Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ashraf, Chapman, Hemingway and Hussain.

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

Councillor Taylor declared a personal interest in the matter referred to at Minute No. 33/23; (Europa Avenue Cycle Path and Associated Consultation - Considerations and Conclusion - Report of the Working Group), in that she was the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport who oversaw the scheme in 2021.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2023 as a correct record.

Resolved that the minutes of the meetings held on 13 July 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business to be considered as a  matter of urgency.

There were no urgent additional items of business to consider. 

To receive and comment upon the Towns Fund Programme Update.

A Towns Fund Programme update was provided to the Board.

On 23 March 2023, Cabinet approved the Regeneration Pipeline that set out the regeneration priorities for the period 2022-2077. Within the pipeline was an investment plan which included £67.5m for the Towns Fund Programme with £25m allocated to West Bromwich, £23.5m allocated to Smethwick and £19m allocated to Rowley Regis.

West Bromwich Town Fund Update

The Towns Fund Programme for West Bromwich aimed to deliver a number of outcomes including the renovation of heritage buildings, provision of new green spaces, improved floor space and rehabilitated land, the introduction of new cycle ways, pedestrian paths, improved roads and multiple full-time and temporary jobs. The Sandwell Civil and Mechanical Engineering Centre had successfully completed on-time and budget and had opened to students in September 2023. Additionally, significant progress had been made on both the “Urban Greening” and “Digital Den” projects with the latter now being complete.

The Retail Diversification Programme, which aimed to deliver comprehensive regeneration and transformation of the West Bromwich retail submarket, had experienced slippages since the last update. Acquisition of sites had been more challenging than first assumed and the Council was pursuing the acquisition of the former Wilkos site instead of Kings Square Cinema. Internal cost reviews for the relocation of the indoor market was underway following the significant increase of the estimated costs of the project.

The Town Hall Quarter project aimed to restore and renovate the Grade II listed West Bromwich Town Hall and Central Library buildings. Associated Bell Tower works had been completed and internal work had started to assist in the final cost plan.

Smethwick Town Fund Update

In total, there were five approved projects within Smethwick that aimed to deliver a number of objectives including employment opportunities and land development. The Midland Met Learning Campus project would deliver a major skills resource providing training from entry level up to level 7.  Cost inflation pressures had impacted the project and, as a result, the Council had applied for additional match funding from West Midlands Combined Authority. The planning application for the site was expected to be determined in October 2023 and despite delays, the Council would ensure that correct processes were followed.

Significant delays had been encountered in relation to the delivery and spend of the Grove Lane regeneration project due to delays in acquiring the site that was required. A different route to acquire the site was now being sought via a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO); this would result in a slippage of over 12 months. Delays had been explained to the Department of Housing, Levelling up and Communities. Works on the Rolfe Street Canalside Regeneration Scheme were also taking longer than expected but the necessary steps were being taken to adequately prepare the site.

Subject to the installation of equipment, the Ron Davies Centre Expansion project had been completed.

Rowley Regis Towns Fund Programmes

The Britannia Park Greenspace and Community Hub project aimed to develop a new low carbon community building, create  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32/21

To consider the findings of the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Board Working Group in relation to the Europa Avenue Cycle Path Consultation.

Further to Minute No 24/23 (13 July 2023) of the Economy. Skills, Transport and Environment Committee, the Board noted the findings of the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Board Working Group in relation to the Europa Avenue Cycle Path Consultation.

Following a site visit by the working group on 4 August 2023 and an additional meeting to discuss the matter on 18 September 2023, and having considered the views of residents and the report on the consultation taken, the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Board agreed that consultation undertaken on the Europa Avenue Cycle Path was conducted in accordance with Council procedures.

Resolved:

(1)        that in connection with the Europa Avenue Cycle Path Consultation, the following findings of the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Board Working Group, in relation to whether sufficient and appropriate consultation had been carried out in line with existing council policies, practices and procedures, be approved by the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Board:-

(a)          that having listened and considered the views of local residents, the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Board:-

(b)          note that the Working Group are satisfied that consultation on the Europa Avenue cycle path, which was carried out both online and by letter drops to households, was conducted in accordance with Council processes, however, communication with residents could have been improved further;

(c)          note that in future, where simultaneous improvement works are being carried out within the vicinity by different departments, internal communication between departments should be undertaken to avoid confusion and disruption to residents;

(d)          suggest that the Council consider all platforms, including Citizenspace and neighbourhood forums, for communicating with residents, taking into consideration digital deprivation across the borough;

(e)          acknowledge that the Overview and Scrutiny function should be used to consider matters of strategic importance within the borough and not local ward issues in order to ensure value is added.

(Councillor Taylor returned to Council Chamber and resumed the Chair).

Standing item to consider the Cabinet Forward Plan and the Board’s Work Programme for 2023/24.

The Board received the Cabinet Forward Plan and Board Work Programme. Members requested that the following items from the Cabinet Forward Plan be added to the Board’s work programme for the 2023-24 municipal year;

§  Single Use Plastics Policy

§  Endorsement of the Tackling Poverty Plan