Issue - meetings

The Regeneration Project Manager presented a report on the Construction of Redditch Innovation Centre.

In relation to timescales, it was reported that construction was due to commence in Summer 2026 and that there was an anticipated seventy-week construction period with building works due to be completed by the end of 2027.

Speller-Metcalfe had been appointed to work alongside the Design team to complete the stage four designs for the Innovation Centre. Members were informed that extensive value engineering had been undertaken.

The Chair informed Members that recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been proposed at a meeting held on 8^th June 2026. Details of the recommendations were tabled at this meeting.

Following presentation of the report, Members had detailed discussion and commented on several points:

• The impact any delays to the approval of the recommendations would have on the project.
• Members expressed that they would like to see the project progressed quickly.
• Members asked whether a number of contractors had been contacted for quotations.
• Members expressed that they were pleased with the service from Spellar-Metcalfe and that they employed local residents.
• It was confirmed that the risk register was currently being updated and that Members would be given sight of the updated document.

RECOMMENDED that

1. The Council utilise all available underspend from within the Town Deal programme for construction of the Innovation Centre.

2. The Council accept the £2,425,000 Enterprise Zone funding from Birmingham City Council for the construction of the Innovation Centre and incorporate it into the Council’s Capital Programme.

3. Subject to the agreement of recommendations 1 and 2, authority be delegated to the Assistant Director Regeneration & Property Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, and following consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to enter into the necessary contracts and legal agreements required to implement the recommendations within this report.

(During the consideration of this item, Members discussed matters that necessitated the disclosure of exempt information. It was therefore agreed to move to exclude the press and public prior to any debate on the grounds that information would be revealed relating to the financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).