Minutes 11 May 2023

1.

INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES

As noted above.

Noted that the Chair and Vice Chair had sent apologies and the Board agreed that Kevin Dicks chair this meeting.

Kevin explained that Gemma Monaco has resigned from the Redditch Towns Deal Board since being re-elected to the Council. Nominations for Vice-Chair to be considered and elected at the next Board meeting.

Agenda

2.

NOTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Agreed as a true record. Following matters arising.

Board Biographies - Leigh, although not at the meeting, had asked that everyone who hadn’t already sent their biography in did so, to have it added to the website. Clayton to send email to everyone who hasn’t so they know it is missing and can send/resend.

Railway Quarter - Ruth said she had met with Penny/Ben, but has concerns about the content. Agreed to pick this up meeting involving Kevin/Ruth/Penny etc.

Looking ahead - educate young people as to what job opportunities are available. Kevin still needs to follow this up with Simon Hyde as Chair of Redditch Business Leaders as to how we do that.

Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology Ostap still needs to book this in and include Redditch Business leaders as well, and possibly young business leaders.

Clayton

Penny/Kevin/ Ruth

Kevin

Ostap

3.

COMMUNICATIONS

Jack Carradine (RBC/BDC comms) shared an aerial digital view of the projects. Julia asked for the link so this can be shared.

Jack

4.

DIGITAL MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION CENTRE

Clayton said a new style report had been sent with the agenda.

Approved funding of £8m, £950K received/claims to date. Building works approx. £5 million. Funding gap £1.98M. meeting with Council leadership as to how that can be met. Kevin asked if this new style report works for the Board, does it cover everything that is required? Kevin said the report needs to capture the action to address the funding gap, other than monitoring it. Gary suggested consideration around what it should look like after the visit with RBL to innovation centre is a good start – what will it deliver.

Peter asked if there has been any market warming before procuring designers/architects. Ostap said already looked at framework and it was positive and agreed it is important to get good professionals in place; it will include soft market testing with contractors. News is spreading that work is coming online in North Worcestershire and Ostap has been approached.

Tender submissions received from 10 Project Management consultants and 8 tender submissions received for the architect led multi-disciplinary team and these are currently being evaluated.

5.

LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT

Clayton said a letter had been sent to WCC / Chief Executive about making a decision asap but had not received a response. Kevin said he has spoken to WCC CX and Monitoring Officer twice and understood it will not go to WCC Council until July. Kevin explained that this places a significant risk to the timeline – risk to RBC as accountable body and deliverability. Kevin said we need a decision by Cabinet in June. Pete added that for us to get to the end date we need to put tenders out in July to procure contractors by August leaving just 11 months to get the work done. Simon G said he had received the letter; he felt it important for the Board to understand WCC processes. WCC had received request for it to go to Scrutiny panel, then it goes to main scrutiny committee and then Cabinet. Simon understood the frustration but the danger is also not to follow the review that could lead to judicial review; which points to a July decision. Kevin said we have known the time line, for a long time, and with consultation having ended in February why the wait. Kevin asked that the June delivery date of a decision is reviewed. Whilst mitigating one risk it leads to another major risk; asked that Simon goes back and reconsiders this urgently. Pete S said he understood the process but a decision needs to be made sooner rather than later. Especially if it is a no and have to revert to plan b with limited time left. Tender submissions received from 10 Project Management consultants, and these are currently being evaluated.

Simon G

6.

COMMUNITY HUB

Peter C said the work continues for the NHS work with new entrance put in. Now on stage 3. Peter is happy to organise a visit if anyone wishes to see it. Tenders to go out early July so work can start on site in September. Thank you to all Peter, Claire and all the team for work done to get to this stage already.

Julia B asked for a visit.

Peter C

7.

PUBLIC REALM

Clayton provided update as per project update. Any news to be circulated as it happens by email.

8.

RAILWAY STATION UPDATE

Nothing to update on in Penny’s absence.

9.

UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND

Georgina provided a verbal update, with written updated to be provided in future. See written note attached notes.

Kevin asked the Board whether there is a desire to move monies between schemes; whilst knowing there is a requirement for skills provision.

Gary supported that it is too difficult to try and move/pivot funds and projects; thanking Georgina for all her hard work. Important to now bring these projects forward and realise the delivery/results. Agrees with recommendation put forward.

10.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

None.

11.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

30th June 2023 – at Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology