Minutes 20 October 2023

1.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

None were declared.

2.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Agreed as a true records.  Matters arising:

Pete said we are still awaiting everyone’s interests.  Susan/Pete would check what is outstanding and chase.

Applications for New People – Pete said ten had been received back but unfortunately none of them fit the required specifications.   Pete will contact them to see who may have required business experience.   Pete said if anyone has any business contacts to let him know.  Matt agreed that that sector is under represented on this group.   Matt said he will speak to Where next to invite them to help bolster the Community sector.  Pete will provide the key requirements and circulate information on any candidates before the next meeting.

Susan/Pete

All

Pete

3.

UKSPF

Georgina provided an update.  Projects now confirmed.  There is about £30k left unallocated.  Matt mentioned the Redditch Business Leader’s mentor scheme, he would let Georgina have the contact details and check this qualifies.

Outputs can start to be presented at the next meeting.  

Georgina is confident all the money will be spent in the timescales; but had heard there is some rollover to future years.

4.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT REPORTS

Clayton provided updates as follows:

Digital Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (DMIC)

The procurement for the architect led multi-disciplinary team is being run through the Procure Partnership framework.  The Expression of Interest was run in April and received 8 positive responses.

The submissions were evaluated in May and four consultants were taken forward for the tender stage and these were:

-        AHR

-        Austin Smith Lord and

-        Ellis Williams

The fourth tenderer did not submit their tender.

The invitation to tender ran from June to August inclusive i.e

-        Tender Documents were issued on 30 June

-        Tender Documents returned on the 28 July

Evaluation

-        Tender evaluations were to be done jointly by NWedr & RBC

-        NWedr completed their tender evaluation 28 August

-        RBC evaluation still not received to date

Next Steps

• RBC to submit their tender evaluation asap
• Tender scores to be moderated and successful tenderer notified
• Liaise with RBC procurement to validate the appointment and RBC Legal Department to prepare the contract for execution
• Onboard the architect led multi-disciplinary onto the project.

Redditch Town Centre Public Realm

• The design has been frozen, WCC are working on the detailed design.
• WCC are submitting the Church Yard design to the diocese for approval. These new proposals exclude parking from the front of the church.
• New TROs and Hackney Carriage to WRS committee in November following a period of member engagement (dates to be agreed)
• BT Phones Boxes relocation scheduled to start Monday 26 October
• National Grid diversion work to start 30^th October (Comms to be issued) All diversion work to be completed by June 24
• Lighting to be agreed – WCC are proposing white lights on Unicorn Hill as standard but Amber lighting to the rear of the Church to prevent negative impacts on Bats, NWedR to engage Conservation officer and secure by design officers for comments.
• No additional risks have been identified
• Main construction still on schedule to start June 24 and complete Jan 26 although diversion works will be starting imminently.
• Project on course, no major concerns to note.

Ruth asked Clayton to pick up some issues around members and consultation.  Officer decision notice to release S106 money.

Muj asked what could be done in respect of Christmas lamppost lights.  Ruth explained the old system couldn’t take the weight. There is a lighting strategy to light up the street and church grounds rather than lampposts.  Ruth asked Clayton to check the situation regarding lampposts and lights.

Redditch Library

The procurement for the project management consultancy is being run through the Procure Partnership framework.  The Expression of Interest was run April and received 11 positive responses. The submissions were evaluated in May and four consultants were taken forward for the tender stage and these were:

-        Gardiner & Theobald

-        Ridge and Partners

-        Currie & Brown

The fourth tenderer dropped off and did not submit their tender.

The invitation to tender ran from June to August inclusive i.e

-        Tender Documents were issued on 30 June

-        Tender Documents returned on the 28 July

Evaluation

-        Tender evaluations were to be done jointly by NWedr & RBC

-        NWedr completed their tender evaluation 28 August

-        RBC evaluation still not received to date

Next Steps

-        RBC to submit their tender evaluation asap

-        Tender scores to be moderated and successful tenderer notified

-        Liaise with RBC procurement to validate the appointment and RBC Legal Department to prepare the contract for execution

-        Onboard the consultants onto the project.

-        Tender for the architect led multi-disciplinary team.

Ostap said we will need to discuss the completion date with Ian Smith, as so many dependencies.  Ian said it will be a case by case basis.

 Clayton/Pete

 Clayton

5.

PROJECT PROGRAMMES

Train Station

Penny said an application will be submitted by end of year and looking at committee in April.  Public engagement has taken place ahead of this.

Town Hall Hub

NHS are due to move into Town Hall next month, delayed a couple of weeks.

Tender for rest of Town Hall, costs had gone up but covered by increased rents.  Two positive tenders are within budgets and doing final evaluation with officer notice in next two weeks.  Timescales to get work done by August (or autumn) 2024.  Pete will circulate a copy of latest plans.

Pete

6.

DEEP DIVE FINAL SIGN-OFF FROM DLUHC

Peter said following the audit by DLUHC they had signed it off.  Interests was the main issue.  Thank you to Ostap and team for getting information off so quickly.

7.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

None.

8.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

14^th December 2023