Agenda item

Project Updates

 

MLEC

 

MC provided an overview of progress to date.

 

The Business Case was approved by DLUHC in December 2022. 

 

The planning application was submitted in July 2022 and due to design development, has an extended consultation period.  Determination is due at the April Planning committee. As part of the planning process, most consultees have now responded.

 

The preferred operator (ASM Global) are now actively involved in key design meetings bringing practical experience and lessons learnt from their other sites. The design team are also incorporating feedback from site visits at similar venues.

 

The agreement to lease is being finalised.

 

Tender evaluation of the contractor package is complete with announcement due later this week.

 

Action: CW circulate the proposed press release to members when available.

 

In parallel with the planning application, the RIBA Stage 3 design work package was completed within budget despite current market conditions, cost pressures and maintaining the construction contingency. The design team are now progressing RIBA Stage 4 design work with the preferred tenderer.

 

RF queried if there have been any challenges or environmental concerns raised. MC confirmed that the proposals for the Water and Light Show have included some mitigation measures, such as limiting the use of lasers during key times of the year e.g., breeding seasons. Sensible approaches have been made along with incorporation of new techniques to minimise the impact such as the north island.

 

PH felt that it was important for the community to see progress of the physical works and not to be put off by criticism and ‘doubters’ as this is to be expected.

 

SW reiterated that progress has been at pace and is testament to MC and the team for the thorough but huge undertaking to get to this position. This was reiterated by the Board.

 

Social Value Capture – MC reported really positive social value capture through Contractor and will report further to Board on SV output at a later date.

 

Les Transformations

 

AD provided an overview of the Les Transformation project, the progress made with phase one as well future phases.

 

The preliminary design of phase 1 has been completed. The proposals and hard landscaping materials have been selected and consulted upon, with an internal review of the proposals now being undertaken.

 

To start the process, Traffic Regulation Orders (RTO’s) have been advertised, with consultation with the statutory undertakers. Options for procurement of phase 1 are also being examined for commencement around August/ September 2023 (subject to the necessary approvals).

 

The directional and wayfinding reports are substantially completed with the final report due by the end of April.

 

Initial feasibility work has been undertaken to review traffic movements and opportunities for improved accessibility and public realm and Marine Lake Access and Connectivity Study.?

 

Funding sources to fund development of further work (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement - CRSTS and Active Transport Fund ATF4).? Report anticipated in April on future phases and programme of work.

 

RF queried the timescales and movement of spend out of year. AD confirmed that enabling works will commence as soon as possible but the main works have been programmed after the main tourism season.

 

RA requested a copy of the design proposals when finalised.

 

Action: CW to circulate further detail when available.

 

AN was keen to understand the connectivity and potential predicted traffic movement impacts between phases of work and the need to avoid conflicts. AD confirmed this was an important aspect of the next stage design work.

 

Enterprise Arcade

 

CW provided an overview of the Enterprise Arcade project. The project is progressing and achieved some key milestones. Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission for the proposed works in the Bank Building were approved in January 2023.

 

Procurement of the delivery team is underway with the project managers now carrying out a detailed review of the RIBA stage 3 Design work to form part of the tender document package. Contractor engagement to commence April with the proposed work to run over the summer. Works are still expected to be substantially complete this financial year.

 

RF queried the operator discussions. CW confirmed they are still ongoing, and the operating model options are being explored.

Building Better Customer Experience

 

CW provided an overview based on the information provided by the Employment and Learning Team.

 

The recruitment for a delivery lead is now taking place by Southport College and new modules are being developed. The modules will be based on 7 key principles.

 

      i.    An overview of customer service expectations and the importance of providing excellent customer service - customer service etiquette, communication skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution.?

     ii.    ?An introduction to Southport's customer service environment and the specific challenges they may face - understanding of the equalities, local culture, customs, and expectations of customer service.?

   iii.    Training in customer service processes and procedures - how to handle customer complaints and requests, how to use customer service software, and how to use customer service as a relationship-building tool.?

   iv.    A review of customer service best practices - strategies for building customer loyalty and creating a positive customer experience.?

    v.    An introduction to the use of technology for customer service - overview of the various customer service tools available and how to use them effectively.?

   vi.    A review of customer service metrics and how to measure customer service performance - understanding of the various metrics used to evaluate customer service and how to use them to improve performance.?

  vii.    An opportunity for practice customer service strategies and tactics in a simulated environment.?

 

In relation to Equality, Southport already has embedded a range of strategies in place to ensure equal access for all but will take up the offer from the Council to test out some of the modules with a range of focus groups.?

 

The focus groups will identify any diversity that may be flagged up within the modules in relation to physical, visual, hearing needs etc of the client group and consider issues around cultural awareness within customer care and interaction.?

 

Southport College are currently engaging with a range of employers and linking in with Invest Sefton and signed up to the Caring Business Charter.?

 

MB was able to add that a flexible approach will be taken, addressing local business requirements.

 

RF queried the length of course that will be on offer. MB confirmed that modularisation means that courses can be based on need, from 1-day sessions, short term courses or longer-term programmes. The Business Relationship team at Southport College are working to identify what is needed and developing the modules accordingly. Some businesses may share resources for quick upskilling of existing staff to fulfilling gaps in employability skills or demand may dictate specific in-depth training for specific organisations.