Issue - items at meetings - Major Projects Update

99.1         The Leader considered a presentation from two of the Project Managers (Major Projects), Max Woodford and Richard Davies, in relation to major projects in the city.

99.2         The Project Managers gave an update on four major projects in the city. The Open Market project on London Road had begun works in January 2012; the scheme would provide 44 permanent markets stalls, 12 workshops and 87 affordable housing units, and was scheduled to open in August 2013. The Keep, Woolards Fields, a joint project with East Sussex County Council to provide a new historical records office, was set to achieve BREEAM standard excellent, and was due to open in June 2012. The new AMEX House was currently in the final stages of internal fitting, and was due to be occupied in late summer 2012; with the old AMEX House scheduled for demolition in 2016. Finally the Circus Street Market scheme was ready to move onto consultation as part of the planning stage; the Arts Council had awarded funding to the South East Dance Group, and an application was expected in late 2012 with potential completion in 2015.

99.3         The Leader highlighted the cross-party support for the Circus Street Market scheme, but felt that failure to agree a temporary market use was a lost opportunity. There was increased public confidence in taking the scheme forward, but public consultation needed to be at the centre of any proposals.

99.4         Councillor Morgan welcomed the presentation, and suggested that work could be undertaken to look at the secondary employment created by AMEX to consider how other businesses and individuals, who were not directly employed, relied on the site staying in the city.

99.5         Councillor Morgan also went on to note that the Brighton Centre needed further discussion; in response the Leader agreed that further work was necessary, although some improvements had already been made, and suggested that cross-party project boards could be set up in the next municipal year. Councillor Carol Theobald also noted the improvements made to the Brighton Centre, and said that there were further structural works to be completed.

99.6         Councillor Carol Theobald also asked questions in relation to the West Pier and the i360 project; in response it was explained that it was important to deliver the i360 project before considering other projects that may not necessarily compliment the i360. Once this was completed there would be an opportunity to discuss the necessity of a second pier, given that much of the heritage aspects of the West Pier had unfortunately been lost.

99.7         RESOLVED – That the update be noted.