Agenda item

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise, which outlined the results of the BIG Castlefields Survey resident consultation exercise.

 

            After over ten years of activity and with the majority of the Castlefields Masterplan projects delivered, in 2013 the Castlefields Implementation Group (CIG) approved a survey of Castlefields residents. The purpose of the BIG Castlefields survey was to undertake a substantive community consultation exercise that provided residents with an opportunity to reflect on the regeneration programme and to express future aspirations for the neighbourhood. Additionally, the results of the survey would be incorporated into any future whole Programme review and be used to inform the production of a new ten year action plan for Castlefields that would guide the work of the Castlefields Partnership until 2023.

 

            Members were advised that the consultation was delivered through co-operation with partners and was undertaken in two parts:-

 

1)         a questionnaire delivered to all households within the Castlefields             Neighbourhood; with responses via free post envelopes; and

 

2)         through three “Pinpoint” discussion groups comprising Halton Castle         Ward Councillors, tenant representatives and residents.

 

            The results of the household questionnaire were outlined in the report and in respect of overall satisfaction with the Regeneration Programme:

 

·         70% thought that Castlefields was now a better place to live;

·         49% felt it had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing;

·         84% were satisfied with their home;

·         70% felt safer in their homes;

·         62% felt warmer.

 

An analysis of the pinpoint group sessions was also outlined in the report. Undertaken after initial analysis of the household questionnaire, the following two questions were asked to guide group discussion:

 

1)         What were the best things about the regeneration of Castlefields?

 

2)         What still needed to be improved on Castlefields, what should the priorities be for the next ten years?

 

            With regard to the first question the following three overarching themes were identified:

 

·         transformation of the physical environment, one of the biggest positive impacts;

·         removal of the high rise concrete buildings had not only created a more open layout but a stronger sense of ownership through creating homes and greater community pride;

·         flagship projects such as Village Square and Phoenix Park had given residents something to be proud of.

 

In terms of the second question, the following was identified:

 

·         confusion over responsibility for maintenance of the public realm was impacting on the general upkeep;

·         fly tipping remained an issue;

·         parking was an issue and subways were felt to be redundant; and

·         more should be done for children and young people in the neighbourhood.

 

            It was reported that Officers were working with the CIG towards a managed exit from the Council Capital Projects within the Regeneration Programme in 2016/17. The key to a managed exit, and agreed by CIG, was firstly the introduction of a Council Position Statement and secondly a new ten year Action Plan for Castlefields, including endorsement by partners.

 

            Arising from the discussion, it was agreed that a meeting would be organised between the Registered Social Landlords and Council Officers to discuss a co-ordinated approach to maintenance in New Town areas. A further progress report would be submitted to the Board in due course.

 

            On behalf of the Board, the Chairman congratulated the residents, Halton Castle Ward Councillors and Nathan Renison for their contribution towards the progress made at Castlefields during the past ten years.

 

            RESOLVED: That

 

(1)          the content and results of the BIG Castlefields Survey, comprising the household questionnaire report and resident Pinpoint group sessions analysis, be noted;

 

(2)          the on-going work of the Castlefields Implementation Group, working towards Castlefields Capital Programme close in 2016/17 be acknowledged; and

 

(3)          broader lessons from the BIG Castlefields Survey for future housing and neighbourhood regeneration programmes are considered.