There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Hammond declared his Personal Interest in the item relating to the Town Centre Masterplan but in line with the Council's Constitution was allowed to speak and vote on the matter.

Members considered the Transformation Programme Manager and the Senior Planner's report which presented the finalised Masterplan for the Great Yarmouth Town Centre. Members were advised  that the report recommended that the final document be endorsed and recommended to Council for approval, subject to some minor adjustments as agreed by the Transformation Programme Manager and Group Manager for Growth.

Following the presentation the Committee entered into a question and answer session as follows :-

Councillor Wainwright advised of his disappointment in relation to the two options being presented to the six day Market place redevelopment site and asked how long this process was expected to take. The Transformation Programme Manager advised that a report in relation to the Market place would be taken to the Town Centre Members Working Group next week.

Councillor Wainwright also pointed out the need to deliver what is set out within the plan and that the Quay remained a crucial area for addressing. The Transformation Programme Manager advised that the Planning Brief from Carter Jonas detailed recommended scopes of work in relation to Hall Quay.

Councillor Wainwright stated that in his opinion he felt that the document was optimistic and that there was a need for a good anchor tenant.

Councillor Thirtle made reference to a meeting that he had attended in relation to Centre 81 and asked if Officers had made engagement with Centre 81 as part of the Master Plan. The Transformation Programme Manager reported that Officers had engaged with the Centre.

Councillor Reynolds expressed his concerns in respect of the proposals to move the six day market stalls and stated that these proposals were causing uncertainty for traders in hard economic times, he also pointed out the need for additional funding streams for the Market and that these needed to be prioritised. The Chief Executive Officer advised that work was being undertaken to look at a high level business case.

Councillor Walch questioned whether an option would be available to refurbish the market within the area already occupied, he stated that he felt this option would be more cost effective.

Councillor Grant stated that he felt the plan was a positive document in looking to the future for the Town Centre.

Councillor Plant stated that he hoped the Committee would be minded to approve the recommendations to be able to send out a clear concise message to residents. He pointed out that there was also a need to source appropriate funding streams. 

Councillor Jeal expressed that there was a need for 'Great Yarmouth to be great again'.

Councillor K Grey expressed the view that in her opinion this was a forward looking document.

Councillor Walsh proposed an amendment to the Master Plan in relation to the Marketplace as follows :-

" To refurbish the market and back costing of all 3 options to the Council."

Following a vote by Members the recommendation for the amendment was lost.

RESOLVED :

(1) That the Economic Development Committee endorse the Final Masterplan document and recommend to Council that it is approved, subject to any final minor grammatical adjustments as agreed by the Transformation Programme Manager and Group Manager, Growth. 

(2) That the Committee agree to the use of up to £25,000 from the Town Centre Initiative Funding to complete a Development Prospective for the Conge and a planning brief for Hall Quay.

(3) That the Committee agree to establish a Partnership Board comprising one Member from each of the three main Political Groups on the Council.