Issue - meetings

The report on the Town Centres Scheme from the previous meeting was intended to provide the Committee with oversight of the extensive programme of work on which the Council is engaged to enhance Hillingdon’s town centres in the period leading up to 2018.

The Community Engagement and Town Centres Team Leader attended the meeting to present the report to Committee and answer any queries, as well as answering those questions raised at the previous Committee meeting.

Members commented that the scheme had led to investment, higher occupancy rates and big brands moving into local Wards, but one of the Members observed that in the case of Northwood Hills Town Centre improvements, there had been an exasperation of congestion at the Northwood Hills Circus Roundabout. Officers confirmed that this was a consequence of the Town Centre scheme, being affected by the opening of the Heathrow Aviation Engineering University Technical College in September 2014. This new education facility for 14-19 year olds has a catchment area of a 12 mile radius of Northwood Hills, leading to peak time traffic implications which are currently under review as a traffic planning matter as part of the school's planning consent.

The Committee asked if in the future, these issues could be better understood and appreciated by all stakeholders. It was confirmed that S106 traffic surveys and school travel plans are being looked at to ascertain and mitigate impact on Northwood Hills Town Centre.

The Committee asked whether the surveys on the Town Centres Scheme were shared with Councillors, and it was determined that they were sent to all Ward Councillors. The Chairman asked that future evaluations could be shared with him for information.

Councillors heard that money has been spent on tree pits to give the area a more permeable surface. Previously trees were planted in subterranean "boxes" formed of concrete, but the tree pits keep trees healthier, as well as helping drainage. Public transport and cycle lanes have been improved from the Uxbridge Road to Hayes and Harlington Station, and more rubbish bins have been positioned in towns, to help with environmental improvements.

Members were informed that the take-up of shop grants increases over time. At first the take-up can be slow in some areas, but once one shop applies for a grant, others often follow suit. The Council asks for feedback on the grants scheme which has helped the scheme be administered and payments can now be staged, and instead of being paid retrospectively, quotes are now sourced and managed before businesses are invoiced.

-        RESOLVED: That the report be noted and future evaluations be shared with the Chairman by the Community Engagement and Town Centres Team Leader.