Agenda item

The Deputy Chief Executive presented the Award of a Contract to Upgrade the Town Hall and Update on Towns Fund report.

Members were reminded that a detailed report had been presented to the Executive Committee on 29^th July 2024 in respect of the updated direction for the Town Hall. At this meeting the decision had been made that the move of Redditch Town Centre Library was no longer taking place. It was noted that Worcestershire County Council had been informed of this decision. Also included in that report were the implications of the changes to the Town Hall Hub and the potential response from the external auditors and the implications on the Towns Fund projects and funding.

During the presentation of the report was noted that Seddons, who had been contracted previously to carry out the works in the Town Hall, would carry out the design and build for the revised plans. This, it was hoped, would expedite the works.

This report provided an update on the timescales of the revised enabling works and that the costs, which were estimated to be £500,000, subject to confirmation by Seddons. These were significant works and would entail more remediation works prior to the refurbishment and refit. It was noted that there would be some savings made from the original designs,as the major works, such as the staircases would no longer be needed in the new design. These costs would be presented to the Executive Committee in November 2024.

Members were advised that there would be tenants on the lower ground floor, an enhanced facility on the ground and first floor. The second floor would be occupied by a further tenant and Council staff would be located on the third floor.

In terms of the Towns Board projects, there were number of potential options to consider. However the options were limited by cost or deadline to spend the funding, which was 31^st March 2025. It was noted that a request for an extension to Central Government for these projects was currently being made by the Redditch local MP.

Members were informed that all Council buildings were expected to achieve Level 3 energy rating by 2026. It was noted that this was unlikely to be an issue for the Council as it had previously received funding to replace windows and install heat pumps and that these works had been carried out successfully.

Once again, the risks of the changes to the projects were outlined for Members’ attention and that some areas of change could be challenged by the external auditors in the future.

Members were pleased to see the changes that had been presented in this report. It was outlined that there had been a significant step change since the new administration had been elected in May 2024 and that this project was exciting and a satisfactory outcome for the residents of Redditch.

Although there was still some uncertainty in terms of funding, Members were comfortable that new tenants would be found to help provide funding in a new, vibrant and exciting new space. The outcome of the chamber remaining on the lower floor of the Town Hall was welcomed by Members and it was hoped that this would become a state-of-the-art facility along with face-to-face customer service with Officers working in the Town Hall again.

In terms of the Towns Fund, alternative options were being considered which would be reported in due course and would result in a positive outcome for the Town.

Following the detailed discussion, it was noted that Claire Felton, Julie Heyes, John Homer and Mark Hanwell had been key Officers in working through the changes to the plans and it was requested that this be noted and placed on record.

RESOLVED that

1)    The progress towards the new Town Hall Hub design be noted.

2)    Revised works to RIBA stage 4 as per this report be agreed as the best route forward.

3)    Work continues to determine the most effective alternative use of the Towns Funding as set out in this report.

4)    Members continue to note and approve the consequential risks associated with the revised proposals detailed within this report.

5)    Authority be delegated to the Interim Director of Finance and Resources and the Head of Legal, Democratic and Property Services to enter the consequential contractual arrangements following consultation with the Leader.

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