MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 27 MAY 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mr J H Fleming (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mr C R Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mr C H Lillywhite, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr A J Mellor, Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards, Mr D G Williams
Portfolio Holders :
Mr E Fox, Mrs B Lawson, Mr H Rees
Also Present (Non Voting) :
Mr J Effemey, Mr P G Harris, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr A J Mundy, Mrs S A Smart
6. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2002 be confirmed.
7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mr L Lawrence asked a question in relation to the future of the Ventnor, Winter Gardens. The Chairman indicated that a written reply would be given.
8. URGENT BUSINESS - SOUTHERN TOURIST BOARDS
The Chairman agreed to consideration of an item of urgent business as it was necessary to advise members of the latest position regarding the recent negotiations which proposed the merger of the two Southern Tourist Boards. The Portfolio Holder indicated a detailed report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Select Committee.
RESOLVED :
THAT the position be noted.
9. REGENERATION COWES - THE ROLE OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT PARTNERSHIP
The report of the Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services was received which identified suggested proposals of the regeneration of Cowes and East Cowes. It was noted that there was extensive opportunity to develop over 80 acres of waterside property at Cowes. It was the view of the Isle of Wight Partnership together with the Council that a project management approach should be adopted to identify responsibility for the various activities that needed to be undertaken. SEEDA had indicated that it might help fund consultants to assist in the preparation of a masterplan for the future of Cowes. It was noted that the proposed timescale of developing the masterplan required updating.
Members received a presentation from the Isle of Wight Partnership which outlined the aspiration for the development of Cowes. It was proposed that Cowes should build on its existing success and be used as a brand name and image. The key sites were identified as were the infrastructure projects which were needed to support them.
During discussion Members raised the question of potential transport and education implications. Members were reassured that officers were aware of these details and they would be addressed. The Select Committee believed training was vital to ensure local employment was gained from the new development. The Isle of Wight Partnership recognised this and a course was currently operated from the Isle of Wight College, designed by local companies, to increase the skills and employment opportunities of young people. Members were assured that public consultation would be a priority throughout the development.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
10. DELIVERY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Members received the report of the Strategic Director of Education and Community Development which followed on from the Economic Development Best Value Review which the Committee had considered at its meeting on the 22 April 2002.
The report outlined future arrangements for the delivery of the Council’s economic development services and reporting arrangements to the Select Committee. It was highlighted that the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership (IWEP) was governed through a Service Level Agreement with the Council. The IWEP focussed on two main areas of activity; inward investment and area regeneration. The shared arrangements of delivery of service were highlighted.
It was agreed that the Committee would receive quarterly activity reports and an end of year annual report. The Chairman would be able to request further presentations if required.
Council representation on the IWEP was discussed and it was agreed that it would be raised at the next meeting. The need to improve communication between the IWEP and Council was considered. Members highlighted the need to include smaller companies in local schemes. Discussion ensued regarding the need for all board members to register an interest if required. Although this was current practise it was agreed that a record of registered interests would be kept.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT the Select Committee’s concerns be noted regarding :-
Membership of the IWEP
The need for Registering/declaration of interests
Weighting of IWEP Board Members to larger companies
(b) That the reporting arrangements to the Select Committee be agreed
11. FORWARD PLAN
The Select Committee considered the Forward Plan for the period May to September 2002. It was agreed that Members would discuss the plan further at the Committees Away Day, which would set the Committees workplan for 2002/03, on 25 June 2002.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Forward Plan be noted.
CHAIRMAN