Decision details

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted bringing the Committee up to date with the current situation with respect to the various contracts now let for the RAMM Development Project.  Although the project was making progress and was stable, he pointed out that there were a number of risk factors which could still affect the timetable and the cost which had yet to be eliminated.

The Head of Leisure and Museums updated Executive on recent progress and informed members that monthly programme boards took place with the Architects, contractors and senior Council officers in addition to regular meetings with the Senior Members’ Group.

Scrutiny Committee - Resources considered the report at their meeting of 15 September 2010 and the support and comments of members were noted.

Councillor Mitchell attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44.  He complimented the Head of Leisure and Museums and senior officers for the way they had managed the contract despite the very major issues which had arisen.

Members thanked officers for their continuing work on the project and supported the approach proposed in the report.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:-

(1)        officers continue to maintain strenuous efforts to control costs and delays;

(2)        in the light of the latest information on the risks which the project continues to face, contained in the Focus Strategic Cost Review of August 2010, the budget for the project be increased to £24.263m, noting the reasons for the increase in the forecast expenditure as reported in the report.

(Report circulated to members)