To;

1.      consider the responses to the ‘Let’s Talk Armada Way’ Autumn 2023 consultation exercise;

2.      consider any recommendations of the Growth and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the scheme;

3.      consider / agree any proposed changes to the Armada Way scheme;

4.      consider / approve the Armada Way final scheme design and the indicative programme for the delivery of the project;

5.      consider / approve the scheme funding for inclusion in the capital programme;

6.      delegate to the Service Director for Strategic Planning & Infrastructure approval of all subsequent design amendments, scheme approval submissions, procurement and contract awards associated with developing and delivering the Armada Way scheme through to construction and completion in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance.

Cabinet:

1. Noted the outcome of the “Let’s Talk Armada Way” October/November 2023 Consultation and Engagement Exercise as considered and set out in the report.

2. Agreed to The proposed changes to the Armada Way scheme in response to the “Let’s Talk Armada Way” Consultation and Engagement Exercise as set out in paragraph 10.1 of the report.

3. Agreed the response, set out in Section 12 of the report, to the recommendations arising from the Growth and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the Armada Way Scheme.

4. Approved the Armada Way final scheme design as summarised in paragraph 1.4 of the report and Appendix L.

5. Directed the Strategic Director for Place to take all necessary steps to confirm a final construction cost for the approved Armada Way design and to report back to a subsequent meeting of the Cabinet for approval.

6. Directed the Strategic Director for Place to establish a City Centre Public Realm Board, with representatives from relevant City Council departments and the City Centre Company, to coordinate and monitor all existing public realm revenue maintenance budgets and oversee new income-generating initiatives.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE (Leader) proposed an additional recommendation to direct the Strategic Director for Place to make provision within the final capital cost of the Armada Way scheme for a time capsule to be placed in the scheme. This was agreed by the Cabinet.