To receive verbal updates on progress
Minutes:
Kevin Kerrigan, Programme Director for Workington provided a verbal update on the Workington Town Deal projects.
Members were updated on the accelerated funding schemes;
Former opera house site – the site acquisition had been completed in August, a construction contract had been awarded for permanent fencing and site finishing works, due to commence next week for a maximum period of 8 weeks.
Central Way underpass – there were ongoing issues with pigeon faeces, increased by the removal of the damaged netting. They had been working closely with the Cumbria County Council bridges team to identify other possible solutions as deterrents such like ultra-sonic and audible devices, which had been discounted due to the nature of the structure. The bird netting was seemingly coming out the most appropriate solution and quotes were being obtained.
Updates on the main town deal projects;
Public realm connectivity project – led by Cumbria County Council, work ongoing on stakeholder engagement, an event had been held on 6 October for locally affected businesses, feedback received had been mainly positive about the scheme with some concerns around the potential impact from construction works, long term maintenance and issues around anti-social behaviour. Wider consultation was due to take place from 24 October to 11 November.
Port of Workington and Oldside – monthly project meetings were being held with all concerned to progress the scheme. A topographical survey had now been completed of the Oldside site and were in the process of finalising and ecological walk over survey, required before any future design work.
Digital Accelerator project – led by Lakes College and was progressing well. Professional advisor had been appointed to develop s a design plan and identified the IT equipment required. Works on this project were due to be completed by April 2023.
Innovation Centre – now have scope, programme and costs for site survey and design work to get the scheme to RIBA stage 3. Ground penetrating radar survey should take place at the end of the month leading to intrusive ground investigations in mid-November. That would require partial closure of Central carpark so the team were working closely with the Councils Parking Services, residents with parking permits for Central carpark would be provided free access to the towns multi-storey for the duration of the works. An invitation to tender had been drafted for the potential operator of the Centre, it was hoped that the identifying of an operator would coincide with the award of the construction contract to involve the operator in the design phase.
On this scheme further approval was to be required from the Executive prior to the award of construction and the contract for the operator and approval from the Shadow Authority.
Sports Village – the scope of work and budget had now been agreed for the additional project development work required. There had been some positive discussions with the Football Foundation in relation to potential funding for the community pitch. There was also a lot of work around stakeholder engagement. The scheme would require approval from the Executive and Shadow Authority at future stages.
With regards to an update on the Levelling Up Fund Stage 2 process, the funding application for the Workington Gateway project was submitted and it was believed a decision on that was expected by the end of November.
Members asked questions relating to timescales on physical activity for each of the projects, challenge and accountability on designs and plans of projects, expressions of interest on the Investment Zones and potential impact of Local Government Review.
Jeremy Hewitson, Strategic Advisor - Programmes Maryport then provided an update presentation on the regeneration programme for Maryport.
An overview was provided on the Maryport High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ)projects including;
Maryport Town Hall – the works were now complete and would be opening its doors imminently as a multi-agency hub to be used by the Regeneration Team, Maryport Town Council and the Police.
1 Senhouse Street, the new Art Gallery – was due to go out to tender imminently for a contractor to progress this project. In the meantime the collection was due to be moved to a temporary home which was to allow storage but also some display until the work was completed.
HAZ Shopfront grants scheme – the first scheme was completed and another was currently on site. Discussions were ongoing with three other shop owners.
Originally had intended to deliver 7-10 new shop fronts but costs had increased and funds have had to be reallocated to 1 Senhouse Street.
HAZ Cultural Programme – work and discussions were ongoing.
An overview was provided on the Future High Street Programme;
The Carlton Arts and Entertainment Centre – currently out for tender for a main contractor having received planning permission in July. When those come in with costings it would then need to be looked at whether all original plans could be achieved.
Empire Yard – this project had been amended and simplified since the original plans as an agreement with the multiply owners had not been reached. Future options were being discussed.
Public Realm – the grant funding agreement had been finalised with Cumbria County Council now and legal teams were providing final advice for sign off.
A separate scheme was being devised through the Public Realm programme for a ‘beach boardwalk’ approx. 100 meters in length providing a link with the Ebike Hub and connectivity to Hadrian’s Cycleway.
Residential Conversion Grants – the scheme would deliver up to 18 new residential apartments. The first conversion was now on site.
The Wave Leisure Centre – planning permission was to be submitted shortly going out for tender at the same time.
Christchurch the new Maritime Museum location – the tender for a main contractor was due to go out imminently.
The main issues that had been experienced since awarded the funding were around the costs of building materials increasing significantly. It had led to having to go out to market to a wider tender to try and bring costs back down.
Questions were asked around public engagement and communication and contributions to the shopfront scheme.
Councillor I Greaney raised an enquiry in respect of the proposal to redevelop the disused toilet block on Maryport promenade as a new café facility.
The Strategic Advisor - Programmes Maryport agreed to find out and update members following the meeting.
Councillor C McCarron-Holmes requested an update on three planning breaches on Senhouse Street, Maryport.
Again it was agreed that an update would be circulated to members following the meeting.
Agreed
That the update presentations be noted.