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Councillor Townsend asked: As part of the budget considerations, could the leader provide an update on the payments that are made to Friars Walk? I am sure the leader will agree that these funds could be usefully employed to improve much needed maintenance in the city centre as well as some small-scale enhancements. I asked the previous Leader about the actions the Council was taking to reduce these payments. As we are now in 2025, we have no indication of any plans for the former Debenhams (which closed in 2021) as well as the future of the cinema as Cineworld signs were removed in October, Can the Leader of the Council confirm that he is content with what he sees? Councillor Batrouni responded: Funds for this, were set aside, in full, when the Council entered into the agreement in 2017 and consequently there is no impact to the annual budget. There are 7 years left to the agreement after this financial year. Regular meetings are held with the owners of Friar’s Walk, who are constantly seeking to secure new occupiers for the centre. There has been interest from potential occupiers but due to commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further details at this time. The centre owners are working hard to find new tenants and with footfall in the city centre being up by 2.6% compared to last year I am hopeful that it is only a matter of time before there is some good news to share.
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