Issue - meetings

Questions to Cabinet Members

Meeting: 31/03/2021 - Council (Item 10)

10 Written Questions by Councillors pdf icon PDF 133 KB

[That the Cabinet Member for City Economy respond to questions received]

Decision:

That the responses to written questions be noted.

Minutes:

  1. Heath Town Baths

 

Councillor Simon Bennett asked the Cabinet Member for City Economy:

 

“The redevelopment of Heath Town Baths is an important project in the Heath Town Ward, what involvement has the Cabinet Member had in bringing this much delayed project forward?”

 

The Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Steve Simkins responded that since being in post since July 2020 he had received regular briefings from officers and had been assured that the project was moving forward despite the unavoidable delays caused by Covid-19. The Council had worked tirelessly to line up a private led scheme, following an open tender process, Gaddu Associates was appointed.  The Council continued to hold regular talks with Gaddu Associates, supporting them to develop their proposals.

 

The Heritage Lottery grant programme had been suspended due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic but had reopened in February and a case worker had been working with Gaddu Associates to support the resubmission of their bid. He added that the scheme was supported by the Council, the local community and more importantly the local MP.

 

Councillor Simon Bennett asked the Cabinet Member for City Economy the following supplementary question:

 

“This project is now on its third Cabinet Member, how has this impacted on delivering this important Community asset?”

 

The Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Steve Simkins stated that there had been ten years of austerity, ten years of lack of investment coming into the city, and finally a stage had been reached where a developer could be appointed.

 

  1. Heath Town Baths

 

Councillor Paul Appleby asked the Cabinet Member for City Economy:

 

“How much did the tendering process cost for Heath Town Baths and how much was paid to the Consultants used?”

 

The Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Steve Simkins stated that the appointment of the commercial adviser to manage the developer and selection process was agreed by Cabinet due to the complex nature of the building, this was undertaken by way of a mini competition using the Property Panel of the then Homes and Communities Agency to ensure value for money was achieved. The tender value was £19,872.

 

Councillor Paul Appleby asked the Cabinet Member for City Economy the following supplementary question:

 

“In the last four years the redevelopment of this very important community facility has progressed very little under the successful bidder, does the Cabinet Member consider this process to have delivered value for money?” 

 

The Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Steve Simkins stated that he wouldrespond to Councillor Appleby in writing with the value for money on the contract.

 

 

  1. Heath Town Baths

 

Councillor Jonathan Yardley asked the Cabinet Member for City Economy:

 

“Since the tendering process for Heath Town Baths concluded it is understood that the building has suffered further damage whilst standing idle. Please can the Cabinet Member detail the additional damage that has occurred since the tendering process finished?”

 

The Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Steve Simkins stated that the most significant damage to the building had occurred  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10