- Folkestone Town Centre applications – decisions
- FHDC – led initiatives update
Minutes:
Lorraine Smith updated members on the following applications which have been reviewed and approved by the decision panel:
1. Market Square – Rendezvous Street (building fit out to deliver a proof of concept Food Hall for circa. 15 stalls)
a) Grant request £33,000 (capital expenditure)
b) Timeline = November ‘19 to February ‘20
The owners already work with local schools at Lubens, Folkestone and will be continuing to provide this opportunity in the new space, including lessons on baking and food tech. This is 50% self-funded.
2. Conchitas – Bouverie Rd West (extension and refit to support disabled access and facilities)
a) Grant request = £42,250
b) Timeline = January ‘20 to February ‘20
This is 50% self-funded.
3. Big Boys Fine Burger Co – Old High St (refurbishment of existing establishment)
a) Grant request = £7,500
b) Timeline = December ‘19 to January ’20
This is 50% self-funded.
4. Folkestone Town Council (Lighting infrastructure for Christmas lights and support for FTC Christmas event)
a) Grant request = £17,500 (capital and revenue expenditure)
b) Timeline = 22nd November ‘19 to 5th January ’20
The panel agreed to fund 50% of capital expenditure to support installation of LED lights to the value of £5000 but did not support revenue expenditure, such as on costs.
5. Folkestone Town Council (CCTV expansion throughout Folkestone)
a) Grant request = £50,000 (capital expenditure)
b) Timeline = November ‘19 to January ’20
The panel requested further information before a decision could be made on this request.
The total value approved so far is £87,750 with the next review taking place in January.
Members received a progress report on Council led projects and noted the following:
Transport Study - Phase 1 is now complete and officers are now waiting on the findings. Phase 2 will take place next year.
Masterplanning Development - Guildhall Street will be the initial focus.
Market Research – surveys are now complete with data analysis output expected soon.
Town Centre Animator – a retail consultant has been appointed on a 1year contract to start mid-December. They will help to curate interventions in the town centre, working on scoping, planning and identifying areas of growth. An update will be provided at a later date.
Folkestone Music Town – members noted the launch of Busking Code will be early January 2020. Members of the Music Board are in the process of being identified and the first meeting will be held in the New Year.
Jess Harman updated members from a community safety aspect on the following:
CCTV – there are now good links with Folkestone Town Council with access availability of CCTV and work is taking place for the link to be made available into the CSU office for live time viewing by officers.
PSPO - signage is being finalised and will be installed in the New Year with work on-going for Communications around the understanding of PSPO and enforcement.
Multi-agency Operations - Folkestone Town Centre centric every other month which remains positive with good communications between the council, police and other agencies.
Violence Reduction bid for £14,500 has gone in for a 3 phased community safety partnership led project covering night time economy, education in schools, led by Excelsior, and 40 emergency trauma packs.