Minutes 2 October 2025

1.

INTRODUCTION AND APOLOGIES

Introductions made and apologies were noted as above. 

2.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION

None.

3.

PROJECTS PROGRESS UPDATE

The minutes of 3^rd July were agreed as a true record.

4.

4.a

DIGITAL MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION CENTRE

Neil updated as follows:

Innovation Centre

Progress since last meeting:

• Stage 3 designs were signed off in July 2025 although the cost estimates from Gleeds showed that the project is overbudget. A value engineering exercise is therefore taking place, alongside the development of the Stage 4 designs. Speller-Metcalfe have been appointed as the design and build contractor, and an initial kick-off meeting took place so that further value engineering work could commence as soon as possible. The value engineering exercise should be complete around mid-October alongside the development of more accurate costings.
• The next phase of public realm works has been paused so that we can understand the full cost of building the innovation centre before entering into further expenditure of Town Deal Funds. Approximately £12.8m is currently available for the construction phase of the Innovation Centre, we are currently working with Speller-Metcalfe to VE in line with this amount.
• Note that Public Realm works are currently projected to underspend by approximately £0.5m, plus a further £0.35m should a decision be taken not to proceed with additional public works to Church Green East. These amounts are therefore potentially available to the Innovation Centre if required.
• The revised planning application has also been submitted. This was timed alongside a press release which went out at the beginning of August. 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 in March 2026.
• The final business case for GBS LEP funding was submitted to Birmingham City Council on 23rd July, following initial draft submission in May 2025. However, AECOM have recently requested more detailed Stage 4 costings which we will not have in place until after the value engineering exercise has been completed. This will delay the final decision on LEP funding until January 2026.

Next steps:

Value engineering to be completed by mid-October.  Speller-Metcalfe will work with design team on Stage 4 designs. Amongst the priorities will be to produce detailed costings as soon as possible to inform continued value engineering and wider programme decision making.  Aim to get costs down to £12.8m. 

Cllr Perks what we will do about projected costs increase ie materials etc.  Neil said an inflation figure has been included, although Speller-Metcalfe costs are actual costs for delivery within proposed timeframe on fixed fee; and so it shouldn’t slip much and so low risk on such increases.

Update on Planning Permission – it was submitted end of July and hopefully will be determined at either October or November meeting.  All planning consultees have responded with no objections.

Rachel added good feedback from college to students working/learning at the college so gives a good early on connection.  Continue to work with Warwick Manufacturing Group who were successful to bids / funding for delivering innovation manufacturing in Redditch and Bromsgrove.   We will continue to shape what will be in the building, with focus on manufacturing whilst not discounting other emerging sectors.

Neil said we will be undertaking an options appraisal on how the centre will be operated, envisaging it been by a 3^rd party – will bring a paper to this Board.  Will then get an operator lined up so ready to start as soon as it opens.

4.b

Innovation Centre High Level Programme

Neil shared the timeline as per agenda paper.  Also referred to under 5 below.

5.

Public Realm

Jane updated as per the highlight report.  

All works to Unicorn Hill and Church Green West have been completed. The Road Safety Audit (RSA) has shown a number of issues where road users are not adhering to safe practices while driving and parking. As a result, a few additions will be added including double yellow lines, additional bollards and the relocation of a planter.

Next steps -  a decision has been made to pause any further public realm work. Once costs associated with the Innovation Centre are confirmed in December, we may be in a position to move forward with further works.

Muj said he understood that Innovation is the main project, but that shouldn’t distract from the public realm which is still required. Cllr Hartnett said we are only pausing to ensure that the Innovation Centre is in a position to move forward; it will then move forward on Public Realm. Muj appreciated but concern if funding wasn’t available.  Rachel said we have a shovel ready project to go and this has been made clear; together with any other funding opportunities to get it up and running.   Looking at the timeline Neil said we will have a strong indication on what will happen to Public Realm after the value engineering in October and confirmed more accurately in December.  A note can be sent to Muj at the end of the year and it will then be reported back to this Group in January 2026.

Neil/Jane

Rachel

6.

Redditch Quarter Station Update

Cllr Perks said with regard to the Railway Station WCC has issued statement confirming plans to stop work on railway due to ability to deliver it, with the sewage related increased costs, within the £10m budget;  If it is cancelled following WCC decision, a smaller £1m project will replace it. 

Cllr Hartnett said this project has been discussed and planned for many years, and it is hugely disappointing especially given public expectation.  Cllr Hartnett asked if it is cancelled what input would we have into the alternate plans.  

Penny said the project was initially halted when sewer issue became apparent but when that was resolved there is a fully worked up plan, with improved station/entrance/public realm but not a second platform. The smaller proposal would look at vehicular entrance, which is narrow, pedestrians/footpath at back of Victorian terraces and the bridge area. Cllr Hartnett said this is the shop window off the train with very old / unwelcoming old shops that need improvement and would like to see the proposal to influence; including the businesses and public. Penny said the Victorian terraces have been a discussion point for a long time and maybe an area WCC/RBC can work together – any shop front grant schemes?

Julia asked how much over the £10m the project is running at.  Penny said last update was known as over budget but not sure. Julia said we need to know how much over it is on viability; this is very disappointing that it was dropped previously in good faith of other projects on basis that WCC would do the railway.  Muj equally very disappointed as this is a project that would make a massive impact – what alternative plans?  Penny said there isn’t and any plan that wouldn’t need borrowing.  Jane asked if the £10m will come back to Redditch.  Penny said not as it was only borrowing that now won’t be needed.  Cllr Perks said there needs to be a realisation across Worcs of what WCC can pay for and don’t have the money for this; he would take this view and disappointment back to Cabinet and was happy to share the alternative proposal plan. Julia pushed back on fact money will be spent elsewhere and disappointed that now we are getting £1m and not this project. It is a decision not to spend this in Redditch.  Cllr Perks said it won’t be spent as it is capital borrowing. Julia said decisions have been made to go ahead with other capital projects but not this. Pete agreed fully with Julia – decision made to Redditch’s detriment and that from the early days TDB this project was only ever happening with WCC money and it does feel anti-Redditch / discriminatory.    Pete asked that the Board formally logs disappointment. Cllr Perks argued on this point in that the WCC Leader is from Redditch and wasn’t minded to share what else is going ahead.

Cllr Hartnett asked that RBC and RTDB sees the new proposal for comment/ influence.

7.

AOB

Cllr Hartnett said Redditch secured £20m for Greenlands/Woodrow - £2m per year over 10 years and the residents in the area will decide what it is spent on.  This area is a super output area. Of about 14 deprived areas in Worcestershire 6 are in Redditch. MP will also have an overview. Rachel said it will be 37% revenue but not yet seen profile – awaiting guidance to understand the opportunities.

8.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

6^th November 2025 tbc