Issue - items at meetings - Madeira Drive Progress Report

Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached).

(1)     That the Cabinet Member for Environment notes the short-term improvements that have already been implemented and agrees the further proposals for improvements at paragraph 3.9 of the report for the removal of concrete blocks and the implementation of the new cycle route.

(2)     That the Cabinet Member for Environment notes the ongoing work with the existing tenants of Gracie’s Place Cafe and the Adventure Golf Site.

(3)     That the Cabinet Member for Environment requests officers to bring to a future Cabinet Member Meeting a report detailing the strategic vision action plan to address the future and ongoing regeneration of Madeira Drive.

129.1         The Cabinet Member considered a report from the Director of Environment concerning progress on the implementation of the short-term improvements to Madeira Drive (for copy see minute book).

129.2         The Cabinet Member explained that the improvements identified in the report would serve to greatly enhance the area. It was encouraging that the tenants of Gracie’s Place Café and the Adventure Golf site had come forward with proposals to invest in and develop the sites.

129.3         Councillor Mitchell welcomed improvements outlined in the report and hoped that the marketing and development of the site to the west of Yellowave would fit with the sporting ethos of the area; she asked officers to consider marketing the triangle of land to the east of the railway sheds.

129.4         Councillor Mitchell requested that officers give consideration to the proposal for reducing parking charges in the area during the winter months to assist traders and also expressed concern over whether the Madeira Lift would be open in time for the Easter weekend and the need for maintenance to be carried out on the railings in the vicinity.

129.5         The Head of Sport and Leisure commented that officers were working with the Environment Improvement Team on the maintenance of the railings and the Director of Environment confirmed that the railings in question came under the coastal protection budget.

129.6         The Development Manager clarified that Good Friday remained the target opening date for the Madeira Lift; she hoped that the work would be completed in time to meet this commitment.

129.7         The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport confirmed that a traffic order was being drawn up with regard to the reduction in parking charges during the winter.

129.8         RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:

(1)       That the short-term improvements that have already been implemented be noted and the further proposals for improvements at paragraph 3.9 of the report for the removal of concrete blocks and the implementation of the new cycle route be agreed.

(2)       That the ongoing work with the existing tenants of Gracie’s Place Cafe and the Adventure Golf Site be noted.

(3)       That officers be requested to bring to a future Cabinet Member Meeting a report detailing the strategic vision action plan to address the future and ongoing regeneration of Madeira Drive.