Issue - meetings

Fran Wallis, Local Economy Project Officer, introduced Laura Knight and Louise Francis of FrancisKnight who had been commissioned to produce a public Realm Design Guide for Maidstone Town Centre and a Public Art Policy for the Borough.

Ms Francis and Ms Knight gave a presentation on their findings to date, and explained that key documents had informed the review including the council’s Local Plan, Strategic Plan and Destination Management Plan.

During discussion it was expressed that:

·  During Phases One and Two of the Maidstone Town Centre Public Realm project, street furniture has been implemented in the corporate colours of blue and gold. During Phase Three Members would consider whether to continue using this colour scheme.

·  Stakeholders would be consulted including One Maidstone and Maidstone Area Arts Partnership (MAAP). Consultation with traders would be undertaken at phase three of the Public Realm work.

·  The Public Realm Design Guide would inform the future phases of the development and would be utilised by contractors working on those later stages.

·  Detailed consultation on design and material would come at a later stage.

·  A public art policy would standardise the process, provide a basis for enabling developer contributions and include a policy on decommissioning to remove outdated items.

At Members request Dawn Hudd, the Head of Commercial and Economic Development, agreed to arrange a workshop to further engage Members in the development of the documents discussed.

A Member nominated herself to be the champion for the Public Realm Design Guide and Public Art Policy. This was seconded.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the report be noted.

2.  That the presentation be noted.

For – 9  Against – 0  Abstain - 0

3.  That Councillor Stockell be appointed as the Committee’s champion for the Public Realm Design Guide and Public Art Policy

For – 9  Against – 0  Abstain – 0