Agenda item

On behalf of the project delivery teams, SW confirmed that work continues on each of

the Town Deal projects.

MLEC. The vital milestone of obtaining Planning Approval was achieved at the end of

April. The project is still on programme to achieve commencement of the demolition

works in the summer, subject to discharging the necessary planning conditions. Part of

the planning committee discussions focussed on the impact of the construction process.

The Contractor and delivery team are developing the management plan to ensure

stakeholders are involved through regular consultation and community engagement.

Details of the engagement and social value activities were summarised in the last

meeting. The contractor will lead on the delivery phase plan.

Les Transformations. Works are programmed to commence after the busy summer

period to lessen the impact on local businesses. Copies of the detailed design will be

circulated to the Board and wider consultation for full visibility prior to commencement

of the works.

Enterprise Arcade. A Cabinet report is being prepared to update members on progress

of the contractor procurement and approval of funding for the enabling works. Work is

ongoing with the project team continuing to progress the delivery and operator models

options.

Building Better Customer Experience. Southport College are leading on the delivery

of the training programme. They have faced delays due to challenges with recruitment,

but issue now addressed. The first course for 40 learners commenced this week.

Equality and diversity remain a key cross cutting theme across all aspects of project

delivery. We are also working with SAFE (Southport Access For Everyone) group who

are keen to work with the Council and promote inclusion for all.

PH queried if moving the Les Transformations programme dates to Autumn compress

delivery. SW confirmed that the aim is to avoid the busy summer and Christmas tourism

periods. Programme information can be provided as part of the detailed design update

for Les Transformations. The aim will be not to impact on the summer periods, this year

or next.

AB questioned whether the opportunity of the former coop building along Eastbank

Street coming back on the market had been considered. SW confirmed this site formed

part of the wider Enterprise Store aspirations in the Town Investment Plan. The Council

do not have the resources to acquire the site and redevelop but given the completed

and planned works in the vicinity (the market, public realm improvements, the

Coronation pub, etc) will make it an attractive commercial proposition for private

investment.

DT made enquiries as to whether local businesses will receive updates on key

milestones for MLEC. Discussion took place on a comms plan for Town Deal Projects

to keep businesses, residents and stakeholders in the wider area informed of

forthcoming milestones. A variety of engagement tools will be utilised including social

media. Board members wanted the comms plan to be clear on timescales. MA

highlighted that the Council have delivered what they have said they would do to date,

and the focus is to remain on delivery of the aspirational projects.

Action. SW to review the key programme dates and issue comms plan that can keep

Board members, local businesses and key stakeholders informed. SW to review further

with Southport BID (DT).

AN was keen to understand the current programme, progress of Contractor negotiations

and how advance notice of the key work stages can be incorporated in the planning

stages. SW confirmed that negotiations with the preferred contractor at MLEC is in the

second stage of procurement allowing the design work undertaken to be fully priced.

The Contractor is already involved in Community engagement activities including

working with local schools, the college, offering apprenticeships to care leavers. There

are lots of positive stories that have been and can be communicated.