The Chair said that Sittingbourne had received a share of the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PIPIF) from which money had been allocated for making physical improvements to the town. He said that the purpose of this workshop discussion was to explore potential capital projects that would improve the look or amenity of the town centre. He gave a presentation which focused on the Sittingbourne Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which was adopted in 2022 and set out Swale Borough Council’s vision in respect of town centre development. The Chair also explained the challenges and resources when delivering improvements.

Discussions took place as part of the wider meeting and also during smaller group discussions. A member of public attending online also contributed.

The following comments were raised and noted by the Chair, Strategic Programme & Assets Manager and Projects Officer:

·       Trees had been removed from some car parks and not replaced;

·       planting of trees in Sittingbourne High Street would create shade, utility companies would be able to assist with finding suitable locations for planting;

·       getting buses back into the High Street would encourage footfall;

·       why was the High Street closed on Fridays when the market only covered half of the area?;

·       pedestrianisation of Sittingbourne High Street on Saturdays was detrimental to trade, especially in addition to the part closure on Fridays;

·       if the pavements were narrowed, it would provide space for diagonal parking spaces;

·       high quality shops should be encouraged into the High Street;

·       form a representative a group which could lobby Government for increased investment in high streets;

·       there was a need for improved enforcement in relation to listed buildings in the conservation area to improve their appearance;

·       more seating was needed on the Albany Road side of Albany Park;

·       tree roots were lifting the path in Albany Park;

·       the history of Sittingbourne should be celebrated;

·       a central town museum was needed;

·       in recent years a lot of heritage assets in Sittingbourne had disappeared;

·       any funding should be spent on the worst part of the High Street;

·       some of the old buildings that are unlikely to be used as shops could be converted into residential units;

·       hold events to celebrate Sittingbourne;

·       make Sittingbourne a destination place;

·       the Avenue of Remembrance in Sittingbourne was the only one in the UK;

·       the Sittingbourne Christmas Lights should be a big event;

·       funding could be spent on a paid employee to promote Sittingbourne and tourism to the area;

·       maintain floral displays;

·       encourage a coffee culture;

·       create a Facebook group for the public to comment on how the High Street could be improved;

·       improve signage outside Sittingbourne Railway Station to support independent shops;

·       promote the events at Kemsley Light Railway;

·       alleyways required improvements to enhance their appearance and make them safer;

·       look at ways to attract young people into the High Street;

·       look at what could keep people in the High Street after visiting the cinema;

·       improve the signage from the Forum;

·       as music draws people of all ages, a bandstand would be a great attraction; and

·       ensure the Sittingbourne Viaduct was included on pedestrian signage from the town and station.

Councillor Tim Gibson proposed that the Chair of the Environmental Services & Climate Change Committee be asked if the Committee could explore free ‘Stop and Shop’ bays parking bays in the Councils town centre car parks following the same restrictions as on-street parking in the high street and to also make the Economy & Property Committee aware of this proposal. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Shelley Cheesman and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved:

1)    That the Chair of the Environmental Services & Climate Change Committee be asked if the Committee could explore free ‘Stop and Shop’ bays parking bays in the Councils town centre car parks following the same restrictions as on-street parking in the high street and to also make the Economy & Property Committee aware of this proposal.