In response to the letters that have been sent in from the JQ Lobby and other parties we have had the following reassurances from the City which, of course, we appreciate – however we are continuing to gain clarification and awaiting details of the action plan that he refers to which will hopefully be up for discussion with all representitives of the JQ Lobby. Councillor Summerfield confirmed in a letter dated 3rd February 2010
‘The City Council remains committed to the Jewellery Quarter and will continue to support it in every way it can, particularly how we market this unique asset to the outside world. The City Council supports the Jewellery Quarter in many ways
- Investment in Capital projects
- Officer time to support and manage initiatives
- Maintenance of our property stock
- Running tourist attractions such as the Jewellery Quarter museum
- Supporting the Jewellery Quarter Regeneration partnership and the initiatives it helps deliver generally around marketing.
We will continue to invest in capital projects. In the last year we have directly supplemented improvements at St Pauls Square, the Cemeteries and the Jewellery Quarter Museum. In coming years investment from the City Council in capital projects and the maintenance of its property will be circa £4m. Key public realm projects such as the Golden Square and Albion Square will be implemented alongside further improvements to the cemeteries.
We will also continue to direct officer time to support initiatives in the Jewellery Quarter often working alongside local partners. My staff are preparing an Action Plan which will help us support the Quarter and monitor activity.
With regard to the Jewellery Quarter Partnership team and the specific points you raised. There will remain an officer (currently Andy Munro) focussed on the Quarter. We have had to reshape the back office functions and premises costs of the team. As I have said we will retain a dedicated post. The Tourist Information Centre will continue until the Golden Square Project is on site, which itself will transform the way we market the Quarter to businesses, vistors and residents. The City Council funding to ‘In-bloom’ and the Christmas lights will continue in 2010/2011.
I am more than happy to continue the dialogue about how the City Council can make more effective its input into the Jewellery Quarter as suggested at our recent meeting.’