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6. APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO THE CHESHUNT AND WALTHAM CROSS DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Head of Support Services

RECOMMENDED that the Group recommends to the Leader of the Council that (a) Mr. Kelvin Nwadiaro, Ms Julia Bott and Mr Ben Purser be reappointed as co-opted members of the Group; and (b) the Chairman of the Waltham Cross Business Forum is appointed as a co-opted member of the group.

Purpose To recommend to the Leader of the Council that the Group co-opt four representatives of the local business community to its membership. Background For the municipal year 2018/19, Mr. Kelvin Nwadiaro (Manager of Pavilions Shopping Centre), Mr Nigel Smith (Fishpools Ltd), Ms Julia Bott (Manager of the King James Public House) and Mr Ben Purser (co-owner of Stanley Bridge Cycles were appointed as co-opted members of group. However, Mr Nigel Smith recently left his post. Working Arrangements As an informal advisory group, the Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Development Group cannot take executive decisions. The membership of the Group is appointed by the Leader of the Council. As co-opted members, they will have access to all papers considered by the Group and will be able to offer their advice and expertise on matters relating to Cheshunt and Waltham Cross, as set out in the Group’s terms of reference. Mr. Kelvin Nwadiaro, manager at the Pavilions Shopping Centre and has been invited to serve as co-opted member of the Group for 2019/20 repenting Waltham Cross. Ms Julia Bott, the manager of the King James Public House and Mr Ben Purser the co-owner of Stanley Bridge Cycles has been invited to serve as co-opted member of the Group for 2018/19 representing Cheshunt. It is proposed that the Chairman of the Waltham Cross Business Forum is appointed as a co-opted member as a replacement for Mr Nigel Smith.

Contact Officer: Mr J Painter (ext. 5755)

List of Background Papers: Terms of Reference of Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Development Group Report to Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Development Group, July 2018.

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7. WALTHAM CROSS TOWN CENTRE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS – REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS

Head of Community, Infrastructure and Regeneration

RECOMMENDED that the Group endorses the amendments to the approved governance arrangements, as outlined below and advises the Cabinet accordingly.

Purpose To review the approved Waltham Cross Town Centre Improvement Projects – Governance Arrangements to ensure it remains fit for purpose. For members’ information, Appendix ‘A’ relates to this item. A copy of the Governance Agreement will be made available at the meeting for members to view. Background In July 2016 meeting, the Cabinet approved these governance arrangements with Hertfordshire County Council, which are detailed in the Governance Agreement. These facilitated the delegation of decision making regarding these projects to the Waltham Cross Project Board on a similar basis to the approach adopted with the Hoddesdon Town Centre improvement scheme. In order to provide an effective project management framework the following was agreed:

A three member Project Board comprising the Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Community as Chairman, the County Council member for the Waltham Cross division and a local ward councillor, with administrative and technical support provided by senior officers from both the Borough and County Council. It is proposed that the Board should have devolved authority to advise the Cabinet Member in determining key issues associated with delivery of the project in accordance with the agreement.

The Board would be supported by the Waltham Cross Development Group and a Core Officer Team, together with a Project Team Stakeholder Group.

The intention is that the Board would in future be able to be adapted to progress other schemes identified in the Waltham Cross Town Centre strategy.

Current Position Since approval of these governance arrangements, there have been several changes made, which need to be reflected in the agreement, as follows:

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The title for the Cabinet Member with responsibility for this project has changed from ‘Housing, Environment and Community’ to ‘Planning and Regeneration (sections 13 and 14.1)

There have been several changes in both member and officer representation at the various groups within the project governance arrangements, so this needs to be amended.

