The Committee will receive a verbal update report from the Interm Regeneration Consultant.
Minutes:
The Chair welcomed the Interim Regeneration Officer who was attending the meeting virtually so that an update on the regeneration of the Regis Centre, Bognor Regis could be provided to the Committee.
The Interim Regeneration Officer outlined some key points since his last update provided to the Committee on 26 October 2023. These have been summarised below:
· Arun Arts had vacated the premises allowing the intrusive surveys required inside and outside of the building to take place as part of the stage 4 design to be undertaken.
· The project was being retendered on a different procurement framework and four expressions of interest had been received. Tenders would be sent out on 11 December 2023 with submissions expected early in the New Year with an appointment planned for the end of January 2024.
· Design stage 4 was progressing using the existing design team.
· In terms of the Planning Application and the delegated authority provided to the Planning Officer, that Officer was still working through the drainage issues that need to be resolved before consent could be granted. Members were reassured that steady progress was being made.
The Chair thanked the Interim Regeneration Officer for his detailed update and invited questions from Members. Questions and points raised by the Committee focused on:
· When would construction work start? It was explained that given the timescale of the build and project, this would be well into 2025/26 before the scheme would be completed. The intrusive surveys were taking place now which could not commence until Arun Arts had vacated the premises, this had caused a delay. The demolition works had been delayed due to the need to retender for a new contractor and subject to getting the planning issues resolved.
· The relocation of Arun Arts. They were hoping to use the space they were occupying for money making studio activities, but this was not possible due to a lack of access to public conveniences. It was confirmed that there were toilet facilities at the Town Hall that could be used by Arun Arts customers but only when the Town Hall was open. Talks were taking place with the Town Hall to see if the toilet facilities could be made available at other times.
· It was unfortunate that the Brewers Fayre space was not being used for public use. The contractors moving into this space, how much space would they be using and would they be paying rent. It was explained that a written response had been provided to the Councillor asking this question.
· Concern was expressed over the intrusive survey work taking place on the Place St Maur, although necessary, it was hoped that the site would not be damaged and would be returned in a pre-survey condition.
· Any project delay often resulted in increased costs. Were there any concerns that needed to be shared with the Committee? Could the email response provided to the Councillor please be shared with the Committee? It was confirmed that this would be circulated. There were no budget concerns as there were signed in contingencies to cover most issues.
· Had there been any further opportunity to look at the design and the choice of materials that would be used? It was explained that this was not a matter for this Committee as there were reserved matters covering materials which would be sorted out with the Planners.
· Were there any further updates to be given on solar panels? It was confirmed that solar panels would be used, and that the Council had received £50k of funding for this.
Following some further discussion, the Committee noted the verbal update provided.