Minutes 4 April 2024

1.

INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES

Introductions made and apologies noted as above. 

2.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

None were declared.

3.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Agreed as a true record. 

4.

ACTIONS FROM LAST MEETING

Vacant Positions – Cllr Dormer advised that Harry Williams had been invited and was in attendance today.  Also, Ashley Baker but unable to attend today.  Harry to chair next meeting.

Harry

5.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT REPORTS

Shane provided updates as follows as per circulated highlight reports:

Digital Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (DMIC)

Shane advised recently had handover of police station site, demolition now complete and the site secured by fencing.  Contractors finished ahead of schedule.  Design work had started and two meetings already held.  At early stage of design but would bring visuals to next Board meeting.

Pete C advised going through the process of funding and all members will receive a 1/8^th share. 

Redditch Library

Shane advised recently appointed project management team to start early stage of design and working towards planning application.  Forecast to start design in May and would then have architect also appointed.  Engaged with colleagues of library services.  More detail to be provided at next meeting. 

Pete C stated that timescales link into item 6 below on what we are doing with the Town Hall.  6-month extension requested.  Agreed for High Street and Levelling Up.  Start work around Oct/Nov this year.  Should not need an extension for any other projects.  Pete C clarified dates.

Redditch Town Centre Public Realm

Work is on target for key milestones and work being undertaken on value engineering.  Will update the Board in the coming weeks. 

 Shane

 Shane/Penny

6.

COMMUNITY HUB UPDATE

Pete C advised that there had been a lot of movement since the last meeting in January.  County Council and Borough Council had signed terms of leases and Borough Council now dealing with DWP. 

Being redesigned because stairwell, opposite the theatre was no longer needed because DWP to be a separate entity.  Cost engineering and financials will be in in the next few weeks. 

People now out of the Town Hall and first meeting would be held at Oakenshaw tonight.  Customer Services now at the Kingfisher Centre. 

Enabling work to start at the end of the month.  Compound to be located in bin storage area.

7.

RAILWAY STATION QUARTER UPDATE

Penny advised that this was funded by WCC and not a Town Fund project. 

Engagement had been made for preferred design.  Problem with survey and Severn Trent sewer.  Severn Trent Water do not support build overs which this was over a main sewer.  This would have time and budget implications.  Working to avoid or minimise diversion. Cannot move forward until resolved and Penny stated could be an 18-month timescale. 

8.

UKSPF

Georgina advised that there was no additional finance information to share because no report since last meeting.  Full Board delegating authority.  Subgroup had met in February to assess projects and notes had been circulated with this agenda.  Recommendations went to Council and all had been approved.  Now in the position where all funding had been allocated in Redditch. 

9.

CULTURE FUNDING

Borough Council successful in £5m extra funding for cultural projects.  Officers have meetings arranged with DHLUC to discuss the process which is believed to be the same as the Town Fund and Levelling Up.  To be submitted on 10 May.  Clarity required on what the funds could be spent on and timescales.  Ruth also added terms of governance and stakeholders engagement.

It was suggested to invite a Culture representative to the Board. Officers are meeting next week and a note would be sent to this group of the proposal. 

Cllr Dormer proposed a meeting for the end of this month to see what was being proposed.  This was agreed to be held asap due to elections and the timing of the bid to be submitted by 10 May. Need to get everything agreed pre-election.  

Pete advised a meeting was being held next week to clarify format of forms and reporting controls. Cllr Dormer suggested Petro to attend this. 

Barbara

Pete C

10.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Pete C - Members interest at the end of financial year and will send out information to individuals.

Gary – Redditch Youth Hub – space in Hive at Worcester and also at HOW college in Redditch.  Funded by DWP.  Would report further at next meeting.

Gary

11.

NEXT MEETING

Thursday 30 May at 9.30 am.