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Feb 2011 minutes (2).doc<br />

Minute of Meeting - Denny Development Group<br />

16 February 2010 in Denny <strong>Community</strong> Centre<br />

Present: <strong>Council</strong>lor Gerry Goldie(Chair)<br />

<strong>Council</strong>lor Martin Oliver<br />

<strong>Council</strong>lor John McNally<br />

<strong>Council</strong>lor Alex Waddell (from Item 4)<br />

Raymond Murray - Retailers Representative<br />

Ian Wallace - Henry Boot Developments Plc<br />

Michael Murphy – St Alexander’s Church<br />

Matt Mulligan - Denny & Dunipace <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Christine Bell - Denny & Dunipace <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Colin Belbin - Denny & Dunipace <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Brian McCabe - Denny & Dunipace <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Douglas Duff - <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Colin Frame - <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Jacquie McArthur - <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Mary-Jane Armstrong - Town Centre Management<br />

Kate Kane – <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Apologies: <strong>Council</strong>lor Joe Lemetti<br />

<strong>Council</strong>lor Jim Blackwood<br />

Sharon Tait - Denny & Dunipace <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

Alastair Mitchell - Town Centre Management Ltd<br />

David Reid - Central Scotland Police<br />

Pat McGrandles - St Alexander’s Church<br />

Father Boyle - St Alexander’s Church<br />

1.0 Minutes of Previous Meeting<br />

<strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />

<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />

1.1 <strong>Council</strong>lor Goldie welcomed those attending the meeting. He confirmed that he<br />

was attending the meeting as <strong>Council</strong>lor Waddell was attending to other <strong>Council</strong><br />

business and would be joining the meeting later. Following a short discussion on<br />

Cllr Goldie’s role as Chair it was agreed to proceed.<br />

1.2 Brian McCabe requested for the Development Group minutes to be issued earlier<br />

than the current two week prior to the meeting period. It was confirmed that this<br />

could be accommodated.<br />

1.3 The minutes were taken as a true record of the meeting.<br />

Deleted: <strong>Council</strong>lor Alex<br />

Waddell (late comer)<br />

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Martin<br />

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2.0 Matters Arising<br />

2.1 Brian McCabe commented that he was disappointed that neither <strong>Council</strong>or<br />

Waddell nor Douglas Duff attended the Urban Realm exhibition of alternative<br />

designs. Douglas Duff explained why he had chosen not to attend, emphasizing<br />

his view that the best and quickest way of delivery of the project is with Henry<br />

Boot. He added that if there were any relevant design ideas picked up through<br />

this exercise, these could be fed into the Henry Boot masterplan for the town<br />

centre.<br />

2.2 Colin Frame added that he had visited the display. He confirmed that whilst the<br />

plans were of interest they did not take account of the commercial aspect of the<br />

project and therefore did not show a deliverable scheme.<br />

2.3 Ian Wallace said that he was happy to look at the Urban Realm proposals with a<br />

view to incorporating any viable design changes to those already developed and<br />

consulted on masterplan.<br />

2.4 Colin Belbin expressed a need to focus on the timescales for delivery of the<br />

project. <strong>Council</strong>lor McNally reported that he had visited the Henry Boot<br />

development in Ayr to look see how it compares to the Denny proposals. He also<br />

enquired about the prospects for an indoor market facility and it was explained<br />

that there were no plans for such a venture at this time.<br />

3.0 Regeneration Update<br />

3.1 Douglas Duff said that the <strong>Council</strong> is pressing ahead with the delivery of the<br />

scheme looking at acquisitions under compulsory purchase arrangements. He<br />

confirmed that a recent report enabling this to be pushed forward had recently<br />

been considered and passed by the <strong>Council</strong>.<br />

3.2 Colin Frame said that a PAN notice would be lodged as soon as a food operator<br />

was identified but emphasised that commitment from a food operator is vital. He<br />

confirmed that the site assembly process was underway with an initial committed<br />

budget of £500k. This had recently been increased by an additional £300,000 to<br />

negotiate the acquisition of interests and proceed with demolition at Block A<br />

