Minutes 5 February 2026

Redditch Town Deal Board (Hybrid)

10.30am Thursday 5^th February 2026

The Space, 2^nd Floor, Town Hall, Redditch

Notes of the Meeting

Present: Brian Davy (Chair), Cllr Bill Hartnett, Neil Batt, Rachel Egan, David Mitchell, Pete Sugg, Rebecca McElliott, Steve Ashton, Muj Rahman, Amelia Bishop, Claire Green, Julia Breakwell

In attendance: Angela Yale (notes)

Apologies: Jane Berry, Cllr Jo Monk, Cllr Karl Perks, Debra Goodall, Penny Unwin, Chris Bloore MP, John Leach

		Action
1.	Introduction and Apologies: Introductions made and apologies were noted as above. To note: Steve Ashton, the new Head of Infrastructure Projects & Contracts, is replacing Penny Unwin at the meetings. Julie Lorraine, new interim S151 Officer, to be invited to the next meeting.
2.	Conflict of Interest Declaration: None.
3.	Minutes of Last Meeting: The minutes of 11^th December 2025 were noted as a true record. Previous actions were dealt with in the sections below.
4.	Projects Progress Update: (including actions from last meeting and new updates) Although there were no key discussion points for this meeting it was shortened, rather than cancelled, to keep the Board updated with continued progress. Brian asked that people focus on what they thought the project might need going forward, to discuss any new features they might want to see incorporated and to raise any issues that needed addressing.
4.a	(Paper 1) Innovation Centre Highlight Report (Neil Batt) Neil reviewed his report: Speller-Metcalfe were previously appointed as the design and build contractor up to stage 4 design, with an option to extend into delivering the development in full. Stage 4 design work is continuing to advance following completion of the value engineering exercise. Whilst further VE will take place throughout Stage 4, we have reached a point where the project can be delivered on budget, with cost estimates based on contractor prices rather than QS estimates. 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 funding (over £900,000 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 was granted on December 11th. Signage for the Innovation Centre site has also been installed to keep the public informed. Value engineering works previously led to slight programme slippage with an additional 8 weeks required to bring the project back in line with agreed budget. The extension of time from MHCLG also allows further market testing to be undertaken with construction sub-contractors. This approach will maximise cost certainty with quotes based on final specifications, rather than appointments being based on earlier stage estimates. This process will take approximately 2 months (estimated) meaning that construction will commence June 2026. 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 was approved by the EZ Partnership Board and ratified by BCC Cabinet on 20th January 2026. We now await the draft grant funding agreement from BCC. Next steps: Continue working on Stage 4 designs. Further discussion followed: Neil reminded that following the VE exercise, projected costs were estimated at just over £12.8m Key risks – Costings - although costs remain on track, this remains the biggest risk to monitor as costs tend to go up at Stage 4. Quotes from subcontractors are key and being carefully monitored. Timescales - less of a risk with MHCLG extension but still need to deliver in line with expectations. Change Control Process – this was in place and will ultimately form a detailed part of the contractual arrangements. Any changes in design need to be approved by the client in consultation with Gleeds. Brian reiterated and said we must ensure we have an approval mechanism in place for any changes in design and keep up discipline, especially when confirming suppliers etc. Neil said, good news that Stage 4 Design was continuing to progress as planned with no significant design changes, therefore no reason to foresee any major increase in costs. This process was due to complete end of Feb. Neil advised that since the last meeting, planning permission had been obtained and that conditions were all as expected. A series of meetings had since taken place to develop a tracker to ensure these are all signed off on time. Neil advised LEP funding was approved by EZ Board and now ratified by BCC. There were two conditions – Contract and Costings. Grant Funding Agreement is currently being drafted and expected soon. Rachel thanked Neil for all the hard work that went into the contract (around 100 pages and 20 appendices).
	(Paper 2) Innovation Centre Programme (Key Milestones) Neil shared the Key Milestones Programme and discussion took place: As approval of LEP funding has now happened, the final Construction Paper was being prepared to take to RBC committee on 17^th March, although it was felt it may be better to delay to the next meeting in early June, by which time all costings should be in place. Delivery and construction – there were an additional two months for the costings exercise. Due to start mobilisation and construction in June. Completion estimated around Sept 2027. Programme still being finalised. Brian observed, cost control is about gaining confidence in quotations and making sure we hit the budget. Not cheapening the project by reducing spec etc. Just about applying basic discipline throughout without affecting quality. Need to achieve high quality workspaces. Centre operations management – Neil advised he was working on an options appraisal – discussions were taking place internally, plus meetings scheduled with external organisations, e.g. a meeting was being held with Malvern Hills Science Park on Monday and a meeting with Shell Store being scheduled. If it is decided to do the management internally, then Bruton Knowles would likely be used, coupled with recruitment of new staff. Currently identifying roles and costings. The other option is to get an operator on board but need to work out how to manage this and retain element of control. Hoping to complete the appraisal