The report was presented to the Committee by the Director for Place, during which they heard how the Grays South Regeneration Area comprised a number of projects designed to support the vitality of Grays Town Centre including:

·       The replacement of the existing level crossing with a pedestrian underpass.

·       The development of the new Civic Centre building.

·       The development of new town centre residential accommodation.

·       The development of new commercial accommodation.

·       Improvements to Grays Beach and the Riverfront.

It was explained the focus was on the progress of the Underpass project, the report described three design options, outlined the current cost position and recommended a preferred option to be taken forward.  The preferred option gave the project an opportunity to integrate the scheme into the wider Grays regeneration plans.

Members were advised the recommendation was sought from a public consultation exercise which was undertaken in February and March 2020. It was further advised that Option C: The Plaza scored highest against the spectrum of criteria and the Option Selection Report concluded Option C was the preferred design option.

The results of the public consultation exercise undertaken also mirrored the results of the option selection report.  Of the responses received, 77% either agreed or strongly agreed with proposals for an underpass.  Furthermore, 81% of respondents selected Option C as their preferred option. 

Councillor Kerin Chair of the Committee started off by thanking officers for the report, he further commented that it was an important piece of work due to the amount of freight traffic with the links to Coryton and the riverfront. He stated it was crucial to the redevelopment of the town to make use of the riverfront. 

He continued to query mitigation in place for local residents and whether officers felt that the consultation undertaken gave officers a clear engagement with residents.

The Regeneration Programme Manager explained within the town centre there were two strands of consultation, public input into the designs and the statutory planning process.  She continued, to comment that unfortunately the level crossing would be closed at some points in the construction, however the team were working with Network Rail to minimise this as far as possible.

The Chair asked for a guarantee that the project would be completed on budget and sought the ways officers were to prevent antisocial behaviour in the area and to ensure that the community forums were included within any future consultations. Officers explained it was too early at this stage to give such guarantees but advised that they were following various actions to ensure that the project is delivered on time and on budget.

Councillor Allen agreed with the Chair in relation to antisocial behaviour in the area and thought whether a public protection order could be put in place or CCTV, he also asked if flood mitigation could be included such as sump pump which would reduce flood risk. The Director of Place explained that community safety was at the forefront of the design. He continued by remarking the water table of the area would be taken into consideration with further details required on the project.

Councillor Allen suggested that perhaps local schools could be involved within the project for example, with the décor inside pathway of the underpass. Officers commented this was a good idea and something they were happy to look into.

Councillor Anderson queried that the consultation only had 47 contribution, he stated he felt this was low and sought officer’s opinions on this. The Regeneration Programme Manager confirmed that during the consultation it was clear local residents wanted to engage with officers however did not appear willing to complete the forms required for the consultation.  The project team would work to increase the numbers of people engaging in future consultations.

Councillor Gerrish commented he felt the program was an important issue locally and was therefore important to listen to local residents and any concerns. He further commented on concerns with regards to potential costs and increased including potential overspend. The Director of Place stated officers were mindful of the budget for this project and confirmed that they were working with this in mind.

Interim Assistant Director Place Delivery advised that the figures in the report were estimated at present, he continued to advise when the report came back to the Committee at the February meeting next year (2021), officers would be able to confirm the cost figures and would be able show more of an understanding of the budget.

Councillor Potter welcomed the report observing that resident safety appeared to be at the top of the design front for the project. He went on to thank officers for the report.

RESOLVED:

The Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee Members are asked to Comment on the proposal to recommend Option C to Cabinet as the selected concept to be designed in more detail through the current Development Services Agreement contract with Network Rail.