(Duke Street) and Block D (Stirling Street).<br />

3.3 Colin reported that the Scottish Government appears willing to see Compulsory<br />

Purchase Orders used more widely to accelerate the site assembly process. He<br />

confirmed that <strong>Falkirk</strong> <strong>Council</strong> had approved the use of this and as a result all<br />

Church Walk interests have had notification of this approach. He stressed that<br />

negotiation is the preferred route to acquire these interests and this would<br />

Feb 2011 minutes (2).doc<br />

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continue alongside the CPO process. He added that he would be happy to<br />

speak with any occupiers to discuss and clarify the situation. Douglas Duff<br />

reinforced the <strong>Council</strong>’s desire to achieve the acquisitions through agreement.<br />

3.4 Douglas Duff said that the process was highly sensitive but reiterated the desire<br />

to acquire through consensus.<br />

3.5 <strong>Council</strong>or McNally asked if this process could delay the planned demolition.<br />

Colin Frame explained that it was proposed to have 3 CPO’s - Church Walk<br />

Block A (Duke Street), Block D (North Block) and Blocks C & B (East Blocks).<br />

This phased approach will avoid delays in early demolition of Blocks A & D<br />

caused by potential appeal delays relating to occupiers of Blocks B & C. He said<br />

that there was no guarantee when blocks would be demolished and assured the<br />

group that every possible step was being taken to negotiate successfully.<br />

3.6 Raymond Murray asked about notice to be given to town centre businesses<br />

regarding requirements to move etc. Colin said that he has been in discussion<br />

with local businesses about this and said that a phased approach will be used to<br />

move businesses.<br />

3.7 Colin Belbin asked if acquisitions are still at 15. Colin confirmed that this was<br />

correct.<br />

3.8 Brian McCabe asked Henry Boot which food operators they were in discussion<br />

with. Ian Wallace said that commercial negotiations were sensitive and highly<br />

confidential and therefore was unable to divulge this information.<br />

3.9 Brian McCabe asked which foodstore had shown interest in the scheme in 2005.<br />

It was confirmed that at this time Asda had submitted a letter of interest.<br />

3.10 <strong>Council</strong>lor McNally asked if the appointment of Henry Boot was down to them<br />

being able to bring a food operator. Colin Frame explained that there was a<br />

lengthy assessment process followed to appoint the <strong>Council</strong>s developer.<br />

Potential developers were assessed on 9 key criteria such as; expertise and<br />

technical capability, financial resources, previous developments and references.<br />

3.11 Colin Frame informed the group that the severe weather experienced had caused<br />

water ingress in the Church Walk block. He confirmed that rumours circulating<br />

that the flooding of some shops was caused by <strong>Council</strong> contractors. Technical<br />

inspections of these flat roof areas found the drains and gullies to be clogged and<br />

blocked by debris not associated with the roughcasting contract. He stressed<br />

that maintenance of these flat roofs, gullies and drains is the responsibility of the<br />

tenant per the terms of the lease.<br />

3.12 There was discussion on the perceived effectiveness of the contract in curing<br />

water ingress as well as widespread criticism of the look of the blocks following<br />

Feb 2011 minutes (2).doc<br />

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this. It was noted that the primary function of the works is to stop ongoing water<br />

ingress to the retail units below.<br />

4.0 Town Centre Promotion<br />

4.1 Mary Jane provided an update on current activity in Denny town centre<br />

including:-<br />

• Denny Day/Viva Las Vegas featuring Elvis impersonator planned for<br />

September<br />

• Easter Music Event – date to be confirmed<br />

• Comedy Festival to return following the success of last years. She is<br />

currently scouting for new premises for this and asked the group for<br />

ideas.<br />

• Electronic signage is working well with many local groups using them to<br />

post information.<br />

5.0 Any Other Business<br />

5.1 There was discussion on the opening of the Denny Regeneration Office. Colin<br />

reported that repairs were being carried out following the recent water ingress.<br />

An opening date would be advertised once known.<br />

6.0 Date & Time of Next Meeting<br />

6.1 The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 28 April at 10.30am in<br />

Denny <strong>Community</strong> Education Centre.<br />

Feb 2011 minutes (2).doc

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