1. The Cabinet considered the report produced by independent business consultants, Studio 3, on the economic viability of Waltham Abbey Town Centre, which includes recommendations to improve short and medium-term sustainability of businesses in Sun Street;
2. That Cabinet agreed to proceed with the recommended actions contained within the report, including the proposal to introduce a Town Centres Project Manager, (Waltham Abbey and Ongar), on a fixed term basis for a period of 3 years at a cost of c £50k per annum. This postholder would organise and deliver on the specific project targets to lead and implement a phased programme of work in each of the Town Centre’s across the district in conjunction with town and parish councils, businesses and other interested policies; and,
3. The Cabinet noted the bid for the 2021/22 budget that £150,000 be earmarked from the unallocated General Fund balance, to the District Development Fund Reserve, to fund the initiative – at £50,000 per annum – for three-years commencing 2021/22.