Agenda and minutes

To sign the minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2017 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as correct.   

Councillors are reminded of the need to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests that relate to business on the agenda and which have not already been included in the register of interests, before any discussion takes place on the item. Unless the interest is sensitive, you must also disclose the nature of the interest. In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, you must then leave the room and must not participate in any further discussion of the item.  Councillors requiring clarification should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer prior to the day of the meeting.

No declarations of pecuniary interest were made.

The Chief Executive & Growth Director to provide an update and look ahead of the Leisure Centre and Bus Station Project’s forthcoming activity (including the timing of the closure of the Bus Station).

The Chief Executive & Growth Director introduced presenters who would provide an update on the Bus Station closure timescale and outline the preferred procurement strategy for the main contractor/builder. Members would be asked to rescind the planned closure of the Bus Station at the end of February 2018.  A copy of the presentation would be attached to the minutes, which would also include a review of the timelines in the short term and an update on the Bus Station and Leisure Centre development.

The Chief Executive & Growth Director made a brief statement and stated that the Bus Station and Leisure Complex site remained a strategic priority, despite the challenges to deliver the site in a comprehensive way, and ensure that such a significant development would continue to safeguard the economic future of the city centre.  Following the withdrawal of Crown Estate from the commercial retail element of the site, there was the chance to take stock and revisit the purpose of the development, and the procurement process to secure a contractor who would be able to build to budget. The land belongs to the City Council, and it was important to note that its value had increased in recent years.  This project represented a fantastic opportunity for the city, and was consistent with the drive to create a destination and leisure facility for the city. A Member welcomed the news that the land had gained value and she sought an assurance that every effort would be made to ensure the city could meet the challenges of the internet /online shopping and provide what people wanted from their city.

Justin Pickford set out the high level indicative timeline for Members to note:-

·         March – September 2018       Retender/procurement for Leisure Centre & Bus                                                                                Station Build

·         October/November 2018        Return to Council with confirmed Costs

·         November 2018                      Appoint Contractor

·         Winter 2018/ Early 2019         Commence work on site

·         November/December 2020    Facilities open to the public

Justin Pickford invited Phil Lewis to present details of the Procurement Strategy and outline details of the enabling works.  He also invited Iain McNeill to provide details of the highway elements for the Bus Station following the withdrawal of the Crown Estate. 

Iain McNeill confirmed that following further investigation and planning by the Build team, there was no imperative to close the Bus Station before May 2018. It was currently anticipated that Stagecoach would be able to remain in the Bus Station buildings after May 2018 until the new Bus Station opens.

Iain McNeill also identified how the withdrawal of Crown Estates had presented the potential opportunity that part of the bus station upper apron could still be in use after May 2018 – potentially allowing some services to remain during the build of the new Bus Station. The benefits of part of the Bus Station remaining open, subject to a technical review and the appropriate approvals, would be the continued use of the upper apron with the potential retention of up to seven bus parking bays.  In this scenario the temporary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The date of the next Leisure Complex Programme Board Meeting will be identified to coincide with the Programme gateway.

A further meeting of this Board would be arranged to coincide with the revised programme gateway.