Agenda item

Presentation by Conor Price, Project Manager, on Hawick Flood Protection Scheme, Common Haugh Car Park design and Community Timber Project.

The Chairman welcomed Conor Price, Senior Project Manager, CPE Consultancy, and Steven Vint, Design Manager, Jacobs, who were in attendance to give updates on the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme, Community Timber Project and Common Haugh Car Park design.

4.2       Mr Price began by explaining that the aim of the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme was to reduce flood risk, enhance the environment and assist communities.   He outlined the timeline for the project, explaining that over the past 18 months there had been extensive community engagement, which would culminate on 27 March when the finalised design would be presented to the public.   The programme had been adjusted slightly, which had meant a six month delay.  However, this would ensure the delivery of an enhanced project for Hawick, not only in relation to the flood protection scheme but in partnership with: Transport Scotland regarding the Flood Wall at Commercial Road; Scottish Water with the delivery of a large pumping station within sewage treatment works at Mansfield Road; Sustrans in relation to a sustainable travel superhighway; and, SNH Green Infrastructural Fund.   The next stage was on 31 May when tenders would be invited, this would conclude in November when a construction programme would be presented to the town.   The project would commence in January 2020 with completion scheduled for December 2022.  Throughout the programme, there would be engagement with the community to mitigate project risks.      In response to questions, Mr Price advised that with regard to traffic management, he would attend a meeting of Burnfoot Community Council and clarify the proposals.   With regard to the Scheme in relation to Hawick Common Good land, Mr Price would liaise with officers and circulate a plan identifying the works in relation to land in the ownership of Hawick Common Good.

 4.3      Mr Price then gave an update on the Community Timber Project explaining that Phase one was ongoing.  The remainder of the timber would be offered to the community through a second procurement exercise in the autumn.  In response to a question, Mr Price advised that the current phase was timber soured from Scottish Borders Council land and was being offered for use to Borders-wide community and charitable groups.  The second phase, later this year, would be trees felled from Hawick Common Good land and applications would be restricted to constituted community and charitable groups from the Teviot and Liddesdale area.  Mr Price also noted the concern that the application form was too complex and would feedback to the appropriate officers.

4.4       Steven Vint then updated on the suggested proposals for the Common Haugh Car Park.  The design, which had followed community vision works, focused on the optimum layout for safety, particularly in relation to school transport.   Mr Vint explained that 330 car parking spaces had been retained which included parking for disabled vehicles and electric vehicles.  The orientation of the car park would align east to west, with one way circulation, improved signage, lighting and drainage, and a dedicated footway.  During the construction stage, a minimum of 200 spaces would remain, any damage during construction would be repaired but there was no commitment to resurface the car park.   The new layout also retained the eight campervan spaces – the same number as presently existed.  Following discussion, Mr Vint provided clarification, in response to questions.  Regarding extension of CCTV, he explained that this would require additional funding.  

DECISION

NOTED.