by the end of March, to ascertain the preferred option. During April/May to finalise business plan then consult with Oxford Innovation at that stage. Brian asked if there was the expertise within the council to run the building. It was noted there was very limited capacity. So, if outsourcing, it was felt important to obtain ideas from multiple parties first, then think about performance measures for the successful organisation and build that in at the tender stage. Julie asked about kpi / income generation - how would it fit with operating costs and when would we get to a breakeven position. Rachel said this had all been reviewed and detailed to ensure the building breaks even in yr 3. Julie asked will the Board continue once the building is up and running. Rachel said the challenge would be with LGR in May 2028 but that it would be good to have a Redditch Economic Board that could continue and focus on Redditch. Branding – Neil has chased this up with Ivan McDouall and a meeting is being scheduled, to include Rachel, and would keep Amelia involved. Contracting and novation – a large all parties meeting is scheduled for Thursday next week, to decide how the novation is going to work, on the basis that Speller Metcalf will be appointed. Bill asked what the timeline is to approach the market regarding potential occupants. Neil advised need to figure out how the building will be operated first and run the procurement exercise. We can then work with appointed operator to identify appropriate businesses. Rachel felt it was the role of the building operator for marketing, even though we need to keep some control to stay close to original objectives etc, Car Parking - Neil advised that there are 32 spaces currently on the design, and is assessing how we can incorporate capacity from nearby car parks into the overall strategy. As to disabled parking, these haven’t yet been allocated but based on the guidance of a minimum of 5%, then around 1.6 spaces – so need to allocate at least 2, maybe more. David asked if any environmental elements had been considered, such as solar, rainwater recovery etc. Neil advised, a through environmental assessment had taken place and the whole building was designed for absolute high energy efficiency and was being put forward for a BREAM accreditation – and on course for an excellent rating.
4.b	(Paper 3) Redditch Public Realm (Jane Berry) Neil reviewed the report on behalf of Jane: 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. Further discussion followed: It was previously agreed to prioritise Church Green West (if further funding was obtained) - £350K. But the Innovation Centre needs to be much further down the line before we could start any additional works, but we do have until March 2028 to spend the funds, so there is still time to do so.
5.	Railway Station Quarter Update (Steve Ashton, replacing Penny Unwin) Steve advised he was to take over from Penny Unwin and attended this meeting at short notice, as Penny Unwin was unable to attend. Bill said that following the cancellation of the new railway station project and being made aware of a £1m fund remaining at the last meeting, that the Board had asked Penny for sight of plans that County had put together on what they want to spend the money on. He advised Steve that Board members would want to have an input and be able to give their views before anything was finalised. Brian acknowledged it is County Council money but shaping the outcome and priority objectives for a new revised and reduced scheme is what we are seeking, not to be a passive recipient of other’s decisions. He asked how we could achieve an integrated Borough and County decision to get us to a stage where we are joined up. Steve acknowledged with understanding. Bill said we need to identify from both sides who the representatives would be to make these decisions. It was agreed that Rachel would be the key contact from our side. Steve to advise a way forward as soon as possible. Rachel asked that RBC be consulted on plans. Steve to obtain and share the plans with the Board before the next meeting.	SA
6.	AOB (Chair) Brian asked for any other matters: Julia advised that in the Redditch Town Centre Strategic Plan meeting she had picked up that the access to the town from the station was now vital, as entrance into the town should be welcoming and accessible, not as it is currently with the unsightly bin situation etc. Steve agreed this was especially important. Muj noted that the Board started with five projects and now there was just two (Innovation Centre and Public Realm) – with the spotlight now on the Innovation Centre, which he felt will lead to greater scrutiny etc. He asked if a car park survey had been carried out for the development, as he needed to answer questions from local residents and businesses. Neil advised a survey hadn’t been carried out but will be doing an audit on what relationships we can form with the college regarding car parking and to link with other possible providers, along with reviewing the council car parks – Truscott Road currently has plenty of capacity etc. Neil welcomed any further suggestions from Muj. Rachel advised that as part of the planning app, the impact will have been looked at with the planning environment around public transport, rather than cars etc and reiterated we are looking for somewhere close by, such as the under-used car park on Truscott Road. Brian asked Muj if it would help, in trying to address any fears from the reduction in transport works, and whilst waiting for extra funds, if a timeline could be given on when a key decision on spend might be made? Muj said yes, it would help, so he could advise local businesses. Brian asked Neil to review and put in a timeline on when funds might be released and advise at the next meeting.	NB
7.	Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 26^th March, 10.30am (The Space, 2^nd floor, Town Hall)

Action

Introduction and Apologies:

Introductions made and apologies were noted as above.

