Agenda item

Report from the Interim Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet approve:

1.    The delivery of the Wath Principal Areas of Growth project within the budget and scope as detailed in Appendix 2.

2.    Confirmation of the provisional allocation of £1m of the Towns & Villages Fund to works at Wath.

Consideration was given to the report which reported on the progress made since July 2023 on the Wath Projects scheme. Approval was sought to proceed with implementation of the project and confirmation was sought regarding the provisional allocation of £1 million of the Towns and Villages Fund (in addition to the £8.94m previously agreed) to support the regeneration of Wath.

Following Cabinet approval to accept the grant and proceed in July 2023, the Council had developed the scheme feasibility and design as outlined in Appendix 1. The proposed Scheme included demolition of the existing library and the creation of a brand-new library to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. The redevelopment was being designed to enhance the visitor experience between Biscay Way and the High Street to encourage visitors into the town centre.

The redevelopment would deliver facilities of a modern standard, with sustainable and inclusive design. It would also tackle persistent anti-social behaviour issues through the enclosure of the residential staircase and public passageway that ran between the library and the adjacent residential and commercial block. This intervention would make the staircase accessible to residents of the block only through a private entry system. With the majority of the block in Council ownership, the new enclosed staircase would be managed by RMBC Housing services.

The Scheme was proposed subject to full planning permission. An application for planning permission would be made in Summer 2024. A RIBA Stage 3 compliant cost plan had been developed and a breakdown of the capital and revenue financial implications of the scheme was included at Appendix 2.

The Scheme was now sufficiently developed to commence the procurement of a contractor, completion of a detailed design and proceed to the delivery on site. The report sought Cabinet approval to implement the project within the scope and budget outlined in Appendix 2. Any material variation to this would be subject to further Cabinet approval.

Resolved:

That Cabinet approve:

1. The delivery of the Wath Principal Areas of Growth project within the budget and scope as detailed in Appendix 2.

2. Confirmation of the provisional allocation of £1m of the Towns & Villages Fund to works at Wath.