Agenda and minutes

The Chair will welcome attendees to the meeting and make opening remarks.

The Chair welcomed board members to the meeting and outlined the agenda items for discussion. The meeting was quorate.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from the following board members: -

·       Cllr F Shaeen

·       J Wood

·       S Shingadia

·       G Brown

·       M Wildman

To confirm the minutes of the Local Board meeting held on 07 September 2023 as a correct record.

Minutes of the last board

Board members agreed minutes of the meeting held on 7 Sept 2023 were a correct record.

Action Log

Updates recorded on the attached Action Log.

To receive any declarations of interest from members relating to any item on the agenda.

The Chair asked board members to raise any declarations of interests. None were forthcoming.

The Chair asked board members to raise any declarations during discussions should they need to and reminded members that they can contact the PMO at any time to raise comments, queries and seek clarification on discussions.

To receive an update on project progress and monitoring information for the period of July – September 2023.

The Chair invited project leads for three of the five projects to provide a detailed update for board members. A summary of the discussion includes: -

Rolfe Street Canalside Regeneration Project

Project Lead provided an update. An update regarding site activities was provided and costs incurred to date. A demolition contractor has been appointed from an existing framework. A Planning application was submitted end of October and is currently out for Consultation. Planning determination is due at the end of the year. Demolitions are expected to take 5-6 months.

Grove Lane Regeneration

Project Lead provided an update. CPO is currently being pursued. An update on timescales was provided and confirmation that a planning application to support the CPO would be submitted at the end of this month.

Midland Met Learning Campus

Project Lead provided an update. Planning permission was granted on 25 October 2023. Procurement has been concluded for a Contractor which will be publicly announced in the coming weeks. Approval has been received from the NHS Trust Board for a number of items relating to procurement activities and lease/ partnership agreements.

Training providers for the new learning campus include Sandwell College, Aston University and University of Wolverhampton. Other potential partners are also being explored.

Concerns were raised regarding any potential damages and defects to the building and who would be hold responsibility. It was confirmed the Contractor would hold responsibility for anything up to 10-15 years.

Project Update – Reporting Period July – September 2023

Board members received Item 5 - Smethwick Town Deal Board Reporting July – Sept 2023 prior to the board meeting. This appendix was shared on screen to provide an update on project progress.

The following discussions were held as a result of the information presented: -

Ron Davis Centre

Delays have occurred regarding delivery and installation of IT equipment. Despite this, learners are welcomed to the centre in the new classrooms to undertake skill sessions that do not require IT. Most of the funding has been spent and small underspend has been allocated for retention. This will be used by the end of the financial year.

Rolfe Street Canalside Regeneration

Funding has been pushed back to future years to reflect the updated delivery programme. A planning application has been submitted with determination expected by end of December. Demolition contractor has been appointed from an existing framework. Once contractors are onsite, they will proceed with light works e.g. removal of small elements. Once planning determination is announced, demolition of assets will commence, subject to decision. 

Grove Lane Regeneration

Funding has been pushed back to future years due to CPO approach. As a result, this project has been RAG rated High Risk.

Midland Met Learning Campus

Funding has been pushed back to future years to reflect the updated delivery programme. Despite planning permission being granted and appointment of contractor, the delivery programme has been pushed back to start on-site once determination of co-funding is known. Once co-funding from WMCA is announced/ secured, a final cost plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To feedback and present upcoming press release and site visits.

Board members received an updated Forward Plan for News and Media. Key things to note included: -

·       An Awards Ceremony for learners at the Ron Davis Centre is planned for Friday 17 November. Board members were informed limited tickets were remaining and members should contact the PMO should they wish to secure an invite.

·       A news article would be published in due course to promote the success of planning determination and appointment of contractor for the MMLC.

To receive any other business raised by members for discussion.

Local Plan for Smethwick

Government announced a long-term plan for towns on 23 October 2023, of which Smethwick Town has been selected for £20m investment over a 10-year period from financial years 24/25 - 34/35. It comprises of a 25% resource/ revenue and 75% capital. A brief summary of the published prospectus was presented to Board Members and included: -

The funding will be governed by 3 themes: -

1.    Safety and Security of High Streets

2.    Heritage and Regeneration

3.    Transport and Connectivity

There are requirements for Towns to secure funding. This includes: -

-       Long-term investment/ Regeneration Plan to be developed (Similar to Town Investment Plans that Towns Fund Programme developed)

-       Establishment of a Town Board for Smethwick. Government has noted if a Town Deal Board already exists through Towns Fund, then this should be adopted for the Long-Term Plan Programme

The Government have also established a Towns Taskforce to assist Town Boards in terms of delivery.

Action: PMO to forward Government prospectus to Board Members.

The Chair queried which other local towns have been granted this funding. It was confirmed Darlaston, Dudley and Bilston.

A concern was raised regarding the funding allocation, that £20m over a 10-year period isn’t a huge amount. It was highlighted the revenue will go towards investment in CCTV, safety, community projects etc. and engagement with local communities would take place to seek what community level projects are desired.

Board Members were asked for their view on the proposal for the Town Deal Board to be utilised for the Long Term Plan Programme. This would result in the board being reviewed to ensure membership is sufficient for both programmes.

Board members agreed to this approach. The Chair agreed that Board Membership would need to be reviewed.

A comment was raised regarding input of Sandwell Business Ambassadors and that their membership on both boards would be grateful. The Chair agreed to explore this.

The Chair will make closing remarks and close the meeting.

The Chair thanked board members for their attendance and contributions to the meeting.

Meeting closed at 10:37.