To note:

Steve Ashton, the new Head of Infrastructure Projects & Contracts, is replacing Penny Unwin at the meetings.
Julie Lorraine, new interim S151 Officer, to be invited to the next meeting.

Conflict of Interest Declaration:

None.

Minutes of Last Meeting:

The minutes of 11^th December 2025 were noted as a true record.

Previous actions were dealt with in the sections below.

Projects Progress Update:

(including actions from last meeting and new updates)

Although there were no key discussion points for this meeting it was shortened, rather than cancelled, to keep the Board updated with continued progress. Brian asked that people focus on what they thought the project might need going forward, to discuss any new features they might want to see incorporated and to raise any issues that needed addressing.

4.a

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

Neil reviewed his report:

Speller-Metcalfe were previously appointed as the design and build contractor up to stage 4 design, with an option to extend into delivering the development in full. Stage 4 design work is continuing to advance following completion of the value engineering exercise. Whilst further VE will take place throughout Stage 4, we have reached a point where the project can be delivered on budget, with cost estimates based on contractor prices rather than QS estimates. 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 funding (over £900,000 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 was granted on December 11th. Signage for the Innovation Centre site has also been installed to keep the public informed.
Value engineering works previously led to slight programme slippage with an additional 8 weeks required to bring the project back in line with agreed budget. The extension of time from MHCLG also allows further market testing to be undertaken with construction sub-contractors. This approach will maximise cost certainty with quotes based on final specifications, rather than appointments being based on earlier stage estimates. This process will take approximately 2 months (estimated) meaning that construction will commence June 2026.
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 was approved by the EZ Partnership Board and ratified by BCC Cabinet on 20th January 2026. We now await the draft grant funding agreement from BCC.

Next steps:

Continue working on Stage 4 designs.

Further discussion followed:

Neil reminded that following the VE exercise, projected costs were estimated at just over £12.8m
Key risks –

Costings - although costs remain on track, this remains the biggest risk to monitor as costs tend to go up at Stage 4. Quotes from subcontractors are key and being carefully monitored.
Timescales - less of a risk with MHCLG extension but still need to deliver in line with expectations.
Change Control Process – this was in place and will ultimately form a detailed part of the contractual arrangements. Any changes in design need to be approved by the client in consultation with Gleeds.

Brian reiterated and said we must ensure we have an approval mechanism in place for any changes in design and keep up discipline, especially when confirming suppliers etc.
Neil said, good news that Stage 4 Design was continuing to progress as planned with no significant design changes, therefore no reason to foresee any major increase in costs. This process was due to complete end of Feb.
Neil advised that since the last meeting, planning permission had been obtained and that conditions were all as expected. A series of meetings had since taken place to develop a tracker to ensure these are all signed off on time.
Neil advised LEP funding was approved by EZ Board and now ratified by BCC.
There were two conditions – Contract and Costings.
Grant Funding Agreement is currently being drafted and expected soon.
Rachel thanked Neil for all the hard work that went into the contract (around 100 pages and 20 appendices).

(Paper 2) Innovation Centre Programme (Key Milestones)

Neil shared the Key Milestones Programme and discussion took place:

