Under-Served Communities at the next meeting; and

3. Agreed the work programme subject to the above amendment.