Agenda item

To receive highlight reports on SWELP projects.

A report was received summarising the status of each Local Growth Fund project and other SWLEP projects, assessing their management in accordance with the Assurance Framework and their level of progress. It was explained that technical advisers to the SWLEP had assessed each project and identified six projects in particular as being ‘focus’ projects that warranted special attention in the summary, and the Committee sought details on those projects, as well as overall progress for all projects as detailed in the report.

Production of the business case for phase 1b of The Chippenham Station Hub project had been delayed due to the availability of Network Rail resource. The SWLEP looked at re-arranging phases, bringing forward stage 5 work, to try to limit overall delays. A letter had been sent from John Mortimer to GWR to request that the issue was addressed. Delays to the project could result in funding being lost, as it must be used by March 2021, and therefore the Committee would lend their support to a more strongly worded letter being sent and requested that this suggestion should be taken back to the SWLEP board.

The A350 Yarnbrook/West Ashton project was reported to be progressing well. Funding to cover cost increases had been successfully granted by the Housing Infrastructure Fund and planning permission had been awarded. Discussions were taking place on progressing development work at a faster pace with an associated acceleration of the LGF spend on the project.

The Head of Terms for the land deal with THRE for Salisbury Central Car Park and the Maltings were in a mature state. However the recent incident in Salisbury had prompted a review between the developer and Wiltshire Council. New approaches were being investigated, such as the change of use of some buildings. Discussions were underway with Central Government. The planning application was due to be submitted in August 2018.

The application to the Housing Infrastructure Fund to cover increased costs for the Swindon Bus Exchange was unsuccessful. However the SWLEP Board agreed that LGF funding would continue based on new plans and profiles submitted by Swindon Borough Council. Construction was unlikely to be completed by May 2021, however this would not create issues regarding the funding as this would be used in earlier stages of the project.

Work was progressing on the New Eastern Villages projects. Costs were reported to have increased on the Southern Connector Road project due to design requirements to mitigate archaeological discoveries. These increased costs would be covered by developer contributions. However an application had also been made to the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF). If this was successful the developer contribution could be released for other elements of the project. The result of the HIF application would be known in Summer 2018. Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet had approved potential compulsory purchase orders for the project.

A design option had been selected for the A420/Gablecross and land assembly was underway. Osborne were appointed to provide early contractor involvement.

The Wichelstowe Southern Access outline business case was being submitted to the May 2018 SWLEP Board meeting. The procurement process for the project would be carried out in June 2018.

Summary updates were provided on other projects. The Junction 16/17 project had been completed. The updated business case for Wiltshire College works had been agreed at the last SWLEP board meeting. The Porton Science Park project had been completed. The opening of the park was to be  considered with the possibility of asking a government minister to attend the opening. The Swindon Art Gallery bid for Heritage Lottery Funding was not successful.

Resolved:

To approve the SWLEP Board’s assessment that the highlight reports are an accurate representation of the status of all LGF projects.