Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Andy Butler, Councillor Nick Mannion, Dr Kieran Mullan MP, Peter Skates, Charles Jarvis, and Rhiannon Hilton.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no new or updated Declarations of Interest, other than those already on file.

To receive a presentation regarding the sixth-monthly Towns Fund performance report for Sept 2023-March 2024.

Report to follow.

The Board received an update and presentation regarding the sixth-monthly Towns Fund Performance Report for September  2023 - March 2024 from Daniel Lindsay, Ekosgen, and Jez Goodman, Development and Regeneration Manager.

Programme Level

The Board were updated that a number of the projects were running significantly behind their original expenditure profiles, largely due to the increased timescales which were necessary to develop the business cases and the time taken to confirm funding sources. There had also been delays in securing the necessary approvals (i.e., planning consent) with projects also requiring additional time to develop detailed specifications and resolve technical issues.

It was noted that within the last six months, significant progress had been made across a number of projects, with most having their planning / other approvals in place, with tenders for the work being received:

-        The first two Pocket Parks had been completed

-        Preparatory works in connection with the History Centre had commenced

-        Initial improvements to the Valley Brook had started

-        The Crewe Youth Zone project at Oak Street had appointed a Chief Executive and a Youth Worker

-        The Crewe Youth Zone at Mirrion Street had had success in securing an additional £500,000 of funding

It was noted that the first Project Adjustment Request (PAR) had been approved in March 2023, and a second PAR had now submitted to address new cost pressures. Additional PARs may be required.

It was noted that Cheshire East Council were working with Government Representatives in relation to its “Deep Dive” which was looking at Crewe’s regeneration programme, in light of the HS2 cancellation, and looked forward to other development and regeneration opportunities.

It was noted that there were no significant programme level challenges expected within next 6 - 12 months, providing that the macro-economic condition continued to improve.

Project Level

The Board were updated that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Red / Amber / Green (RAG) rating criteria differed from the standard RAG approach adopted for the Crewe Town Board reporting.

The Board was updated on the Profile of Outputs and Spend Profile and Risks for the following projects:

• Flag Lane Baths
• Cumberland Arena
• Mill Street Corridor
• Inner Crewe – Warm and Healthy Homes
• History Centre Public Realm
• Repurposing our High Streets
• Pocket Parks
• Valley Brook Corridor
• Youth Zone

RESOLVED:

The Chair agreed to approve the performance report.

To discuss any other items of business.

There was no AOB.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 7 June 2024 commencing at 9.30am.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as 7 June 2024 commencing at 9.30am.