To update the City Executive Board in respect of the costed action plan & programme including scrutiny recommendations 5-8 for the covered market.

The Regeneration and Major Projects Team Manager submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) which updated the Covered Market action plan & programme to include costs and also addressed recommendations 5 – 8 from the Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Ed Turner, Board Member for Finance, Asset Management and Public Health presented the report. He said that he was very pleased to report good progress on the action plan and that there was now a clear direction of travel for the Covered Market.  He thanked Cllr Clarkson, the Regeneration & Major Projects Service Manager and the Markets Manager for their hard work and contribution to the on-going success of this project.  

Cllr Brown expressed concern at the lack of progress with the wifi initiative.  The Markets Manager explained that although there was currently insufficient support from the traders the issue would remain a Council priority for future implementation. The Markets Manager confirmed that representatives from the County Council had been involved in the development and delivery of the action plan.

In response to a question from Cllr Tanner, the Board Member for Finance, Asset Management and Public Health confirmed that the Council had reached agreement with all tenants on rents and payments.  A report on the leasing strategy for the Covered Market would be submitted to the June meeting of the City Executive Board. Cllr Price noted that the arrangements for the rent review process still needed to be decided.

The City Executive Board resolved to NOTE the report.