Issue - meetings

To receive a briefing on Town Centre Management Issues

Jez Goodman, Economic Development and Regeneration Manager, attended the meeting and introduced Diane Smith, who gave a short presentation in respect of her role as Town Centre Manager. She provided details of the service she provided including: -

• Provision of a continuity of service in relation to all aspects of town centre management.
• Working closely with the Cheshire East Council Regeneration Team.
• Co-ordinating relationships with and within Cheshire East Council for the benefit of the town and for the better delivery of services, including other public organisations and agencies.
• Working with the Charter Trustees on Civic Matters and with Councillors on routine issues and specific initiatives.
• Research and adaptation of good practice.
• Working with businesses, fostering links and developing good working relationships.
• Planning and managing of events.
• Promoting Macclesfield to residents and visitors.

She explained that, in the previous year, it had been decided that Town Centre management was a function which could be devolved to Town and Parish Councils, although they did have the option to use and pay for the services of the Town Centre Manger, if they so wished.  Bollington, Poynton, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Town and Parish Councils had opted to do this and were charged a daily rate, based on the Town Centre Manager’s salary, plus 20%. The amount of the Town Centre Manager’s time spent on providing this service was dependent on demand. However, the majority of her time was spent on work relating to Macclesfield Town Centre.

Financial information relating to the Town Centre was also circulated.

Members of the Committee made comments and sought clarification on a number of issues relating to the Town Centre.

Agreed

1. That Diane Smith be thanked for her presentation and that its contents be noted.

2. Members of the Committee felt that it would be useful to receive details of officer roles and the management structure in respect of Economic Regeneration. The Economic Development and Regeneration Manager undertook to circulate details of the structure of the section, including names and telephone numbers, to the Committee Members.