Minutes 8 February 2024

1.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

None were declared.

2.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Agreed as a true records.  Matters arising/actions rolled forward from the last meeting:

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

Seeking a Chair – Pete said he and Cllr Dormer had discussed best way to seek other Board Members from business/skills and a Chair as prescribed by legislation.  That whilst people have shown an interest they haven’t been from the required sector.  Cllr Matt Dormer will progress this.  Or any other suggestions /people to approach to Pete/Susan/Matt.  Adrian mentioned the Worcestershire Ambassadors who could be approached.  Matt would make enquiries.

Christmas lights – revisit in June.  Adrian said any ground works need to be considered early on.  Understood some utilities are being moved in preparation.

Susan/Pete

Matt D

All

Matt D

3.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT REPORTS

Shane provided updates as follows as per circulated highlight reports:

Digital Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (DMIC)

In answer to Pete’s question Shane said whilst a meeting scheduled for Monday was cancelled all indication is this is all on time and will be the key project for the new project management team.

Redditch Library

Once new project team (same as 3a above) have appraised themselves they will start to feed more information and dates into the plans, which will be brought back to this Board as part of highlight reports.

Pete said there was a risk but given a 6 month extension given in Bromsgrove we envisage that will be the same on Redditch timescales.

Redditch Town Centre Public Realm

Going to market to get construction costs, now slipped into February so hope to brief Board more fully at the next meeting.  Cllr Dormer raised concern on WCC pushing dates including on this.  Shane said this will be flagged as a risk and pushed with WCC. 

Cllr Dormer asked that we are ready to launch communications at every stage as a key element.  Shane said NWEDR will work closely with Comms and key partners, as they have done on Bromsgrove projects.  Anne-Marie said this can be done and mirror the social media campaign/FAQ that has been successful in Bromsgrove.  Having some concrete information from Shane / NWEDR will assist greatly.

Shane/ Comms

5.

PROJECT PROGRAMMES UPDATES

Railway Quarter

Penny had been absent at this and previous meeting so not had any updates since last Autumn, understand she had moved on to other projects at WCC.  Concern about buildings that will obscure the views of the new train station.  Matt will speak to Cllr Simon Geraghty.  Ruth and Pete to find out the county representative on this and then set up a meeting to find out the current situation.

Town Hall / Community Hub

Pete said NHS have been in building since December. Seddons appointed as contractors for rest of works, and since contract awarded working with architects, RBC, WCC looking at details of fixtures / fittings etc.  DWP lead time have been a challenge, data sent to WCC of final designs and inventories – any additional shift will be extra cost to WCC / DWP etc.   All to be finalised in next two weeks to agree lease agreement with KFC for moving Customer Services in March.  Member meetings moving to Oakenshaw / AVCC, staffing at Greenlands BC.   WCC to sign off ready for mobilisation by 18^th March.

Matt

Ruth / Peter

6.

UKSPF

Georgina referred to the highlight report circulated with the agenda.   Georgina asked that decisions are delegated to the Task and Finish Group so that decisions can be made during March as next meeting of this group isn’t till start of April.  T&F is Pete C (replacing Kevin D), Pete S, Gary W, Julia B and Muj.  Delegated authority sits with Ostap in discussion with Cllr Dormer and includes recommendations relating to moving funding between Investment Priorities. This was agreed with a note to this Board for information at the April meeting.

Muj said there had been a launch and good interest from businesses.  Some concern about the level available and not be able to help as many businesses as he would like.  Georgina said this can be discussed at the T&F group and options including underspends and bids can be considered but interest doesn’t necessarily result in applications; and would advise waiting to see whether interest equates to applications.  Matt added that the landlords also need to at least match fund and isn’t incumbent on landlords on maintaining their own buildings to encourage them.  Muj said it isn’t just building improvements – it is a broad range of activities and is match funded.

7.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Amelia explained the campaign to counterbalance the negativity on social media.  Anne-Marie said this Board can comment, without getting embroiled in toxic comments and share news.

8.

NEXT MEETING

Thursday 4^th April at 9.30 am.