Issue - meetings

(Report of the Leader of the Council)

Report of the Leader of the Council to Update Cabinet on the progress of the Future High Streets Fund programme.

(Report of the Leader of the Council)

The Chair welcomed the Leader of the Council and the Head of Regeneration and Growth to the meeting. The Committee received the Report of the Leader of the Council which updated it on the progress of the Future High Streets Fund programme. The Leader highlighted:

·       That the Council had appointed McBains as the lead consultant to the project and work was underway to ensure that the project continued to deliver against the programme timeline.

·       That the College had submitted it’s round 2 funding bid and expected a response in the new year.  Through a separate procurement process the Leader reported that the College had appointed McBains as their lead consultant.

·       A business engagement event was held on 13^th October and a new website had been launched, Transforming Tamworth, where regular updates focussing on regeneration, would be posted.

·       That there had been an increase in building costs across the market and the project plan was under review by McBains.

·       Two new Officer appointments had been made to the project team.

The Committee sought clarification in the following areas:

·       That the engagement activities undertaken had been aimed at current businesses within the town, as opposed to new businesses.

·       The costs associated and who was leading on the various planning applications required.

·       That the appointment of McBains and the recruitment of two new Officers had been achieved within budget.

·       When the costs versus the designs would become available which it was reported was expected would be later in the project and the importance of recognising this in the communication of the project.

·       Whether any divergence in project timelines and requirements to spend funding between the Council part of the project and the College part raised further complications where it was reported that whilst this could add complexity, the Council part of the projects, including the location of the enterprise centre in the Co-op building, could be delivered to its timelines.  

·       What was demand take up at the current enterprise centre and what was take up expected to be in the new area, where it was reported that the current enterprise was at capacity and demand was strong particularly for space for businesses with 5-20 employees.  It was further reported that the project did intend to have synergies with the College.

·       The Principal of the College would not be present at any discussions at the project board if there were any discussions which directly affects the college in terms of the Council’s expenditure, they would not be present.

The Committee noted the Report and thanked the Leader and Officer for the update who then left the meeting.