Issue - meetings

[To provide an update on the funding status and strategy for the City Learning Quarter and seek approval to take the required steps to allow commencement of procurement and delivery works for Phase 2]

1.    That it be approved, that if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants were received.

2.    That it be approved, that as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x million of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates were subject to tender prices.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins presented the report on City Learning Quarter Delivery for approval. The report provided an update on the overall financial status of the City Learning Quarter (CLQ) following the conclusion of various funding applications that were submitted during 2021.

The report sought approvals to enable the project to proceed whilst final confirmation of funding was secured. The report also considered the procurement options available and notes the intention to transfer freehold of the College building on completion.

A corresponding private report detailing confidential financial matters was also submitted for consideration.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins proposed the recommendations and the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1. That it be approved, that if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants were received.
2. That it be approved, that as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x million of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates were subject to tender prices.
3. That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

[To provide an update on the funding status and strategy for the City Learning Quarter and seek approval to take the required steps to allow commencement of procurement and delivery works for Phase 2][Report to follow]

That Council be recommended to approve:

1.      That if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants are received.

2.      That as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates are subject to tender prices.  Further approve the delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel approves:

1.      That the procurement of the construction contract is progressed in line with the procurement strategy outlined in the report, but that a contract is only awarded when all funding is secured.

2.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to award contracts for the delivery of Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter to the successful tenderers following the procurement processes outlined in the report.

3.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance to enter into any necessary agreements, contracts or arrangements for the delivery of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter Scheme.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel notes:

1.      That the Council intends to transfer the freehold of the College building land on completion of the works, and notes that this would be the subject of a further report.

Mark Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive left the meeting whilst Cabinet (Resources) Panel considered this item. 

Councillor Stephen Simkins presented the update report on the overall financial status of the City Learning Quarter (CLQ) project following the conclusion of various funding applications that were submitted during 2021.  CLQ is a two phased programme to bring together and combine the City's key learning services, (College, Library and Adult Education) in two centrally accessible locations. The report sought approvals to enable the project to proceed whilst final confirmation of funding was secured, and considered the procurement options available.

Resolved:

That Council be recommended to approve:

1.      That if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants are received.

2.      That as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates are subject to tender prices.  Further approve the delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel approves:

1.      That the procurement of the construction contract is progressed in line with the procurement strategy outlined in the report, but that a contract is only awarded when all funding is secured.

2.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to award contracts for the delivery of Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter to the successful tenderers following the procurement processes outlined in the report.

3.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance to enter into any necessary agreements, contracts or arrangements for the delivery of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter Scheme.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel notes:

1.      That the Council intends to transfer the freehold of the College building land on completion of the works, and notes that this would be the subject of a further report.