Decision details

i) Approve the proposed change of material from the concrete tegula blocks to an asphalt flexible material to reduce maintenance liabilities and cost, improve the overall look of the Market Place.

ii) Authorise commencement of procurement for the construction works to return the surface to asphalt.

Updates were provided to the Corporate Director of Environment in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation regarding this report and associated decision. The decision made is under the provision that neither of these items can commence until appropriate variation of contract with National Lottery Heritage Fund changing the terms and conditions of grant funding from 2000 for the initial Market Place scheme has been obtained.

i) To respond to requests from the local community to change the material of the carriageway around the Market Place ensuring a consistent look and reduce maintenance liability going forward. Officers are recommending the change of material to asphalt to reduce the maintenance costs and liability in the future which will in turn minimise disruption for businesses and the public.

ii) To commence construction, Officers will need to procure the work with a relevant contractor to enable the work to take place.

Officers have considered replacing and repairing the existing tegula blocks, essentially creating a like for like surface, with localised repairs to the concrete base where required. Officers however are not proposing to proceed with this option due to the reasons outlined in section 3.2 of the report.

Another option considered was incorporating coloured asphalt (heritage surfacing). However, this approach has inherent limitations. Future reinstatements by utility companies or the local highway authority could create a patchwork effect due to variations in material specifications and product availability. Although we could set construction requirements in the Street Gazetteer for reinstatements, if a specific product becomes unavailable, the Highway Authority would have to accept a close match, allowing statutory undertakers to reinstate their trenches. It's important to note that they are only responsible for reinstating the trench, not the entire road. Over time, this could lead to a patchy and unsightly surface, similar to the current issue at the Market Place