Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development presented report PES/252of the Head of Economic and Environmental Services which highlighted the  findings of a signage and wayfinding audit that had been conducted across the town centre. The Cabinet noted the proposals including the introduction of clear signage and wayfinding signs across the town centre. Examples of the proposed signs and suggested locations were also included in the report.

In considering the report the Cabinet were supportive of the proposal, but did feel that some of the images on the proposed signs were quite ‘abstract’ and might need further consideration. Generally, Members were pleased with the idea and hoped that the new signs should help both residents and visitors, to travel throughout the Town Centre more efficiently.

The Cabinet noted the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report and its comments to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 27 November 2017. The Cabinet thanked the Commission for their in-depth discussion on this very public facing proposal. In response to the Commission’s two requests, the Cabinet were happy to support the first proposal that some further public consultation on the signage designs, particularly the symbols to ensure consistency with recognition and interpretation, be held. On their second proposal, Cabinet requested that the Head of Economic and Environmental Services in consultation with Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, investigated further the need for a ‘meeting point’ being included in the proposed signage at a prominent location. They also delegated the authority to the Head of Service to add such a ‘meeting point’ to the plans as appropriate.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet

1)            approves the signage and wayfinding audit in the town centre.

2)            delegate authority to the Head of Economic and Environmental Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development to spend up to the allocated budget of £180,000 on the Town Centre signage and Wayfinding project.

3)            delegates the authority to the Head of Economic and Environmental Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development to agree the final design and placement locations of the signs, subject to some public consultation over the images to be used on the signage and further consideration over the need for a ‘meeting point’ being included in the proposed signage at a prominent location.

Reasons for the Recommendations

This project will replace the town centre’s existing tired and broken signage with modern, high quality and easily maintainable signage.

Effective wayfinding situated in suitable locations, and including maps, will enable residents and visitors to better navigate and explore the town centre.