Agenda item

The Regeneration Project Delivery Manager updated the Board on the levelling up fund Windsor Street and Nailer’s Yard projects.

The following key points were raised:

Windsor Street:

a)    Phase Two remediation required six months for treatment and six months for monitoring works.

b)    Cabinet had agreed the site redevelopment for housing via partnership with a Registered Social Landlord (RSL).

Nailer’s Yard:

a)    Construction was progressing with completion expected in May 2026.

b)    Bruton Knowles had been appointed as property management agent for the commercial building. .

c)    The Pavilion building operational model was under review.

Members questions and comments were as follows:

Windsor Street:

• What were the timeframe and costs for the groundwater treatment options as suggested feedback from Environment Agency (EA)?  Officers explained the timeframe for Phase One and Phase Two as detailed in the report and also reassured Members that although works would take six months for treatment works and six months for monitoring, there would be continuing progression with the project in other areas, such as applying for planning permission.  Members were also advised that the works would be within budget for Phase Two remediation works.
• Members requested that the Board be included in updates for the RSL options, prior to Cabinet considerations.  Further discussions were also raised that considerations for a local provider may be more beneficial for residents, particularly when reporting issues.  In response the Executive Director explained that the options for selecting the suitable contractor was in progress, however, local needs would be a consideration.

Nailers Yard Site:

• Members noted that property agents Bruton Knowles had been appointed to undertake the property management of the commercial building but requested clarity on who would manage the Pavilion Buildings.  In response the Board was advised that an operational model was being put in place to explore options such as managing inhouse and considerations for third party involvement. 
• Concerns were raised that GJS Dillon were continuing to receive enquiries for the commercial building, but no tangible lettings had been received.  It was explained that due to delays in appointing Bruton Knowles, there had been some delays with progression, however, Officers were hopeful that an update could be provided at the next meeting in February 2026.

• An update with regards to progression with the release of the restrictive covenant was also requested by Members.  It was explained by the Leader that conversations were in progress to escalate the matter and that an update would be provided to the Board.  Further discussions continued with Members suggesting that delays with the progress of the covenant release  and operational management of the Pavilion should be included as a risk to the Council which was noted by Officers. 
• Members also requested an update on progress for the culvert works and costs associated for the project.  Officers informed the Board that works to the culvert were progressing as per the current programme (4^th May completion). Weather conditions may lead to delays due to the works being carried out in winter. The project manager explained that one complaint had been received from a local resident about the noise from the pumps but this was now resolved with Kier installing acoustic fencing.

The Leader and Officers concluded discussions and were pleased to inform the Board that a representative from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had visited Windsor Street and Nailers Yard site. The representative provided positive feedback, noting that the works were progressing well and highlighted that having a set completion date was a significant achievement when compared to progress made by other Local Authorities.

RESOLVEDthat the update on the progress of the Levelling Up Fund projects be noted.