To receive an update on the content and progress in the preparation of the bid and to delegate authority to the Head of Development Services to work up the Programme Design Document and submit it to Historic England in line with the deadlines and, if successful, to take all necessary steps to implement the Programme.

1.      That the content and preparation of the Heritage Action Zone Bid be NOTED.  

2.      That authority be delegated to the Head of Development Services to work up the Programme Design Document and to submit it to Historic England in line with the deadlines and, if successful, to take all necessary steps, including appropriate Member consultation, to implement the programme.

58.1           The report of the Head of Development Services, circulated at Pages No. 46-49, advised Members of the content and progress of the preparation of the High Street Heritage Action Zone bid and asked for authority to be delegated to the Head of Development Services to work up the programme design document and to submit it to Historic England in line with the deadlines. If the bid was successful, authority would also be delegated to the Head of Development Services to take all necessary steps to implement the programme.

58.2           The Head of Development Services explained that, in July 2019, the Council had submitted an expression of interest to Historic England to be accepted onto a grant aided scheme called High Streets Heritage Action Zone and, in September, the Council had received confirmation that Tewkesbury had been successful in securing a place in the scheme. This was a nationwide initiative designed to secure lasting improvements to historic high streets for the communities that used them. The project programme lasted for four years and consisted of a number of grant funded initiatives to develop and implement physical changes in the high street and to strategic heritage buildings. The project would include community engagement as appropriate and also provide access to funding and training for local cultural and community groups to engage in a cultural programme to celebrate their high street. The Council had until 6 December to submit a programme design for the project setting out in detail the elements of each chosen project with timescales and costings and a commitment from relevant community groups; the funding would start in April 2020 and last for up to four years.

58.3           Tewkesbury Borough Council’s bid for physical interventions included facilitating investment in the redevelopment of the Healings Mill site; to assess and implement improvements to the public realm within the High Street and Quay Street including measures to improve the pedestrian experience, interpretation and signposting of the historic environment, installation of public art and improvements to alleys; this would also improve the public realm linking the Abbey to the High Street; and to manage a grant scheme for shopfront and façade improvements including promotion of habitation above historic shops and the promotion of the use of traditional skills and materials for repair. A component of the bid was that the Council would set up, but not control, a ‘cultural consortium’ consisting of six to eight local community groups (from business groups to amenity societies and schools etc.). The purpose of the consortium was to initiate cultural community based activities and leave a legacy of skills.

58.4           It was suggested that there should be a mechanism for consultation with local Members within the process and accordingly, it was proposed, seconded and