Financial, Legal and Risk Management Implications

There are no risk implications arising from the recommendations. Although it must be noted that, as with any other construction contract, there will be contractual obligations and risk implications on the Council as a result of entering into such a contract. Conclusion Approval of this arrangement will improve the efficiency of decision making in relation to the implementation of this project. Contact Officers Mr J Painter (ext. 5755)

List of Background Papers Waltham Cross Town Centre Strategy Report to Cabinet – July 2016 Report to Waltham Cross Development Group – July 2018

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Core Officer Team

APPENDIX ‘A’

PROJECT GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE PLAN JULY 2019

Waltham Cross New Town Square Project Board

Chris Allen Smith Group

Manager HCC Highways East

Herts and Broxbourne

Martin Paine BBC Planning

Policy Manager

Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Development Group

Keith Brown

BBC Cabinet Member for

Planning and

Regeneration

Dee Hart

BBC Member / HCC Divisional

Member

Patsy Spears

BBC Member

Carol Bowman

BBC Member

Keith Brown

BBC Member

Michael Iszatt

BBC Member

Carol Crump

BBC Member

Paul Seeby BBC Member

(Chair)

Neil Richardson

HCC Highways

Locality Officer

Chris Allen Smith

Group Manager HCC Highways East Herts and

Broxbourne

Leena Shah

BBC Urban

Landscape

Architect

Tony Cox BBC Project

Officer

Douglas Cooper

BBC Head of Planning

Project Team

Design Stakeholder Groups

Jose Garcia BBC Parking

Manager

Julie Everett BBC Econ.

Dev Support Officer

Daniel Parker

Hertfordshire DT

Project Manager

(Opus)

Dave Renouf BBC

Environmental Services

Peter Nicholls Herts Police

Traffic Manag.

Chris Davies HCC Highways

Network Manager

Steve Chappell

Hertfordshire TRO Team

Alf Cuffaro BBC Head of Community

Infrastructure and

Regeneration

Carol Bowman

BBC Member

Alf Cuffaro BBC Head of Community

Infrastructure and

Regeneration

Siobhan Monaghan

BBC Member

Linda Russell

BBC Member

Antonio Siracusa

BBC Member

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8. CHESHUNT OLD POND STRATEGY - UPDATE

Head of Planning and Development

RECOMMENDED that the Group receives an update on the Cheshunt Old Pond Strategy.

Purpose

To receive an update on the Cheshunt Old Pond Strategy.

Background

At the meeting in July 2018, the Group were given an introduction to the draft

strategy and the proposed action plan. At today’s meeting the Group shall receive a

verbal update from the Planning Policy Manager.

Contact Officers Mr M Paine (ext. 5755)

List of Background Papers None.

9. WALTHAM CROSS NEW TOWN SQUARE Head of Community Infrastructure and Regeneration

RECOMMENDED that the Group (a) notes progress with the New Town Square project, including the arrangements for the opening ceremony; and (b) endorses the suggested name for the new town square, and recommends this to the Waltham Cross Project Board for approval.

Purpose To highlight the current position with the New Town Square project and endorse a name for the new town square. Scheme progress Work to transform the area south of the Eleanor Cross monument in Waltham Cross is progressing well and is due to be completed by end of July 2019. The scheme, which started in January 2019 forms part of a major regeneration programme for the town centre and will create a new high quality, family friendly town square including seating and new landscaped green spaces. The new square, which will tell the story of Queen Eleanor's funeral procession in 1290 from Lincoln to her final resting place in Westminster Abbey, will be used to host community events

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and specialist markets. A cycle event which visits all the Eleanor Cross monument locations is due to visit Waltham Cross on 26 August. The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has provided £678,000 towards the £1.36 million total cost. It is hoped the new square will raise the profile of Waltham Cross as an attractive place to live and run a business, and that the project is seen as a catalyst to the overall renaissance of the town centre. The regeneration of our town centres is a key priority for both the Council and the LEP. The first stage of the scheme was to divert underground utility equipment and drainage pipes. The main paving works and the landscaping are substantially complete leaving the final street furniture to be installed before the new square is fully opened up to the public during the first week of August 2019. A brief presentation will be made to the group at the meeting. Naming the New Town Square Community groups, including the WX business forum, the WX neighbourhood forum and local schools were invited to help choose a new name for the new town square from the list given below:

1. Queen Eleanor Square 2. Eleanor Square 3. Castile Square (Eleanor was born in Castile in northern Spain) 4. Royal Square 5. Town Square

The most popular name chosen was Queen Eleanor Square closely followed by Eleanor Square which both reflect the obvious focus on the nearby historical monument. The group is asked to endorse Queen Eleanor Square as the new name for the square, and recommends this to the Waltham Cross Project Board for approval. It must be noted that the new name will be an informal name and will not change the postal address of the local shops. Opening ceremony An opening ceremony is planned for 9 August in the new square when an engraved block work stone will be unveiled by the Mayor of Broxbourne Borough Council to commemorate the completion of the square and its new name. Contact Officer: Mr A Cuffaro (ext. 5539)

List of Background Papers: Waltham Cross Town Centre Strategy Project Governance Agreement

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10. FUTURE PHASES OF WALTHAM CROSS TOWN CENTRE

Head of Community Infrastructure and Regeneration

Purpose To inform the group of services commissioned to develop designs and deliver further projects in Waltham Cross town centre over the next 2-5 years. Design of future phases As part of the phased improvement of Waltham Cross town centre, Broxbourne Borough Council has commissioned services for the preliminary and outline design of further public realm works in Waltham Cross Town Centre. The aims are to create a high quality, attractive and vibrant town centre destination for all users. Their commission covers three main areas: Southern High Street between the New Town Square and the M25 Holmesdale Tunnel Eleanor Cross Road between the Eleanor Cross Memorial and Waltham Cross Railway Station Northern High Street between the New Town Square and the Wicks store The above areas are illustrated below:

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In 2015 the Council adopted the Waltham Cross Town Centre Strategy to guide the development and regeneration of the town centre over the following 5-10 year period. Among other objectives, the strategy aimed to introduce an ‘attractive, high quality town centre. The commission provides an ideal opportunity to revisit the proposals and provide updated proposals based on current best practice. The New Town Square sets a precedent for the quality of design, construction and materiality, which should be realised throughout the Town Centre. A brief presentation will be made to the group at the meeting. Fee estimate

The estimated total cost for the design commission is £271,475 as shown in the fee

summary table below. This will be reported to the inaugural meeting of the 106 Panel

on 31 July 2019. This is inclusive of travel and normal disbursements but excludes

VAT and third party fees. The input from the project management team is expected

to apply evenly across the programme.

Fee Summary Table

Project Management

Highways and Drainage

Support Traffic Signals

Landscape Quality and Technical Assurance

Total Cost

Project Management

£78,972

Data Collection

£15,122

Stage 0 – Masterplanni

ng £32,864

Stage A – Optioneering

£45,523

Stage B – Preliminary

Design £87,323

Stage C – Consultation

£11,670

£82,120 £32,714 £14,906 £8,323 £127,439 £5,974 Total

£271,475

The project will be invoiced on a time and expense basis meaning that the Council will be charged for the actual hours worked and therefore may be more or less than the figure shown above.

Contact Officer: Mr A Cuffaro ext. 5539

List of Background Papers: Waltham Cross Town Centre Strategy

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11. COMMUNITY SAFETY IN WALTHAM CROSS TOWN CENTRE

Community Safety Manager

RECOMMENDED that the Group notes the existing measures in place to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Waltham Cross.

