Minutes 19 September 2024

1.

INTRODUCTION AND APOLOGIES

Introductions made and apologies noted as above. 

2.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION

None.

3.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes were agreed as a true record, other than amendment that Planning Committee is on 5^th December (not September).

4.

PROJECTS PROGRESS UPDATE

Public Realm

Shane referred to the highlight report attached to agenda papers.  No change on financials.  Progress made on service diversions and continuing to monitor risks.  One new point is review of original design for public realm as it was scaled back originally but now looking at expanding it due to changes regarding the library.  Awaiting an update today on this which is using some of the funds not now used on library and Shane will share this when he knows more.

Penny added the scheme is progressing very well.   The traffic management is being removed after the Redditch carnival.  Looking at what can be done with the recycled money.   Penny said they have been looking at what elements can be done and hopefully more than just the Church Green East extension.  Shane said he has discussed this with Alex and said it needs to be done for more than just doing it for the sake of it but has positive / agreed outputs.  Shane said it may have to go back to Planning.  Cllr Hartnett said with need to decide and in this consider timescales.   Shane said deliverability by April 2026 will be a key requirement.  Rachel E and Peter C will oversee this and what is put forward as alternative proposals.  Neil outlined the process for this.

4b

Digital Manufacturing and Innovation Centre

Shane provided an update as per the highlight report attached to the agenda papers.  Working on value engineering to reduce the current overspend.   This does not affect the future use of the building, more around scope/size of the building leaving decisions malleable.  Planning application submitted this week. Contractor engagement took place previous week – 4 selected contractors.  All proposals within our timescales and costs.  Have scored tenders and one preferred winner selected; procurement doing formal agreements this week.  Hope to bring contractor on board in next few weeks.  Deliver construction stage by the end of March 2026. 

Cllr Hartnett thanked Rachel and Shane for the useful briefing note.  Need the £2m top up from GBSLEP.  Rachel explained the scrutiny process and how we can challenge it.  Cllr Hartnett said politically he/RBC Leadership and MP are happy to assist/push if/when required.  Pete said there is an audit trail over the last 2 years.

David Mitchell raised concern about the lack of clarity of the use of the building and how this would be received by his superiors.  Rachel said she has spoken to Warwick training who are interested in this site and will be continuing discussions with them.  Also need to balance this with the commercial design to ensure it is right and are meeting the original designers.  Looking at this rapidly to agree the purpose before start spending money on the build.  David said there are already colleges, apprentice centres and shouldn’t we also look to enhance them.   Rachel said there are ideas about kit in the building and will be speaking to these existing providers and how they/students could be brought into the new building who currently don’t have access to that to help work as a catalyst.  David said he would like to understand more what HOW is doing.  Cllr Hartnett asked are we providing what our local businesses needs.  David suggested Judy Gibbs at WCC gets involved in these discussions and has an input.  Julia said the Judy would have the data requested on progression routes; that HOW work with multiple colleges in the area.   Rachel is already speaking with HOW Principal Michelle Dowse and is looking at skills gaps from business.  Judy doing a lot of work on workforce planning with businesses.  Julia assured there is already a lot of work taking place in this space and Rachel is already tapping into that.  Pete S echoed request to pull Judy Gibbs into this discussion.  Rachel said she had worked with Judy before and is already arranging to meet her and pull her in.  Rachel said this building is not a training centre it is an innovation centre that focuses on businesses.

DIMC, Purpose, milestones, tender.  Susan speak to Rachel over dates/timing of extra single purpose meeting.

Shane said the PCSA will be completed this week and will need to be agreed with the Board.  Claire Green said the framework has been used so it is pre procured and in line with procurement requirements. Shane outlined the procurement process to date and legal and procurement oversee this.   The next step is a recommendation report with the preferred contractor entering on PCSA with fixed amount.  Contractor then puts in their final proposal.  This is what the Board then agrees.  Rachel said it would be helpful to understand the timelines and whether it is a short meeting of this Board or delegated agreement.  Cllr Geraghty said he believes that these decisions might be able to be done virtually ie papers circulated for comment/feedback with deadline.  Shane/Rachel/Susan would discuss and set up meeting as required.

Rachel

Susan/

Rachel/ Shane

4c

Library Development

Peter said this had been covered under the Public Realm item above. 

4d

Community Hub / Town Hall Update

Peter said there is not much new to update on but will have updated costs / plans from Seddons following meeting on 26^th September.

4e

Railway Station Quarter Update

Penny said Redditch station was an original Towns Deal option and so WCC decided to commit own money to this.  Consultation took place in Summer 2023.  There was an issue with the sewer under the existing railway building and have been in discussion with Severn Trent about this in terms of a diversion who would do the design and diversion.  Have submitted preferred route but Severn Trent are still looking at other options ie build over (of track).  Till this is all agreed with Severn Trent unable to agree plans and submit planning applications/ timeframe.   Penny said if there is money from that diverted from the library that should be explored to help enhance this.

5.

UKSPF Update

Rachel said there was an amount previously for equipment in the DIMC, but we wouldn’t want to buy it in advance.    So alternative options looked at for that spend.  Looking at any costs in DIMC that could be claimed against UKSPF – delegated authority to agree this.   Cllr Hartnett said Georgina had said at previous meeting there was an underspend, mentioning St Stephens.    Rachel said plan b projects will be looked at and there are certain outputs against 2025 deadline.   In answer to Muj’s query, Rachel said the money can be sent anywhere in Redditch and she would ask Georgina to contact Muj next week.

Rachel /

Georgina

6.

Civic Pride

Brian said in liaison with Simon Parry (Council’s Assistant Direct Environment & Housing Property), have long term action plan. With investment, planting in Town Centre, jet washing, cladding on Town Hall (hub plans).  Looking at a living wall on side of Town Hall.  Capital equipment purchased to support this.   Cllr Hartnett said the team are identifying assets that need to be cleaned up and ownership (as may not be RBC/WCC); need engagement from others who own other assets.  Will have to consider what is in private ownership.  Muj said if Council plays it part it will encourage private owners.

7.

AOB

None to report.

8.

Date of Next Meeting:

19^th November 2024.

Extra meeting to be arranged.