Issue - meetings

That Council approves:

1.     The allocation of £5.14m from the Capital Inflation Contingency Fund for the delivery of a new Library and Business Centre in Nuneaton; and

2.     A £6.70m increase to the capital programme, for the new Library and Business Centre in Nuneaton allowing for the inflationary uplift referred to at resolution 1, the land purchase price and a contribution of up to £1.5m from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), giving a total scheme budget of £26.12m.

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property) moved the recommendation as set out in the report.  In doing so, he noted that funding for the development had originally been added to the capital programme prior to the pandemic and due to delays in delivery, a cost review exercise had been undertaken followed by extensive value engineering and optioneering work to consider what could be delivered within the original budget envelope.  A revised scheme was now proposed, with acceptable change in scope/scale, resulting in additional funding being sought to support the works.

Councillor Jeff Clarke seconded the recommendation and reserved his right to speak.

Debate

During the course of the debate, councillors made the following points:

·       The importance of providing library services to the community was highlighted

·       Changes to the design were noted and energy efficiency was welcomed.

·       The investment was welcomed but an improvement in the community space provided was sought.

·       The inflationary pressures that had affected the scheme were noted and the simplified design and funding sources were welcomed.

·       However, concern regarding the housing needs of Nuneaton were raised and the Portfolio Holder was requested to work with local members to consider appropriate provision and viability.

In response, Councillor Jeff Clarke welcomed the plan to regenerate this area of the town, noting that the current building had reached the end of its useful life.  He supported the energy efficiency measures and welcomed the work undertaken by officers that would enable delivery of the project.

Councillor Peter Butlin welcomed support for the project, which he confirmed was being developed in co-operation with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, including discussions regarding housing needs.  He noted that libraries had a wide role and offered a number of community services which would be reflected in the use of the new provision.

Vote

A vote was held and the motion was carried by a majority.

Resolved

That Council approves:

1. The allocation of £5.14m from the Capital Inflation Contingency Fund for the delivery of a new Library and Business Centre in Nuneaton; and
2. A £6.70m increase to the capital programme, for the new Library and Business Centre in Nuneaton allowing for the inflationary uplift referred to at resolution 1, the land purchase price and a contribution of up to £1.5m from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), giving a total scheme budget of £26.12m.

To consider an exempt report recommending a regeneration project at Vicarage Street, Nuneaton as part of the Transforming Nuneaton programme.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Peter Butlin

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced this item and summarised the exempt report.

Resolved

That the recommendations as set out in the report be approved.