Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1)    Agrees the draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision (Appendix 1) and summary document (Appendix 2) for public engagement for a period of at least eight weeks to secure residents’ feedback on the proposed Vision. 

2)    Authorises the Corporate Director for Central Services, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, to make any minor textual changes to the Vision, prior to the public engagement exercise.

3)    Notes that following the period of public engagement, and the views received, a final Vision will be reported back to Cabinet for approval.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to undertake wider public engagement on the draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services introduced the draft Vision, emphasising the importance of further consultation to build on previous community engagement. It was explained that the Vision aimed to adapt Uxbridge’s vibrant office sector and retail centres and bring about diverse leisure offerings. Key proposals included better navigation around the town centre, increased residential space and developing the Civic Centre site as a community hub, including the new library. The Cabinet Member noted that the vision was intended to guide future planning applications and provide a clear picture for the community and potential developers.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the financial challenges facing the Council but expressed optimism about the future and the ongoing efforts to reinvent Uxbridge town centre.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided that the Vision be adopted without further engagement, but considered this would have not built on the positive community response following the initial engagement exercise.