Agenda item

Mathieu Rogers, Head of Strategic Planning and Regeneration, was in attendance to respond to Members’ questions in relation to the Draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision report.

Members enquired about the impact of National Insurance increases on local businesses and whether any plans had been put in place to prepare for this. It was confirmed that no direct impacts had been observed and no feedback had been received from businesses in relation to this. Members heard that, as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, several programmes were being run in the Borough to support business growth and resilience. Obtaining initial feedback from business support providers was suggested and the importance of creating a thriving town centre to balance any increase in costs was emphasised.

Councillors asked about the feedback mechanisms in place to ensure that residents and local businesses had an active role in forming the vision for Uxbridge. It was explained that Brunel University had been appointed to conduct initial engagement work, and over 1000 people had been consulted. The Head of Strategic Planning and Regeneration highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement and mentioned the challenges of maintaining open dialogue with local groups.

The Committee expressed an interest in how the history and heritage of Uxbridge could be championed within the town centre plan. Members mentioned specific historical elements and enquired about their protection and celebration.

The Regal Cinema was cited as an example of a protected building and efforts to protect listed buildings and conservation areas were highlighted. The officer emphasised the importance of celebrating heritage buildings and making them a unique aspect of the town centre.

Members highlighted the underutilisation of the Civic Centre forecourt and enquired about early engagement with community groups to celebrate local culture and businesses. The mandate from Cabinet to continue the conversation and the plan to engage with local schools, colleges, and community groups were noted. The Head of Strategic Planning and Regeneration emphasised the importance of using new media to engage with young people.

In response to further questions from Members regarding the creation date of the vision document, it was clarified that the document had been produced the previous year and had undergone iterations to shore up projects and engage with stakeholders.

Some Councillors raised concerns about the relocation of the library to the Civic Centre and the impact of this on the town centre’s strengths as identified in the vision document. The relocation was acknowledged but it was emphasised that the library would not be moving far and would still be located in Uxbridge. The vision aimed to make the Civic Centre a community hub working with the NHS and other partners. The Head of Strategic Planning and Regeneration mentioned that the vision had delivered on the engagement and consultation objectives.

In response to further questions from the Committee regarding the monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure the vision's effectiveness and the ability to adapt quickly if needed, indicators such as vacancy rates, footfall, and new commercial and residential spaces were noted. The officer emphasised the importance of ongoing monitoring and adapting as needed. It was noted that the vision would also form part of the Local Plan work already underway and would be monitored via that mechanism as well.

Members enquired about the cost analysis and funding base for the vision. It was explained that the vision aimed to draw investment from the private sector and grants would also be applied for from the GLA and central Government. Members heard that there was no set budget, but the vision would help bring in funding.

In respect of population growth and transport links, Councillors asked about the scope for population growth in the town centre and the engagement with the Mayor of London regarding transport links. The need for more residents in the town centre and the engagement with TfL to improve bus routes were highlighted.

The Committee requested that the vision document include support for charity and third sector entities. The Head of Strategic Planning and Regeneration acknowledged the importance of supporting the third sector and mentioned plans to use the Civic Centre forecourt for markets and events. It was agreed that this would be included in the vision document.

Officers confirmed that the document represented a joint vision for the town. A final version was due to be delivered to Cabinet in 2025. Members highlighted the need for clarity in terms of the monitoring framework as part of that document.

Councillors expressed concerns about the length of the vision document and highlighted the need for a summary document. It was confirmed that at an 8-page summary document had been produced and would be shared with Democratic Services.

Members enquired whether Hillingdon People was being used to drive engagement on the vision. It was reported that an article on this had appeared in the latest version of Hillingdon People.

Under agenda item 5 it had been agreed that the drafting of the Residents’ Services Select Committee comments to be submitted to Cabinet in relation to the Draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision would be delegated to Democratic Services, in conjunction with the Chair and in consultation with the Labour Lead.

RESOLVED: that the Residents’ Services Select Committee:

1.    noted the Draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision; and,

2.    agreed that the drafting of the Residents’ Services Select Committee comments to be submitted to Cabinet in relation to the Draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision be delegated to Democratic Services, in conjunction with the Chair and in consultation with the Labour Lead.