Purpose To summarise the current community safety measures in place in Waltham Cross to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Background At Waltham Cross Neighbourhood Forum meeting on 10 April 2019, concerns were raised that people’s safety related perceptions of Waltham Cross. More police presence was suggested as well as the implementation of other measures to tackle crime. Community safety measures in Waltham Cross CCTV - There are currently 14 CCTV cameras that cover Waltham Cross town centre at the following locations;

a. Fishpools roundabout b. Park Lane c. Waltham Cross one Stop Shop d. Corner of the Pavillions e. Eleanor Cross memorial f. Monarchs Way roundabout g. Eleanor Cross Road car park h. Regents Gate car park i. Lower part of Regent Gate car park j. The new town square k. Outside Cash Converts l. Lidl’s roundabout m. Waltham Cross train station n. Waltham Cross bus station

Below is a map defining the locations of the Waltham Cross CCTV cameras:

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Access to any required CCTV footage is easily downloadable by local Safer Neighbourhood Officers and officers from the Council’s Community Safety Team, who have access to the system. The system has been successful in detecting crime and reducing anti-social behaviour in the town.

Police Base – Waltham Cross One Stop Shop

The provision of a police patrol base in the Waltham Cross One Stop Shop was established in December 2008 as concerns were raised about the travelling time between Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross and how this could lead to a reduction in patrol times. The base provides local officers with an office in the town centre, used on a daily basis, placing them at the ‘heart’ of the community.

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Policing Priority Meetings

Priority Setting Meetings are held quarterly between the Police and local ward Councillors. The meetings discuss the current crime and anti-social behaviour trends and allows a multi-agency decision to be made as to the areas of most concern to local residents, so that police can focus resources. The current priorities for the Waltham Cross area are:

Drug related activity/Anti-social behaviour

Off Road Motorbikes

Reduce ASB and Crime in the area of Theobalds Lane.

The next priority setting meeting will be held in September 2019.

Facebook Page

In September 2017 the Broxbourne Community Safety Partnership established a Facebook page to provide crime prevention advice and reassurance to local residents. Good news stories and public assistance messages from the police have been posted, leading to the apprehension of local criminals and helping to reduce crime in the area. There are currently 3,500 local residents following this page.

Pub Watch meetings and WhatsApp

The local Pub Watch scheme aims to share information between local public houses as to the issues that are being faced in their establishments. Information shared includes those who have caused disorder on the premises and discusses those who have been banned from pubs in the area. The group agrees who should be banned and regular reviews of those on the ‘Behave or be Banned’ list are undertaken. Alongside the Pub Watch scheme, a WhatsApp group has been established so that ‘live’ issues and incidents can be shared quickly between licensees. This enables any public house in the borough to be immediately advised if a member of the public is causing disorder and for them to be alerted. This is seen as a successful mechanism in reducing disorder on licensed premises.

Late night licensing visits

Late night licencing visits are carried out at all local public houses by the Council’s Licencing Officer and Herts Police Licencing Officer. They aim to ensure compliance of licencing and deter anti-social behaviour. Drug analysis and swabs of both ladies and gentleman’s toilets are undertaken by Herts Police, visible support for licences and a viable deterrent for those causing ASB. Pub Watch members can request a late night visit but mostly visits are ad hoc and unknown to the licensee.

Public Spaces Protection Order

In March 2017 the Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order to minimise street drinking in Waltham Cross. This Order replaced the Designated Public Places Orders.

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Local policing community engagement days Police community engagement days are used as reassurance and high visibility events for local residents. Officers provide a presence in the town centre as well as providing crime prevention advice and handing out crime prevention measures. These events are held every two months in Waltham Cross.

Policing operations Regular policing patrols are carried out in Waltham Cross, with a particular emphasis on market days. Both regular officers and PCSOs are deployed to the area to reassure and prevent crime. Covert operations are also carried out in Waltham Cross with an aim to detect crime and catch those commit crime.

Contact Officer: Ms N Pearce Tel: 5828

List of Background Papers: None.

