Minutes 3 April 2025

1.

INTRODUCTION AND APOLOGIES

Introductions made and apologies were noted as above. 

2.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION

None.

3.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING – 30 January 2024

The minutes were agreed as a true record.

4.

DIGITAL MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION CENTRE

Neil began by giving an overview of the project as a whole and informed the group that the Project Adjustment Request (PAR) to MHCLG has been approved, meaning that the library funds can now be utilised for DMIC and Redditch Public Realm.  In answer to John’s email, Neil also provided an overview of the Town Deal funding package which can be summarised as follows.

• Digital Manufacturing Innovation Centre (£11,937k)
• Redditch Public Realm (£3,263k)
• £400k Programme Management Costs

It was also noted that a further contribution of £2,425k has been ringfenced for Redditch from BCC (former LEP funds). A full business case is being prepared in order to confirm this additional funding. The Council agreed to underwrite capital funds for the development of DMIC (within the original business case to MHCLG), although the BCC contribution should mean that no further capital funding is required.

Cllr Hartnett explained that the building redesign has resulted in significant projected revenue savings for the Council, whilst working towards full occupancy. The Council has agreed a revenue contribution of £580,303 to cover this initial period.

Bob enquired further about Birmingham City Council funding and any associated risks.  Rachel said she had spoken to contacts and assured her.  However, Leaders received a letter month ago to say funding cannot be received in this year but will in future year; still assured this will be provided.  Rebecca said it is Enterprise zone funding. Neil mentioned he had been told it is about bankrolling it, profiling the monies spent and claim it back. Construction is profiled to commence January 2026 until end of March 2027. LEP funds are profiled for 27/28 so would therefore be claimed back in Qtr 1 of 2027.  Neil said the business case will be committed, signed off and approved before work starts.  Bob asked about risk register. Neil confirmed this is currently being updated and will ensure it contains risks relating to LEP funding.

Rachel said conversations need to be held with LEP about how the monies will be drawn down. Ideally, funds will be transferred in advance, rather than claimed retrospectively.

Neil’s informed the group that a press release was issued following sign of the PAR by MHCLG, alongside withdrawal of the planning permission for the old design.

Stage 2 designs signed off and Stage 3 profiled for completion by end of May.  Planning Permission will then be sought, whilst we engage construction companies for costs relating to remaining design and build contract. 

Progress to date

• Since the last Town Deal Board meeting, the Project Adjustment Requested (PAR) has been submitted to MHCLG to utilise the £4.2 million underspend from the Library to develop an expanded DMIC (£3.937 million), as well as a smaller additional amount for Redditch Public Realm (£263k). The PAR has now been approved. Note that a separate request was also been submitted to MHCLG to extend delivery timescales until the end of March 2027. This has also been approved. Note also that a press release has also been issued to inform public of plans for an expanded version of the project.
• The project team have been continuing to work with AHR Architects and Oxford Innovation to develop and refine the preferred option for moving forward. The internal configuration has now been agreed and stage 2 designs completed. Stage 3 designs are now underway.
• Note that we have continued to work with Oxford Innovation to develop and refine the business model further in line with adjustments being made to the building designs. An increased revenue funding contribution has also now been signed off by the Council, which ensures that sufficient funds are in place to operate the centre, whilst working toward full occupancy. An indicative revised programme has been developed taking account of the above, which will see design work and subsequent procurement taking up the majority of 2025 calendar year, prior to an anticipated 12-month construction period.
• An up-to-date risk register has also been developed and will be reviewed at regular intervals moving forward.

Next Steps

• Stage 3 designs will continue to advance following agreement of the internal building configuration.
• More detailed delivery programme will now be developed following sign off of the PAR by MHCLG.
• We will continue to work up the business case for LEP alongside the development of required cabinet reports to accept/spend additional funding. This will enable a seamless move to the procurement of the construction phase following completion of ongoing design work.

Neil showed the Board the plans and explained equipment that will be included whilst keeping this under review and keeping it flexible for it to evolve based on the needs of the incoming tenants and best fit at the time and the marketing strategy (looking at how we target the right tenants). Car parking was also discussed including the potential to link with other nearby car parks to increase parking provision, which will be looked into further in due course. The possibility of hot desking space was also discussed. The building has potential to include under the existing designs, which will be reviewed further against letting out all of the space to businesses.

Muj said there is a lot of available office space in the town centre so what is the USP of this building to attract tenants.  Neil said the feedback from local estate agents is that a lot of prospective tenants are not able to get the quality office space this will provide. The agents believe this is what is required, and these discussions will continue along with Oxford Innovation and other partners.  Rachel is also discussing with Warwick Innovation and how it taps into business support and wider offer.

Rachel

5.

PUBLIC REALM

Jane provided an update on this project and having been behind are now in front. 

All footways will be completed by the 4th April leaving only the carriageway resurfacing (W/C 22nd June) and church grounds to be completed. Church ground will be approximatly12 weeks. Jane anticipated an underspend (which can be moved to other TDB funding if under 10% without seeking permission).

6.

Railway Station Quarter Update

Penny provided an update.  Agreement with Severn Trent is now for a build over arrangement over the sewer and will then seek agreement from National Rail.   Amended plans will then be recosted.

7.

UKSPF Fund

All approved and now looking at commissioning and agreeing plans.

The projects receiving funding included

• Invest in youth hub
• Growth hub
• Local parks
• DMIC

8.

AOB

None.

9.

Date of Next Meeting:

8^th May meeting will be cancelled and John/Bob instead go on a tour of Town and Key sites.  Anyone else who wants to join them welcome.

June 5^th next meeting