Agenda item

To receive an update on project progress and monitoring information for the period of Jan – Mar 2023

Project updates from (tbc)

·       Britannia Park Improvements and Community Hub – Sunish Patel/John Satchwell

·       Satellite Education Hub – Roland Barrett-Price

Board members received Item 6a - Rowley Regis Town Deal Board Reporting Jan – March 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: -

A report will be submitted to DLUHC on 9^th June of all submissions/project progress received up until 31^st March 2023. There is some slippage to future years. DLUHC have suggested staggered payments for this financial year.

Britannia Park

This project has been RAG rated 3 due to slippage into future years. There is still ongoing review into the design of the changing rooms. There have been some discussions with the Football foundation regarding the standard requirements of changing rooms. Architects are currently relooking at designs.  The build is changed from modern method of construction to traditionally build as the cost was coming in the same.

The project lead reported that the grounds for the allotments have had some soil testing and it’s not suitable for growing. Project leads are looking at alternative options. Land remediation is coming back as overbudget. The play equipment is being looked into and design works are being reviewed. Project is on target to complete in March 2024.

Board members made comments regarding the changing rooms.

Regarding soil beds, can we get Ideal for All involved?

Rowley Regis Satellite Education Hub

Project lead provided an update.

A planning application has been submitted and a number of concerns have been raised. Building drawing, plans, courses were shared on screen. A board member raised there have been concerns regarding courses and not enough level 3 courses are being offered. Traineeships will be removed from the course list due to de-funding.

It was queried regarding age range of students. There’s a 70/30 split of young and adult learners. Discussions took place at the planning committee around car parking. It was asked what is being considered regarding the concerns. The college offers free bus passes and it was suggested to offer free rail passes also. A suggestion was also made if students can provide an economic need, a parking permit can be offered. There are pre-existing underutilised car parks within close proximity which can help with parking concerns. The College and SMBC are working on presenting further information as requested at the Planning Committee relating to student demographic, car parking options, site selection and member consultation. It was requested for this information to be shared with members in confidence.

Action: PMO to share car park information with board members in the next 2 weeks.

A board member commented they were pleased to see EHCP provision at the facility.

Rowley Regis Connected

There are delays for this project with regards to moving funding to 2023/24. There is staffing issues currently as the current project lead is currently on sick leave.

CCTV is currently being procured so pedestrian and cycling can be captured as DLUHC would like ongoing data.

Blackheath Bus Interchange 

There has been agreement no expenditure would be claimed until final BCR is complete, so funding has been pushed into future years. There is some match funding which has been assigned to the project. External consultant will be appointed in the interim whilst project lead is off.

Chair left the meeting. Vice-Chair stepped in.

Canal Network Connectivity

This project is on target and ahead of schedule. The project lead has offered to do a site visit. All payment has been received for this financial year.

A board commented on the progress of the project after having visited it personally