12. UPDATE ON WALTHAM CROSS TOWN CENTRE EVENTS PROGRAMME 2019

Head of Community Infrastructure and Regeneration

Purpose

To update the Group on the programme of events to be provided in Waltham Cross town centre in 2019. Background

For many years the Council has sought to provide a programme of town centre events in the Borough’s town centre. It has also sought opportunities to work with third parties to supplement this programme. Outlined below is the programme of events for Waltham Cross for the remainder of 2019. Details

Date

Event Comments

Sunday 28th July (10.30am – 5pm)

Celebrating our Community

This event provided by SOCA/BEMA will comprise stalls/activities with a carnival atmosphere throughout the High Street. There will be entertainment during the day from performers and local groups.

Saturday 10th August (10am – 4pm)

Classic Car Day The Council will provide a display of veteran and classic vehicles throughout the High Street, together with a range of craft/charity stalls in the new town square.

Monday 26 August, (11am-

Eleanor Cross Cycle Event

The annual event which starts in Lincoln and rides to each Eleanor

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3pm)

Cross site on route will arrive around 12 noon to take lunch in the new town square before setting off to finish their journey in to London. It is hoped that there will be a musician performing throughout the event time.

Sundays 15 September 20 October 17 November 15 December

Farmers Market The Council will be run this market in the new town square on a trial basis on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Sunday 29th September (10am – 10.30am)

Fun Run ChExs, with the support of Your Town, will provide a 1k family fun run through the local residential area, starting and ending in the new town square. They anticipate around 100 participants. Officers have assisted in arranging for the necessary temporary road closures.

Saturday 26 – Tuesday 29 October

Street Fair A four day, family orientated funfair in the High Street and new town square. This is being arranged by the organiser of the Hoddesdon Charter Fair.

6/11/13 December (Market Days) – 9.30am-3pm

Festival of Carols

The Council arranges for local schools to sing carols on market days in the Pavilion Centre, although this may move to the new town square, if appropriate.

Saturday 7 December, 10am-4pm

Christmas Shopping Event

Craft and Charity stalls alongside promotions from businesses and retailers will be sited in the High Street. Children’s activities/rides for the family to enjoy with entertainment throughout the day from local dance groups and performers.

Promotion of Events The events will be promoted on the Council’s website and the “This is Broxbourne” Facebook page. There will also be posters, flyers and banners to promote each event. Legal, Financial and Risk Implications As the Council has no statutory legal obligation to provide events, it is the aim to make the provision of events, particularly any direct costs incurred by the Council, largely self-financing based on the income received from event participants.

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As these events are outdoor then the weather is always a risk implication for these types of event, where much of the participation is on a voluntary basis. Contact Officer Mrs K Hughes (ext. 5655)

List of Background Papers Event Monitors held by the Town Centres Team

13. IMPROVING RETAILER ENGAGEMENT IN CHESHUNT AND WALTHAM CROSS

Head of Community Infrastructure and Regeneration

RECOMMENDED that the Group (a) notes the progress to date in developing business forums in both Cheshunt and Waltham Cross; (b) endorses the actions outlined to further develop these forums; and (c) considers and comments on the other suggested proposals for improving promotion of the respective town centres.

Purpose

To summarise the current level of retailer engagement in Cheshunt and Waltham Cross and outline potential proposals to improve the position. Background Members will be aware of how in Hoddesdon, with the support of Love Hoddesdon, the level of retailer engagement with the Council has significantly improved in recent years. This is reflected by Hoddesdon establishing itself as a Business Improvement District in January 2018. However, this took some years to come to fruition and started back in 2013 with a small number of retailers working closely with the Council to improve the vitality/vibrancy of the town. The Council aspires to see similar relationships developed in both Cheshunt and Waltham Cross. Cheshunt Old Pond Business Forum

There are an estimated 110 businesses in the Cheshunt Old Pond area, with just over 100 more if you include Cheshunt High Street up to Cadmore Lane. However, apart from occasional involvement, there are no established retailer representatives that the Council deals with. In view of this, officers have sought to establish a Cheshunt Business Forum. An initial meeting was held in October 2018 and it met again in February 2019. Retailer engagement has been minimal with six attending the first meeting and four the second meeting. These meetings have been chaired by Mr Tony Cox, on behalf of the Council. The meetings have included briefings on the Cheshunt Old Pond strategy, the

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‘Hoddesdon’ story, the Government’s Future High Streets proposals, and been provided with guidance about establishing a local Business Watch scheme. Key issues identified by the Forum so far are the need for better traffic/parking management, more investment in the public realm, better promotion of the Old Pond ‘offer’ and better communication with local businesses. A further meeting of the Forum is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 30 July.

