Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Service Manager Business & Regeneration.

The Service Manager Business & Regeneration presented the report which sought endorsement of the Aneurin Bevan Destination Strategy, and provided a summary of the content of the Strategy and the Themes around which a range of projects are based.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member said he felt there was not enough diversification within the report in recognising the achievements of other prominent figures from across Blaenau Gwent compared to Aneurin Bevan.

Another Member said the people of Tredegar were very proud of the achievements of Aneurin Bevan and the creation of the NHS from an idea founded in Tredegar.  He said when considering development of Tredegar Town Centre it was recognised that there was no building that people could visit and learn the historical background of the town.  He said 10 The Circle was an integral part of the development of the Town Centre and would not only provide a place for people to visit and learn the history of the NHS, but also increase footfall in the Town Centre.  However, he agreed there were other key areas in Blaenau Gwent that needed focus and he believed that tourism could be a strategic way forward for the Borough in the future.  He welcomed the report and said the new concept in Tredegar was already proving its worth.

Another Member said he welcomed the Study, however, he felt some elements were out of date as a number of schemes had now been developed.  He said since the report was prepared a series of Town Centre Partnership Boards had been established which included a number of partners, and he suggested that destination management form part of the work of those Partnership Boards which could then feed into the overarching Destination Management Board.

The Officer agreed with the suggested approach.  He said things had progressed in terms of project delivery, and the framework for overseeing regeneration had also been updated. 

The Chair of the Destination Management Group confirmed that the Group was already considering how Blaenau Gwent could celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the birth of the NHS next year, and was looking at partners to be involved in that work.  However, he also agreed with previous comments and confirmed that the Group was mindful of the fact that Blaenau Gwent had an extensive heritage of famous people that should also be celebrated.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and the Aneurin Bevan Strategy be supported with the amendments requested, prior to approval by the Executive Committee. (Option 2)