To receive an update on the Towns Fund projects.
Minutes:
The Board received an update on several of the Towns Fund Projects and Additional Programme Management updates from Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager, and individual project sponsors.
Crewe Youth Zone – A PCSA was now in place with Caddick Construction. The Oak Street car park was now closed and had been transferred to Crewe YouthZone. Stopping up orders for Cross Street had been completed and the Judicial Review deadline was imminent. Comms / PR were being planned around groundbreaking event in early September 2024. A branding and naming exercise has now advanced with two brand options developed. Three new trustees for the Crewe YouthZone had been selected and would be confirmed shortly.
Mill Street Corridor – Detailed design work was currently being developed, and the project was seeking efficiency through works on the Southern Gateway project and Nantwich Road bridge to minimise costs and accelerate delivery.
Warm and Health Homes – Typology surveys had been completed which would feed into RIBA stages. Historic England had contributed £50,000 and 40 of 65 properties had signed up to the scheme. The project was exploring local listed building consent orders to potentially cover a group of buildings to address need for planning consent. SUDS being considered through public realm area. Works were expected to start on the first properties in October 2024 and complete by Winter 2025. The project lead was scheduled to attend the next meeting of the Crewe Town Board on 2 August 2024 to provide an update.
History Centre and Public Realm – The main dismantling and demolition had now been completed. Construction works had now commended and were expected to be complete in late October 2024. Works on the main History Centre project were expected to commence in Autumn, subject to funding and satisfaction of pre-commencement planning conditions. Two fingerposts were to be installed at the History Centre Public Realm site.
Valley Brook Green Corridor – Finalisation of the route details at Electricity Street were progressing but may require modification of route and / or value engineering. The project lead was scheduled to attend the next meeting of the Crewe Town Board on 2 August 2024 to provide an update.
Ly2 – Recladding and internal works to stage had been completed, artwork for the stage and a flooring update to be arranged. Exhibition boards installation issues were to be resolved.
Repurposing Our High Streets – Vinyl artwork was planned for installation on former Poundland premises. Consultation on the design for shutters on Victoria Centre premises were being arranged. The Government’s High Street Rental Auction Trailblazer programme had been delayed due to the General Election.
Flag Lane Baths – The Crewe Town Board sub-group met with Always Ahead on 8 July 2024, following a previous meeting on 22 May 2024. Restoration costs had risen significantly which had caused several substantial risks to the project.
Crewe Youth Club – The Community Ownership Fund scheme had been put on hold due to General Election which had prevented Crewe Youth Club having sufficient funding to appoint a contractor, which had caused delays. Value engineering / deferment had not yet yielded the cost reduction needed which, coupled with cost inflation, had created a funding gap of £175,000. Crewe Youth Club had requested that the Crewe Town Board consider increasing its allocation as it is critical to the project progressing. Other funding sources were also being explored.
Cumberland Arena – A contractor for RIBA4 pre-construction services had been procured.
Pocket Parks – The official opening of the Queen Street pocket park would take place on 20th July 2024. Public consultation was due to start on the next two sites soon.
Jubilee Project – Public consultation was to start this week.
*Southern Gateway – The main works commenced on 10 June 2024 and would be completed early 2025.
*Projects not funding through the Town’s Fund.
RESOLVED:
That the updates be noted and officers to return with updates on Flag Lane Baths at the next meeting.