Issue - meetings

[To provide an update on progress made in implementing the lessons learnt recommendations made in the reports: Markets Relocation, Wolverhampton Interchange (Train Station) and Civic Halls Refurbishment]

Peter Farrow, Head of Audit gave a brief introduction to the report.  Darren Baker, Civic Halls Refurbishment Programme Director presented the update report on progress made in implementing the lessons learnt recommendations made in the ‘Civic Halls Refurbishment’ report that was presented to the Committee on 25 June 2018.

Bob Hide, Independent Advisor Equib explained his role of keeping abreast of what was happening on the project.  Part of that involved working with the Programme Director on the development of a ‘gateway process’; a key assurance mechanism designed to provide an objective view of the ability of the programme to deliver on time and to budget. That would be used at the design stage before moving onto the construction phase of the refurbishment.  He had also facilitated risk workshops in order to validate information on the programme contained in Verto, the Council’s project management system.

Ged Lucas, Strategic Director for Place also reported that he was the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the project and held fortnightly meetings with the Programme Director.  There were also monthly Programme Board meetings and progress on the project was reported to quarterly meetings of the Capital Projects Member Reference Group.   By the time gateway process was completed in February/March 2019, the Council we would be in the position to answer more questions, including information on cost estimates.

Councillor Harbans Bagri asked for an update on the state of the foundations of the building, the structural steelworks, survey works and the extent of any deterioration to the structure beneath and to the exterior of the building.  The Programme Director reported that the contractors had exposed the foundations and generally they are in a good condition and had not caused any issues to the steelwork.  There were no concerns in that area from the surveys.  Steelwork had been found on the exterior of the building to be corrosive in parts, this was the subject of ongoing investigations.  There were no concerns for the building’s internal steelwork.

Councillor Sohail Khan said that at a recent site visit to the Civic Halls building it was reported that a full condition survey had not been undertaken. The Programme Director reported that a condition survey had been undertaken when he came on board the project.  Structural surveys to open up areas had not been undertaken.  The condition of the building was informing the design going forward.

Councillor Sohail Khan asked how feasible it was to be talking about a budget for the project when there was uncertainty surrounding the condition of the building. The Programme Director reported that once the survey work was complete the costs would be clear. 

Councillor Sohail Khan also asked whether regardless of the building’s condition, would the budget cost for the programme be exceeded. The Programme Director reported that within the budget for the programme there was a contingency to cope and manage the structural repairs.

John Humphries, Independent Member asked how the contingency figure was calculated.  The Programme Director explained that the design with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6