As approval of LEP funding has now happened, the final Construction Paper was being prepared to take to RBC committee on 17^th March, although it was felt it may be better to delay to the next meeting in early June, by which time all costings should be in place.
Delivery and construction – there were an additional two months for the costings exercise. Due to start mobilisation and construction in June. Completion estimated around Sept 2027. Programme still being finalised.
Brian observed, cost control is about gaining confidence in quotations and making sure we hit the budget. Not cheapening the project by reducing spec etc. Just about applying basic discipline throughout without affecting quality. Need to achieve high quality workspaces.
Centre operations management – Neil advised he was working on an options appraisal – discussions were taking place internally, plus meetings scheduled with external organisations, e.g. a meeting was being held with Malvern Hills Science Park on Monday and a meeting with Shell Store being scheduled.
If it is decided to do the management internally, then Bruton Knowles would likely be used, coupled with recruitment of new staff. Currently identifying roles and costings. The other option is to get an operator on board but need to work out how to manage this and retain element of control. Hoping to complete the appraisal by the end of March, to ascertain the preferred option.
During April/May to finalise business plan then consult with Oxford Innovation at that stage.
Brian asked if there was the expertise within the council to run the building. It was noted there was very limited capacity. So, if outsourcing, it was felt important to obtain ideas from multiple parties first, then think about performance measures for the successful organisation and build that in at the tender stage.
Julie asked about kpi / income generation - how would it fit with operating costs and when would we get to a breakeven position. Rachel said this had all been reviewed and detailed to ensure the building breaks even in yr 3.
Julie asked will the Board continue once the building is up and running. Rachel said the challenge would be with LGR in May 2028 but that it would be good to have a Redditch Economic Board that could continue and focus on Redditch.
Branding – Neil has chased this up with Ivan McDouall and a meeting is being scheduled, to include Rachel, and would keep Amelia involved.
Contracting and novation – a large all parties meeting is scheduled for Thursday next week, to decide how the novation is going to work, on the basis that Speller Metcalf will be appointed.
Bill asked what the timeline is to approach the market regarding potential occupants. Neil advised need to figure out how the building will be operated first and run the procurement exercise. We can then work with appointed operator to identify appropriate businesses.
Rachel felt it was the role of the building operator for marketing, even though we need to keep some control to stay close to original objectives etc,
Car Parking - Neil advised that there are 32 spaces currently on the design, and is assessing how we can incorporate capacity from nearby car parks into the overall strategy. As to disabled parking, these haven’t yet been allocated but based on the guidance of a minimum of 5%, then around 1.6 spaces – so need to allocate at least 2, maybe more.
David asked if any environmental elements had been considered, such as solar, rainwater recovery etc. Neil advised, a through environmental assessment had taken place and the whole building was designed for absolute high energy efficiency and was being put forward for a BREAM accreditation – and on course for an excellent rating.

4.b

(Paper 3) Redditch Public Realm (Jane Berry)

Neil reviewed the report on behalf of Jane:

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.

Further discussion followed:

It was previously agreed to prioritise Church Green West (if further funding was obtained) - £350K. But the Innovation Centre needs to be much further down the line before we could start any additional works, but we do have until March 2028 to spend the funds, so there is still time to do so.

Railway Station Quarter Update (Steve Ashton, replacing Penny Unwin)

Steve advised he was to take over from Penny Unwin and attended this meeting at short notice, as Penny Unwin was unable to attend.
Bill said that following the cancellation of the new railway station project and being made aware of a £1m fund remaining at the last meeting, that the Board had asked Penny for sight of plans that County had put together on what they want to spend the money on. He advised Steve that Board members would want to have an input and be able to give their views before anything was finalised.
Brian acknowledged it is County Council money but shaping the outcome and priority objectives for a new revised and reduced scheme is what we are seeking, not to be a passive recipient of other’s decisions. He asked how we could achieve an integrated Borough and County decision to get us to a stage where we are joined up. Steve acknowledged with understanding.
Bill said we need to identify from both sides who the representatives would be to make these decisions. It was agreed that Rachel would be the key contact from our side. Steve to advise a way forward as soon as possible.
Rachel asked that RBC be consulted on plans. Steve to obtain and share the plans with the Board before the next meeting.

AOB (Chair)

Brian asked for any other matters:

Julia advised that in the Redditch Town Centre Strategic Plan meeting she had picked up that the access to the town from the station was now vital, as entrance into the town should be welcoming and accessible, not as it is currently with the unsightly bin situation etc. Steve agreed this was especially important.
Muj noted that the Board started with five projects and now there was just two (Innovation Centre and Public Realm) – with the spotlight now on the Innovation Centre, which he felt will lead to greater scrutiny etc. He asked if a car park survey had been carried out for the development, as he needed to answer questions from local residents and businesses.
Neil advised a survey hadn’t been carried out but will be doing an audit on what relationships we can form with the college regarding car parking and to link with other possible providers, along with reviewing the council car parks – Truscott Road currently has plenty of capacity etc. Neil welcomed any further suggestions from Muj.
Rachel advised that as part of the planning app, the impact will have been looked at with the planning environment around public transport, rather than cars etc and reiterated we are looking for somewhere close by, such as the under-used car park on Truscott Road.
Brian asked Muj if it would help, in trying to address any fears from the reduction in transport works, and whilst waiting for extra funds, if a timeline could be given on when a key decision on spend might be made? Muj said yes, it would help, so he could advise local businesses.
Brian asked Neil to review and put in a timeline on when funds might be released and advise at the next meeting.

Date of Next Meeting:

Thursday 26^th March, 10.30am (The Space, 2^nd floor, Town Hall)