Waltham Cross Business Forum There are approximately 190 businesses in Waltham Cross town centre. There is limited retailer engagement in Waltham Cross, as follows:

o Previously the tendency had been to work with a representative from Fishpools, however he has since retired. There are also concerns that Fishpools are not representative of the High Street, in general.

o The Council has always had a good working relationship with the Pavilions Shopping Centre Manager, but they are not retailers.

o On a positive note, the development of the new Town Square scheme a

relationship has developed with the Turkish Food Centre.

On a similar basis to Cheshunt, officers held an initial business forum in April, 2019. This was again chaired by Mr Tony Cox on behalf of the Council. At the initial meeting on 11 April, those present were briefed on the Council’s vision for Waltham Cross, including the new town square project, the ‘Hoddesdon’ story and the Government’s Future High Streets proposals, including the submission of an Expression of Interest in funding support from this initiative. Key issues identified by the Forum so far are the need to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, more investment in the public realm, better promotion of the Waltham Cross ‘offer’, better communication with local businesses and a more diverse programme of events. A further meeting of the Forum is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 6 August. Conclusions

Whilst these initial efforts are positive, it is important that the level of retailer engagement is enhanced. It is therefore suggested the following actions be taken:

The Council writes to all businesses in each Forum area seeking to (i) gather email addresses for the different businesses in the Forum area; (ii) expressions of interest from retailer representatives in chairing the Business Forum; and (iii) seeking views on the best days/times to hold Forum meetings.

Both Forums be invited at their next meeting to identify a retailer representative to chair future meetings of each respective Forum and for the

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appointed Chairmen to subsequently become co-opted members of this Group.

Officers seek to develop a programme of guest speakers to address the Business Forums from a range of potential support services for SME’s, with the aim of improving knowledge and awareness of local businessmen.

Other Proposals for Improving Promotion of the Town Centres

(i) Developing a Brand

Each Forum should be asked to suggest a potential brand name to promote the town centre.

(ii) Improving communication with retailers

The officers be asked to look at introducing a regular e-newsletter to keep retailers informed of developments, events and other initiatives in each of the town centres.

(iii) Use of Social Media

The Council to set up new Facebook pages for Waltham Cross and Cheshunt Old Pond under the Council’s current page – This is Broxbourne. This will be used to promote events and initiatives specific to those areas as well as news and information of interest to visitors and businesses. Once the town centre fora are established, ownership of these will pass to them to manage. The Council will continue to promote those initiatives on its own social media platforms and it is hoped that the opportunity for cross promotion will be of benefit to the area.

(iv) Develop a Shop Local campaign

Many town centres have developed similar campaigns to encourage local residents to support local businesses and there are a range of resources available that can help develop such a scheme. It is suggested dedicated ‘shop local’ campaigns be developed for each of the town centres.

Contact Officer: Mr T Cox (ext. 5755)

List of Background Papers: Minutes of the Cheshunt Business Forum held on 23 October 2018 and 19 February 2019 Minutes of the Waltham Cross Business Forum held on 11 April 2019

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14. UPDATE ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN CHESHUNT AND WALTHAM CROSS TOWN CENTRE AREAS

Head of Planning and Development

RECOMMENDED that the Group notes the planning applications in the Cheshunt and Waltham Cross town centre areas.

Purpose

To receive an update on the planning applications in Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Town Centre Areas. For members’ information, this report will be circulated shortly. Contact Officer: Mr D Cooper (ext. 5561)

List of Background Papers: None.