Agenda item

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a response to its core questions from a number of Expert Advisors:

·         Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning,

·         Cabinet Member for Environment, 

·         Cabinet Member for Community Engagement

·         Head of Economic Development

·         Head of Planning

·         Head of Customers and Culture

The Scrutiny Panel received a response to its core questions from the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning.  Officers highlighted the salient points contained within the document.

A research paper submitted by the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement. The salient points were noted.  Councillor King highlighted the various events, such as the Ghost Walk.

The Scrutiny Panel asked questions, made comment and heard:

·         Often visitors to Northampton will come to purchase shoes and do not experience the rest of the town, there is a need to encourage them to stay.  There is a need to promote the shoe factory shops.

·         This would be an excellent resource to the town.

·         The Borough Council has a good working relationship with the major shop companies in the town and it would be useful to ascertain better working as a cluster.

·         It was commented that a lot of people are unaware of the beautiful architecture of the town, a lot of which is second floor and above of buildings.  Use of the upper floors are encouraged.

·         The move of the University into the town will change the culture.

·         It was noted that work has previously been undertaken with the college regarding fashion shows in the town and pop up shops.  This had been very well received. 

·         The Scrutiny Panel heard that the Grosvenor Centre is in the process of having its shop frontages finalised.  It was highlighted to the Panel that guidelines are as such and cannot be enforced.  It is very much by negotiation.  However, organisations are encouraged to comply with the guidelines when installing new frontages.

·         It was suggested that the Grosvenor Centre Manager and the Director in relation to the BID are asked to attend the next meeting and answer the core questions of the Panel.

·         Other towns and cities, such as Leeds, have a signage policy whereby all signs are produced in the same style

·         The Panel was informed about the heritage at Rugby such as the birthplace of Rugby Football. Rugby School is also a key tourist attraction.  Events that were put on in respect of the Rugby World Cup were noted.  The town also puts on festivals and other events.

·         Northampton has obvious assets such as the museums, Delapre Abbey, Althorpe House, the Saints and the shoe industry.

·         Getting businesses together to liaise and share ideas would be an easy and useful solution.

·         It was noted that the leaflets at Northampton train station do not contain information about Northamptonshire. This is similar in a hotel in the borough.  It was suggested that the Borough Council could aid tourist attractions as part of package.

·         The Scrutiny Panel considered the list of events and heritage provided by the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Safety, a copy of which is attached to the minutes.

The Panel supported the Ghost Hunt and felt this could be widened to a Heritage Walk or Trail.

It was requested that the Panel is given a tour of the Leathercraft Museum.

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement and Officers were thanked for providing information to the Scrutiny Panel.

AGREED:      That the information informs the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.