Report of the Assistant Director of Projects and Development attached.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets (Councillor Matthew Tomlinson) and the Director of Planning and Property (Jonathan Noad) presented a report on the progress of the Worden Hall project to the Committee and responded to members’ comments and queries. 

The officer working group had met several times but progress had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding for the project was agreed by Full Council in February 2020 and planning consultants, Purcell, had been appointed to help with any technical work in preparation of a planning application for the Hall.

Members queried the budget and forecast expenditure for the employment of Purcell and were assured that these figures could be provided.

Interest in how the project would meet the Council’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030 was expressed. In response, members were informed that this would be incorporated into the design and works to the Hall and that emphasis would be placed on innovative ideas and minimising the carbon footprint of the Hall. Local procurement was also desired and those appointed to undertake the works would be made aware of the council’s environmental aspirations.

In response to queries regarding what progress could be expected by the next meeting, it was suggested that an update on procurement routes could be provided and Purcell may also be able to provide an update on progress.

The Committee thanked the Cabinet Member and Director for their attendance.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That

1.    the Scrutiny Committee thanks the Cabinet Member for the offer of regular updates from the Council’s consultants

2.    the Scrutiny Committee welcomes a further update on procurement process

3.    the Scrutiny Committee requests information on the costs involved with the Council’s consultants and;

4.    the Scrutiny Committee supports the commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the building.