Issue - meetings

This report asks Cabinet to recommend that Council approve the allocation of £4.046 million funding from the Capital Investment Fund to deliver a transport package for Warwick town centre and add the project to the Capital Programme at a full cost of £4.418 million

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Jeff Clarke

That Cabinet:

1)     Recommend that Council approve the allocation of £4.046 million funding from the Capital Investment Fund (CIF) to deliver a transport package for Warwick town centre (as set out in paragraph 2.1) and add the project to the Capital Programme at a full cost of £4.418 million with the balance of funding coming from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

2)     Authorise the Strategic Director for Communities to procure and enter any agreements to give effect to the proposals on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources, subject to Council agreement.

Councillor Jeff Clarke (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) explained that the project described in the report had been in planning for five years. When delivered the scheme will bring improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Of particular note is the expected improvement in air quality that the expected reduction in congestion will bring. Delivery is expected to be in spring 2021 with much of 2020 devoted to design work. Councillor John Holland welcomed the report and recommendations adding that the project had received the support of all three County Councillors in Warwick. It was noted that the traffic management schemes were part of a condition imposed by Warwick District Council and that the deadline for them as stated in the conditions had passed. There is, therefore, an imperative to progress them. Councillor Holland concluded by requesting, given the historic nature of the town, that design work take this into account when considering materials etc.

Councillor Pam Williams welcomed the link between this project, the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board and need to address climate change. She added that the improvements should improve access to the town centre by older people.

Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety) stated that the new traffic management arrangements will improve road safety.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)    Recommend that Council approve the allocation of £4.046 million funding from the Capital Investment Fund (CIF) to deliver a transport package for Warwick town centre (as set out in paragraph 2.1) and add the project to the Capital Programme at a full cost of £4.418 million with the balance of funding coming from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Authorise the Strategic Director for Communities to procure and enter any agreements to give effect to the proposals on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources, subject to Council agreement.