16 July 2008

 What's Happeneing to the Maes?

Caernarfon Online have been given permission to show the report given to this weeks Caernarfon Partnership meeting by Gwynedd Council's Economy and Regeneration Senior Manager.

This is what the report said:

 1.         Background

1.1           A report on the Castle Square Development was presented to the Partnership during its meeting on llth January earlier this year. It was reported that works on site had commenced, and that Phase 1 (area in front of the Paternoster buildings) was almost
completed.

1.2         The purpose of the report is to provide a brief update on the current situation.

2.       The Current Situation

2.1       With the contractors having been on site for over eight months now, the work on Castle Square are progressing, with Phase 2 and 3 nearing completion. Despite this progress, delays have occured in the timetable, with the following factors having
contributed towards this :

             Delays in renewing / repairing statutory services Issues relating to thesupply of materials Bad weather (particularly at the start of the works) Delay in completion of fountain

.

2.2           However, it should be noted that the main reason for the slippage was due to the additional works of renewing associated infrastructure of the main statutory services on the Square which should reduce the need for further work in the future.

2.3          Over recent months, works have been completed on one side of Bridge Street, a significant area at the centre of the Castle Square and also an area in front of the banks. It is true to say, this has been the most complex and challenging period due to implications on traffic routes, prominence of the area and so on.

2.4           It is envisaged that substantial parts of Phases 2 and 3 will be completed by 18th July (with the exception of the bottom of Pool Street) when works will be suspended for 6 weeks over the main summer season in order to minimise impact and inconvenience to the town centre. During this period, the contractors will withdraw from the site, with all associated machinery, equipment, materials, fencing and so on.

Changes to Traffic Flows

2.5        As part of the wider scheme, traffic flows were changed along Bangor Street in order to reduce unnecessary traffic from the area and improve traffic flows within the town centre. However, concerns have been presented by businesses along Bangor Street regarding the effects on the new arrangements. In a recent meeting to discuss such concerns, the Council confirmed that the situation would be monitored closely over a period of time, and would review the situation as required; and in the meantime would be looking at specific measures to respond to the needs and opportunities facing Bangor Street.

3.         Financial Management

3.1          The funding package secured in order to implement the scheme comprises grants from the Assembly's Regeneration Fund, Visit Wales and the Department of Economy and Transport, and a contribution from Gwynedd.

3.2          Despite the slippage in the programme, the expenditure during the 2007/8 was able to meet the expenditure profile, which enabled individual grants during the first year to be claimed.

4.         The Next Steps

4.1       The contractors will return on site in September in order to complete the bottom of Pool Street and Phase 4 of the Scheme (which extends from the Post Office along the eastern end of Castle Square to the mini roundabout near the castle). It is envisaged that the scheme will be completed during November.

5.          Castle Square Stakeholders Group

5.1          A sub-group of the Partnership (being the Castle Square Stakeholders Group) have met regularly since June last year, as a means of sharing information and receive progress updates on the implementation of the scheme. These meetings are attended by representatives from various organisations including the Town Council and the Chamber of Trade.

5.2          Although the main role of the Group is to receive reports and to share information during the implementation stage, it also had influence on specific aspects.

5.3          Although the Group has been a valuable forum in developing links between various interests and the sharing of information, it seems there is some frustration because many of the issues identified are increasingly beyond the remit of the Group, particularly in relation to the future management of Castle Square. It is hoped that this situation will be looked at by the Council during the oncoming months.

5.4          Even so, a series of meetings will be arranged for the Group leading to the completion of the Scheme to monitor progress and receive updates on specific matters.

6.          Recommendation

6.1       The Partnership is requested to accept and note the contents of the report