Agenda item

Project Updates

Les Transformations de Southport

Balfour Beatty have been appointed to provide preconstruction services and early contractor involvement to finalise the proposals and detailed programme. The project team are preparing for an Autumn commencement (after the summer season).

The £2.5m Towns Fund contribution will be supplemented with the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Funding, subject to Cabinet and Council approvals. Further communications are scheduled over the summer once the detailed programme has been confirmed.

RA enquired when local businesses will receive updates. It was confirmed that local businesses will receive updates once details are confirmed. AD and MC to action.

AB enquired about the quality of the proposed materials. Details of the proposed palette were shared with the board previously and officers agree that the finish and feel of the works is paramount to achieving the required standard across the town.

Enterprise Arcade

SW provided some context of the project ahead of the site visit. Skyline have commenced the refurbishment works of the existing building, including works to the asset envelope funded by Sefton Council which enabled the refurbishment works.

Negotiations have commenced with an anchor tenant for the third floor and discussions with interested parties for the ground floor food and beverage offer are ongoing.

MLEC

MC provided overview of progress. Dowhigh completed the major utility diversions, ahead of programme and on budget. DSM have been selected as preferred contractor for the demolition and enabling works contract. They are on site and will be fully mobilised by the end of the month. Soft strip, asbestos removal and relocation of the historical features will commence next month. More visible demolitions will take place after the summer.

The main works tender is live with returns due back later this month. Subject to the returns and PCSA contract period, main work commencement expected 2025.

RF queried how such significant cost inflation has impacted the project. Officers confirmed that cost inflation has put pressure on all projects and so far, aiming to be managed to maintain operational and project outputs.

Building Better Customer Experience

SW confirmed that the Building a Better Customer Experience project is progressing well and on target to deliver the project outputs. Sefton@Work are engaged with Southport College and Adult and Community Learning for the delivery and roll out of the customer facing training. The breadth and volume of engagement has been positive.

MB confirmed 177 enrolments achieved to date compared to the 130 target for this stage in the project. The project is on track to meet the total target figure of 330 over the lifespan of the project. MB also confirmed that the interactions with employers have been positive with more asking for follow on sessions for their workforce. Southport College is also developing Level 2 Apprenticeship programmes in response to the demand.  The training modules developed are unique for each of the businesses and tailored to suit their needs and helping to create a cohesive messaging across the Town. Board Members asked to support promotion of the programme, and to explore implementation within their own businesses.

DH concurred that consistency of all interactions is key.

Discussion also took place regarding wayfinding and directional signage to the key areas in Southport.

RF queried ASM’s role and their acquisition by Legends. Monthly meetings take place along with the design stage gateway approvals. ASM retail their legal entity and having such an industry leader in their field demonstrates confidence and commitment to Southport.

MB queried the project timescales and asked if an overview of the development process could be shared. Officer confirmed that works on site will be more visible when DSM take possession of the site. The hoarding designs are being finalised and will display some key project information along with the children’s work from the recent design competition. There will also be QR code links to the website and project updates. Footage from time-lapse cameras will also be available. Communications generally have been limited during purdah however, updates will be provided as the works progress.

RA questioned the status of the grant allocation and potential opportunities for more funding.  This will be dependent on national policy.

Social Value

Focus on securing Social Value is continuing. A quarterly report is published for MLEC. A copy to be circulated to board members for information.

Action: CW to circulate the Social Value quarterly report. Agenda item for next board meeting.