Agenda item

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

Board members received Item 5a - Rowley Regis Town Deal Board Reporting July - September 2023 prior to the board meeting. This appendix was shared on screen to provide an update on project progress. This included: -

·       There is a requirement for Town Deals to submit Monitoring and Evaluation Returns for the period of April - September 2023 to DLUHC by 4 December 2023.

·       Monitoring and Evaluation Reports are required to be signed off by the Chair of the Town Deal Board and the councils Section 151 Officer prior to submission to DLUHC

·       DLUHC monitor project spend performance and there is a threshold of 40% slippage for towns. Rowley Regis slippage is 17% against the last return to DLUHC.

Britannia Park Greenspace and Community Hub

Board members were informed of the RAG Rating against the project spend, delivery, risk, outputs and outcomes. Board members received details of the progress made in the last three to six months, including the approval of the planning application for new changing rooms, procurement activities and work undertaken to deliver the new skate park, play area and allotments.

Board members were informed the number of allotments delivered through the project would need to reduce following the receipt of survey and design works. The project initially forecasted the delivery of 15 allotments, however the project are now looking to deliver 10/11 plots. A Project Adjustment Request is required to notify DLUHC of this reduction.

Action: PMO to circulate draft plans on the reduced number of allotments to board members.

Sandwell College: Cradley Heath Skills Centre

Board members were informed of the RAG Rating against the project spend, delivery, risk, outputs and outcomes. Delays have occurred against the original delivery programme since planning permission was granted in June, this is due to an extended period to finalise the land transaction. Design works have been undertaken and the procurement for a stage 1 contractor.

Board members were informed resource to deliver the project has been impacted due to staff illness and were notified of changes being made to the delivery team in the upcoming months.

Details were shared with board members around planning of curriculum and the timescales associated with this.

The project lead was asked to confirm all activities undertaken between June and September. Confirmation of activities were provided.

A question was raised if the build would be a modular or a traditional build. Board members were informed both options are being considered and confirmation of the approach would be concluded during/ following the Stage 2 tender process.

Canal Network Connectivity

Board members were informed of the RAG Rating against the project spend, delivery, risk, outputs and outcomes. The project is ahead of the delivery programme. As discussed at the previous Town Deal Board Meeting, the project has pushed underspend into future financial years with the ambition to deliver additional outputs, increasing the benefits outlined to the project business case. Footfall monitoring has begun and reports will be provided to Town Deal Board members.

Action: PMO to request footfall surveys from CRT and circulate this with board members.

Rowley Regis Connected

Board members were informed of the RAG Rating against the project spend, delivery, risk, outputs and outcomes. An update was provided on the prioritisation of delivering the three schemes that sit within the project and confirmed on-site works will commence in the new year.