Decision - Valley Gardens Phase 3 revised scheme with detailed design principles

Revised scheme following further public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The updated plans account for significant change to walking and cycling infrastructure design guidance. In addition to the main report appendices are provided which outline detailed design principles and detail where necessary both the temporary and permanent matters related to the scheme. These technical design and engineering principles are set out so that the procurement of a construction contract can be progressed in the coming months with construction to commence thereafter.

1) Approves the Valley Gardens Phase 3 detailed design as shown in Appendix 1: General Highway Arrangement Plan. 2) N otes that the principles and details outlined in this report will help to inform all final technical matters, with regards to this scheme, in preparation for the procurement of a construction contract by officers in line with the decision made by this committee in February 2019 as outlined in paragraph 7.2 of this report. 3) Authorises that all Traffic Regulation Orders required for Valley Gardens Phase 3 be advertised in accordance with the standard procedure. 4) N otes the increased budget requirement due to significant delay in delivering Phase 3, additional stakeholder infrastructure commitments, and significant increases in construction costs, as set out in in Appendix 2. 5) Recommends to Policy & Resources Committee that it approves capital borrowing of up to £5.0m to address estimated increased scheme costs arising from new Department for Transport design guidance; significant increases in construction costs and risk management; additional infrastructure, including for sustainable transport and events; as shown in Appendix 2.

The report records engagement and consultation on the Valley Gardens Phase 3 scheme from 2018 to 2021, including 463 public consultation responses and meetings with transport, accessibility, heritage, business and community stakeholders. Feedback led to changes including segregated cycle tracks, more disabled bays, revised bus arrangements, additional public space and improved pedestrian crossings.