PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Urban Task Force
TAXI SHELTER, WEIGHBRIDGE, ST HELIER
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Ministers for Planning and Environment and Transport and Technical Services to consider, in consultation with the Connetable of St Helier and Chairman of the Urban Task Force, Simon Crowcroft, a proposal to provide a taxi shelter at the Weighbridge Taxi Rank.
Having regard to the proposal, the purpose of the report is for the Ministers to;
determine whether to progress the scheme, and if minded to progress;
determine the form of the scheme;
authorise the establishment of a preliminary budget for the scheme and the expenditure of monies to enable progress.
Background
The Urban Task Force has tasked the St Helier Project Group to deliver a series of urban improvements during 2006.
The desirability of enhancing aspects of the Island’s taxi service, including the provision of appropriate infrastructure for customers, has been identified both by the Council of Ministers and through discussions with representatives of the taxi industry. Specifically, the proposal to provide a shelter to service the Weighbridge Taxi Rank emerged from discussion with the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association in relation to the relocation of the Broad Street Taxi Rank.
The Weighbridge Taxi Rank is one of the main taxi ranks serving the town. It is of particular significance in the evening when it services many of the clubs and bars in and around the Weighbridge, Esplanade and southern end of the town centre.
Discussion
In considering the design and location of a shelter for the Weighbridge Taxi Rank, a number of factors have had to be taken into consideration, including the following;
future use and design of Weighbridge;
requirements of taxi users;
requirements of bus users;
public order and policing;
urban context;
quality and robustness of design and materials
Discussions have been held with key stakeholders including representatives of Jersey Taxi Drivers Association; Waterfront Enterprise Board; Parish of St Helier; Connex; States of Jersey Police and officers of Transport and Technical Services in order to determine the most appropriate form and location of shelter.
As a result of these discussions a conceptual form and location of the shelter has been determined, as illustrated at appendices 1-4. This is considered to best meet the various requirements of all key stakeholders.
It essentially comprises a shelter that is fully enclosed on one side, partially enclosed on the other, with a fully covered internal area and seating for taxi users and with external seating for bus users, the external area being covered with a cantilevered roof. The dimensions of the shelter are 4m by 15m, and it would have the capacity to accommodate approximately 50-80 people.
It is proposed that the structure be manufactured from stainless steel and glass. The size and nature of the shelter would require a bespoke design: this is being worked up and will be presented at the meeting.
Responsibilities for the maintenance of the structure remain to be raised and resolved.
Consultation
As stated above, consultation has already been undertaken with key ‘operational’ stakeholders. There is, however, a requirement to enable other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposal. This could be undertaken through the planning application process.
Timescale
Subject to securing an endorsement to proceed, the following preliminary timescale and budgetary provision is proposed.
Milestone | Timescale |
Preparation, submission and determination of planning application, including consultation | July – August (8 wks) |
Order and manufacture of structure | September - November (12 wks) |
Groundworks, shipping and installation | December ’06 – January ‘07 |
Budget
A preliminary cost estimate to enable the establishment of a budget for this scheme is set out below.
Item | Cost |
Planning and building fee | 1,000 |
Design and management fees | 5,250 |
Shelter cost and shipping | 30,000 |
Groundworks and installation | 10,500 |
Paving | 3,600 |
Contingency | 6,600 |
Total | 56,950 |
There are sufficient resources within the Minister for Planning and Environment’s Urban Renewal Vote to fund this work.
Recommendation
On the basis of the above, it is recommended that;
1. the scheme, as illustrated on drawing numbers WTA/101, 104/106 is approved as a basis for the submission of a planning application;
2. endorsement is given to the establishment of a preliminary budget of £56,950 from the Urban Renewal vote to progress this work, and;
3. the indicative timescale is noted and endorsed.
Reason(s) for Decision
The scheme accords with the objectives of the Urban Task Force and the scheme is approved as a basis for the submission of a planning application and, subject to approval, implementation
Action Required
1. Progress with planning application
2. Subject to favourable determination of planning application, proceed to implementation;
Written by: | Kevin Pilley Assistant Director: Planning and Building Services |
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Approved by: | Peter Thorne Director: Planning and Building Services |
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Endorsed by: | Chris Sampson Director of Municipal Services |
Attachments:
Appendix 1: existing layout of Weighbridge area;
Appendix 2: general layout options;
Appendix 3: preliminary layout: long-term plan;
Appendix 4: preliminary layout: cross-section
1/11/20
28 June 2006