St Helier Urban Task Force Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool..

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A decision made (05/11/2007) regarding: St Helier Urban Task Force
Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool.

Decision Ref:	MD–PE–2007-0268
Subject:	St Helier Urban Task Force Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool
Decision Summary Title :	DS - St Helier Urban Task Force Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool
DS Author:	Kevin Pilley: Assistant Director, Policy and Projects
DS Date:	24 October 2007	DS Status:	Public
Written Report Title :	WR - St Helier Urban Task Force Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool (1/01/13/20/1)
WR Author:	Kevin Pilley, Assistant Director, Planning and Building Services
WR Date	22 October 2007	WR Status:	Public
Oral Rapporteur:	Kevin Pilley: Assistant Director, Policy and Projects
Decision(s):	The Minister for Planning and Environment: Noted the status of the Urban Renewal Programme funding, as set out at appendix 1; Noted and endorsed the proposal to undertake replacement of the Le Sueur Obelisk pool lining in Broad Street, and authorised the release of up to £18,000 from the Urban Renewal Capital Vote to effect this; Noted and endorsed the proposed enhancement scheme for Snow Hill, as set out at appendix 2, and authorised the establishment of a budget of £25,000 from the Urban Renewal Capital Vote to implement this, subject to the outcome of consultation; Noted and endorsed the proposed enhancement scheme for Colomberie Precinct, as set out at appendix 3, and noted the proposed funding of this project, at a cost of £25,000, by the Parish of St Helier, subject to the outcome of consultation
Reason(s) for Decision:	The proposals accord with the States strategic objectives, the purposes of the Law and contribute to the attainment of policy objectives in the Island Plan.
Resource Implications:	Expenditure within existing capital resource availability
Action required:	Arrangements made to effect repair and replacement of Le Sueur Obelisk pool lining in Broad Street; Consultation undertaken for the proposed enhancement scheme for Snow Hill, and a further report brought back to the Minister; Consultation undertaken for the proposed enhancement scheme for Colomberie Precinct, and a further report brought back to the Minister
Signature:
Position:	Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different to Date Signed):

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St Helier Urban Task Force Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool..

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

St Helier Urban Task Force
Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool

Purpose of the Report

This report sets out the details of proposed urban improvements schemes, sponsored by the St Helier Urban Task Force. The purpose of the report is for the Minister to consider the justification; details and proposed funding arrangements of the schemes to enable them to proceed to the next stage of their development.

Background and discussion

The St Helier Urban Task Force has been progressing a number of small-scale urban improvement schemes to enhance the public realm and the fabric of the town pending the adoption and implementation of large scale works and proposals identified in the St Helier Development and Regeneration Strategy. These smaller scale schemes are being progressed through joint-working and the pooling of resources between the States departments of Planning and Environment, Transport and Technical Services and Economic Development together with the Parish of St Helier.

It is proposed that the funds for two of these schemes are released from the Planning and Environment Urban Renewal capital fund. The status of the fund, together with the proposed release of resources is set out at appendix 1. An outline of each scheme is given below:

Broad Street Obelisk pool

As part of the Broad Street Regeneration Scheme, a new pool was created around the Le Sueur Obelisk to enable water to flow once more through the fountains at its base. Since the creation of the pool there have been issues with the integrity of the membrane that was installed to line the pool: this is now failing, showing significant signs of deterioration and causing problems with the operation of the pumps. Efforts have been made to secure its renewal through the installing company but liability for its failure is disputed between the installer and water-hydraulics company and have, thus far, been inconclusive.

Given the level of deterioration of the lining and the need to replace it, it is proposed that this be progressed as soon as possible. It is considered appropriate to undertake this work at this time given that use of the adjacent al-fresco seating area will now decline as the weather turns.

The work required to resolve this issue involves the removal of the existing failing lining and the installation of a new lining system. A price estimate of up to £16,000 has been secured to undertake this work. Provision also needs to be made for management of the contract and the provision of a compound and it is thus proposed that a budget of £18,000 is established from the Urban Renewal Fund to enable this work to be undertaken

Snow Hill

Snow Hill serves as a gateway to the town for people travelling by a variety of modes of transport and it serves as a focal point throughout the day and night. There are a number of issues associated with its use and appearance, not least problems of antisocial behaviour and disturbance in the evening caused when people congregate here and also that the public space is not particularly well-lit or conducive, easy or safe to use.

As a result of these issues – which were highlighted in the media with calls to improve the area earlier in the year - the Urban Task Force has determined that the area should receive something of an interim ‘make-over’ to improve the appearance of the space and to promote and encourage the safe use of the public space.

The investment of significant resources and comprehensive renewal of the area has always been held back pending the anticipation of major investment in Fort Regent and/or Snow Hill Cut and thus these proposals do not seek any major remodelling of the space, but rather its short-term improvement.

Details of the proposals of the improvements are set out at appendix 2. It is proposed that these be released for public consultation and that, subject to the outcome of consultation, progressed to implementation.

A budget of £25,000 from the Urban Renewal Capital Fund is required to undertake these works. Implementation of this scheme is only possible at this cost by virtue of the labour required to implement being provided in kind by T&TS and PoSH.

Colomberie

The Colomberie precinct forms part of an important route to/from the eastern end of the town and also serves to provide an important part of the St Helier ‘offer’ that makes the town distinct from others. The public realm in the ‘lower’ section of Colomberie has already received some investment with a scheme of pavement widening; lighting and the provision of unloading bays and tree planting. It is proposed that improvements to the public realm be extended into the precinct area.

Details of the proposed scheme are set out at Appendix 3. Subject to the outcome of consultation, the scheme is to be funded by the Parish of St Helier at a cost of £25,000. Implementation of the scheme is dependent upon the outcome of consultation and approval by the St Helier Roads Committee.

Legal implications

One of the purposes of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002 is to protect and improve the Island’s general amenities, its character and its physical environments. The States Strategic Plan seeks to develop a vibrant St Helier and to ensure that areas of public open space are maintained and enhanced (4.2). Island Plan Policy TT8 – Pedestrian Improvement Areas, provides the Minister with the policy basis to undertake some of these works

Consultation

It is proposed that the detail of the schemes for both Snow Hill and Colomberie Precinct are published for consultation, with the period for comments extended up to Christmas. Consultation responses would then be considered with a further report back to the Minister in January 2008.

Recommendation

Reason(s) for Decision

Action Required



Written by:	Kevin Pilley: Assistant Director

Approved by:

Endorsed by:

Attachments

Appendix 1: Urban Renewal Capital fund: status

Appendix 2: Snow Hill prop

osals

Appendix 3: Colomberie Precinct porposals

File ref

: 1/01/13/20

22 October 2007

Urban Renewal

Programme

Capital Vote Status: October 2007

Balance	£<><>
Carried forward	54,959
Commitments
St Paul’s Arch: installation	3,000
Conway St: light installation	6,000
Proposals
Broad St Pool lining	18,000
Snow Hill	25,000
Remaining balance
	2,959

St Helier Urban Task Force Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool..

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A decision made (05/11/2007) regarding: St Helier Urban Task Force Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool.

A decision made (05/11/2007) regarding: St Helier Urban Task Force
Environmental enhancement schemes: Snow Hill, Colomberie Precinct and repair of Broad Street pool.