Minutes 11 December 2025

1.

Introduction and Apologies:

Introductions made and apologies were noted as above. 

2.

Conflict of Interest Declaration:

None.

3.

Minutes of Last Meeting:

The minutes of 2^nd October were agreed as a true record.

 4.

 4.a

Projects Progress Update:

(including actions from last meeting and new updates)

(Paper 1) Innovation Centre Highlight Report (Neil Batt)

• Speller-Metcalfe have been appointed as the design and build contractor up to stage 4 design, with an option to extend into delivering the development in full.
• The value engineering (VE) exercise has been concluded, with costs based on contractor prices rather than QS estimates. Stage 4 design work is now advancing rapidly. Whilst further VE will take place throughout Stage 4, we have reached a point where the project can be delivered on budget. Note that VE savings have been achieved without the need to reduce the building in size, or compromise on overall quality of offer.
• Additional public realm works have been paused so that remaining Town Deal (over £1m in total) can be utilised as contingency for the Innovation Centre. Public realm works to Church Green East have been costed at £350,000 and will proceed in the event that sufficient contingency remains unutilised.
• MHCLG have confirmed the deadline to spend Town Deal funding has been extended until end of March 2028, providing additional time if needed. The extended timescales allow public realm works to be delayed until we can be certain that remaining Town Deal (contingency) funds are not required for the Innovation Centre.
• Planning permission remains on track for a decision to be made at the committee on December 11th. Signage for the Innovation Centre site has also been installed to keep the public informed.
• Value engineering works have led to slight programme slippage with construction now due to commence by end of March 2026. The extension of time from MHCLG however allows further market testing to be undertaken with construction sub-contractors. This would take an additional 8 weeks (estimated) but is recommended because it would lead to greater cost certainty.
• The final business case for GBS LEP funding was submitted to Birmingham City Council on 23rd July 2025, following draft submission in May 2025. This has now been approved by the EZ Partnership Board, although requires ratification by BCC Cabinet (scheduled for January 2026).

Next steps:

Continue working on Stage 4 designs.

Neil gave a further update:

• There has been an extensive Value Engineering process experienced with Gleeds, which took longer than expected – 8 weeks to finally agree cost position and get costs down from just under £14m to approx. £12.8m.
• Speller Metcalfe were already on board for Stage 4 designs (and agreed stage 3 cost position at £12.8m)
• Therefore, the project is back on budget – not final, but Speller Metcalf, in collaboration with Gleeds, have broken down the costs, providing much greater cost certainty.  There was still scope for further cost increases during Stage 4, but there is an additional £1m plus contingency (including public realm funds).
• Rachel advised that the key change since the last meeting was that MHCLG has extended the deadline for spend.  Previously it was March’27, but is now March’28, which gives a buffer.
• Good news that the project is signed off by EZ Partnership Board (but still needs to be ratified by BCC Cabinet on 20^th Jan), with two conditions for approval, being final budget needs to be presented, and the contract needs to be put in place.
• Speller Metcalf will only be appointed to do the construction subject to satisfactory Stage 4 Designs and costings. We reserves the right advertise on the open market for another contractor, should this not be the case.
• Brian asked for any observations.
• Rachel advised that despite the current difficult climate she felt that Neil had done a great job, as all scrutiny etc had been done up front.

(Paper 2) Innovation Centre High Level Programme (Neil Batt)

Neil shared the Key Milestones timeline (see paper 2):

