To receive a presentation with regards to phase two of the regeneration of Dunstable High Street.

The Head of Place Delivery delivered a presentation which set out phase two proposals in relation to the Dunstable town centre high street improvement scheme. The Executive Member for Regeneration also highlighted recent improvements in the significant reduction of heavy traffic in the town with the narrowing of roads and widening of pedestrian areas working well and improving safety. Members were advised that local businesses had reported increased profits of up to twenty percent and in addition that the number of empty shops within the Quadrant had reduced dramatically, with voids on the high street having been halved. As a high flood risk area measures had been considered to reduce flooding, with Anglian Water investing money into elements of the scheme along with external funding from Highways England and the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

In light of the presentation Members discussed the following in summary:-

·         That resident feedback expressing concerns in relation to parking problems and safety crossings prior to the works being carried out had been mitigated.

·         The need to understand the housing demand in the area and manage those pressures accordingly.

·         The abundance of free or low cost parking in Dunstable.

·         Whether the VAT levy on local shops was putting them under undue pressure to which it was confirmed that the assets team would provide a response.

·         That Members would like to see similar investment across Central Bedfordshire.

·         To promote the town in order to increase visitor footfall.

·         The unforeseen effects on surrounding villages following the de-trunking of the A5 and a need to address this in partnership with neighbouring authorities.

NOTED the presentation.