Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community updating Members on progress made towards the completion of the Coastal Revival Funded, Historic Waterfront, Revival Project.

The report provided detailed background information regarding the project, including its links to the Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan and the aims of the feasibility study undertaken.  A number of project outputs were set out in the report and an executive summary of the Historic Waterfront Project report was provided at Appendix 1.  Appendix 2 set out the required project outputs, a summary of the consultants findings and how the Council may wish to take forward each output to delivery.

Councillor S J Savage raised some concern regarding the accuracy in relation to a map showing footpaths and in response the Chairman requested that he raise his concerns with the Group Manager (Leisure, Countryside and Tourism) outside of the meeting. 

In response to a question, the Urban Design Officer provided the Committee with an update regarding the Combined Military Museum and discussions regarding relocation.

Some concern was raised regarding the ability to view documents containing large graphical images through the Modern.Gov system.  In response, the Committee Services Supervisor advised that Committee Services were looking at ways to reduce the size of agenda packs.

RESOLVED

(i)              that the findings of the consultants employed to undertake the Historic Waterfront Revival Project be noted;

(ii)            that comments be collated

RECOMMENDED

(iii)          that the Council’s Corporate Projects Task and Finish Working Group be requested to manage the next steps of the project as set out in APPENDICES 2 and 3 and below:

The Consultants recommendations are set out in the following list.  The main project should be an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for the People fund for work that involves:

·                 restoring the qualities of the historic Edwardian park.

·                 creating a park café with new toilets for the public and changing rooms for the splash park to replace the current toilet block.  We (the consultants) think that it would probably be optimal for it to incorporate a flexible space that can incorporate community events of different type and functions such as weddings.  It would probably be a popular facility and offer a good return on investment.

·                 improving the appearance of the kiosks (if not replaced) and creating a more attractive outdoor seating area in their vicinity.

·                 extending and modernising Maldon District Museum, and employing a curator – manager.  Maldon District Council (MDC) should help the museum to take a wider role in conserving and telling the whole Maldon story, including the maritime heritage.  

·                 replacing the public realm at Hythe Quay with surfacing that is more attractive and in keeping with the heritage, and reduces the impact of parking, while not compromising the operation of the businesses there.

·                 adapting the Bailiff’s workshop and classroom occupied by the Gig Club to provide flexible ground floor space that can be used for activities of different sort.

·                 providing a better interpretation and wayfinding system, including panels that tell the story of the Battle of Maldon and Maldon Salt. This would ideally extend to the town centre and along the river.