• On track to start construction contract end March/early April.  Extended deadline for spend gives some leeway but aiming to keep to original programme.
• Neil has suggested, speller has mechanical engineering and plumbing, in terms of getting subcontractor on board original quote was speller to get quotes, identify supplier and make sure accurate costs by end stage 4.  Therefor developing costs along with designs, in order to maximise having funds left.
• Whilst the aspiration is to work towards current programme, the extended timescales from MHCLG do you provide an opportunity to secure accurate quotes from Speller-Metcalfe subcontractors in the delivery of the various construction work packages. Instead of identifying preferred sub-contractors early in the Stage 4 design process (based on estimates rather than quotes), it is proposed that we finalise the Stage 4 designs, and then source final quotes from sub-contractors, prior to bringing on board. This will lead to greater cost certainty and maximise the likelihood of delivering the project on budget. The process will take an additional two months although the board agreed this to be the most effective approach.
• Bill advised that RBC were keen on apprenticeships.  He asked if any discussions have taken place or suggestions made to Speller?
• Neil advised that links had been made with HOW College and will be touching base further in later Jan/early Feb, when Stage 4 designs are more advanced.  Speller-Metcalfe are keen to work with the RBC and the college to ensure that opportunities for incorporating social value are maximised. It is planned to sit down with the College, Speller Metcalfe and the design team, figure out a plan how to maximise apprenticeships, or shadowing opportunities, and get all lined up ready for construction to start.
• Bill said it would be good for the industry and a big legacy for the project.
• Rachel advised she had done a lot previously around social value on construction sites and that there was a need to ensure upfront negotiations with the College regarding what is needed and then design it around the local labour, rather than looking further afield.
• Julia said it will be a really good for young people in the town and thanked the team for these opportunities.
• Neil advised about branding – A specification had been prepared, which is currently being reviewed by a marketing lecturer at HOW College. Once finalised, the branding specification will then be used to work with a mix of students to come up with various branding ideas which can be reviewed by the RBC and Town Deal Board to decide which might be suitable.
• Approvals:  Neil advised LEP funding approved by EZ Board. Going to BCC Cabinet 20th Jan. The next Town Deal Board meeting (5^th Feb) precedes the RBC Exec Report (Feb’26) to get the go-ahead for construction – but should be able to get approved, based on current costs. 
• Rachel will continue to review timescales for bringing forward the RBC Exec Report for final sign off with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Cabinet Member. It would be beneficial to advance the final cost position as much as possible prior to Exec approval.
• Centre Operation Management – Neil advised that between now and end of March’26 they will be carrying out a full management appraisal to determine the best way of running the centre. Then looking at how those arrangements might work in terms of using an external operator whilst keeping some control etc.
• To obtain a management options appraisal then finalise a service business model, then tender it out to get building operator on board, maybe 6-9 months before opening etc.
• Brian advised there needs to be ongoing dialogue with the towns folk prior to opening to ensure everyone is on board with the objectives being passed on to the potential operator etc.
• Regarding the Planning Decision outcome for this evening - Bill has had to declare an interest and has withdrawn from the meeting.  There has been good feedback from the consultation process so far and only one objection from the Magistrates Court who have raised concern about possible noise issues.  Speller Metcalfe are however registered with the Considerate Construction Scheme and every effort will be made to carry out the construction phase in the most sensitive possible way. Whilst the objections does not carry any weight on planning grounds, we are committed working with the magistrates court to ensure potential disruption is kept to an absolute minimum. 
• Rachel raised the matter of parking. Although there isn’t sufficient parking at the Centre, there is plenty of parking around the town. Need to have conversations with the College and the Kingfisher. Also, there is the car park at Trescott Road.  There is a need to look at all options, as currently some residents are experiencing parking permit issues, which may be raised at Planning.
• Neil advised that he had briefed the lead consultant from AHR regarding car parks and other key issues relating to planning.
• Highways have not raised any issues and Neil advised there is capacity at Trafford Car Park.
• Neil to speak to someone at the College – Julia advised him to email Sherry Clements or send the email to Julia and she will pass it on.
• Jo raised the matter of disabled parking spaces at the Centre.  Neil advised that he would check designs for number designated for disabled parking on site, which have been designed in line with required regulations.
• Jo advised she was aware of market traders currently parking in disabled spaces within the Town.  Rachel will look into this and give feedback to Jo. Pete also agreed current disabled parking provision needs to be reviewed.

 RE

 NB

RE

4.b

Redditch Public Realm (Paper 3) (Jane Berry)

All works to Unicorn Hill and Church Green West have been completed.

Next Steps:

• A decision has been made to pause any further public realm work. Once costs associated with the Innovation Centre are confirmed we may be in a position to move forward with further works. Final cost from WCC will be updated following project closure.

Neil gave a brief update in place of Jane.

• Works are completed for Unicorn Hill and Church Green West, with just minor tweaks taking place alongside road safety audits, which may result in some further minor costs.
• There is over £1m remaining in the town deal programme and the hope of not all being needed for the innovation centre.
• Should funds remain, then Church Green East has the priority to receive an upgrade over the Church Yard. The Church Yard is still a key project and is next on the list if any further monies remaining. If not, then future funding will be used, as and when available.
• Rachel said that MHCLG recently visited the town and were advised that we have schemes worked up and ready to go, if other funding should come up etc.

5.

Railway Station Quarter Update (Penny Unwin)

• Jo was asked if she could give any update in Penny’s absence regarding the remaining Public Realm element:
• There was a discussion around the cancelling of the train station funding and the potential usage of the £1m public realm monies.  Everyone agreed clarification was needed. 
• Cllr Jo Monk confirmed that there was an overall decision not to go ahead with the train station scheme and was not able to comment on the £1m, other than to say it was agreed that the monies could be used for a facelift for the public realm.
• Bill asked if a paper could be produced showing a breakdown of the proposed works/costs etc. Penny Unwin is likely to be able to advise further regarding next steps for the public realm element in the new year.
• Brian advised that we need this information to come via the official channels.
• Neil to liaise with Penny to discuss the expectations of the board, and what is realistic in terms of the information that could be presented, to avoid having the same conversations at the next meeting.
• Everyone agreed the money would be useful to improve the linkage between the station and the town.

NB

6.

AOB (Chair)

Brian asked for any other matters:

• Rachel said assuming approval was agreed at the meeting this evening, there was a need to get a press release out immediately following, to keep the matter in the public eye.
• Muj advised there had been lots of positive comments regarding Church Green West, with a few negatives regarding inadequate lighting, but that a good job had been done around the Church.
• There had been a lot of queries around when the Town Hall refurb will be finished.  Rachel advised that the work is going well and hoping to be finished and able for public use in May’26.

7.

Date of Next Meeting:  Thursday 5^th February 2026, 10.30am