Agenda item

The report summarises activity to progress the Ashbourne Reborn Programme, highlights key programme risks and set out next steps.

Giles Dann, Regeneration and Place Manager (Derbyshire Dales District Council) introduced an updating report to Board Members which summarised the work completed to progress the Ashbourne Reborn Programme, highlighted key programme risks, and set out the next steps. It was noted that the grant funding agreements were now signed by all relevant parties and in place. It was also noted that confirmation had been received from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) that a project adjustment request would not be required at this stage as they were comfortable with the revised funding profile into 2025/26. Regarding programme communications, it was reported that a Communications Officer had now been appointed by the District Council and was due to start after the Christmas break.

The Terms of Reference of both the Ashbourne Reborn Link Community Hub Project Board and the Highways and Public Realm Project Control Board were presented to Programme Board Members for approval, following finalisation by their relevant Project Boards.

Jim Seymour, Assistant Director for Regeneration and Major Projects (Derbyshire County Council) presented Board Members with an update on the Highways and Public Realm project. Regarding the minutes of the November Project Control Board meeting and a question raised by Councillor David Hughes (Derbyshire Dales District Council), it was confirmed that a working group was being arranged to review the programme of town centre events and the future management of public space assets.

In relation to the delayed completion of the funding agreement between Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council, it was considered important that this process be learnt from moving forwards. Councillor Simon Spencer (Derbyshire County Council) suggested that a mechanism be developed that could be implemented to solve any similar partnership issues quickly, should they occur in the future. Regarding the change management process for the project, it was noted that Kim Dorrington (Ashbourne Town Team) had previous experience in this area and would be happy to provide support.

Following the news of the successful appointment of a Communications Officer, Councillor Simon Spencer (Derbyshire County Council) informed the Board that the proposed Main Contractor for the Highways and Public Realm project intended to set up a project office within a vacant town centre property which could provide office space within Ashbourne for the newly appointed Communications Officer.

Regarding the issue of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation on the Market Place, it was noted that due consideration needed to be given to the views of the Police and for the risk assessment process to run its course.

Tony Walker, Ashbourne Methodist Church, presented Board Members with an update on the progress of the Link Community Hub Project. It was noted that the planning application for the major works of the project was due for consideration by the District Council’s Planning Committee on the evening of Tuesday 12^th December and that the application was recommended for approval.

It was noted that following the signing of the Grant Funding Agreement, the Church was keen to receive payment of the LUF grant for their expenditure to date. It was also noted that the first payment had now been issued.

In response to a question from Councillor David Hughes (Derbyshire Dales District Council) regarding the current cost plan estimate, it was noted that further value engineering was being undertaken with the aim of reducing costs to within the available budget.

Regarding the mobility hub and proposed external grant funding towards this (from the Bus Service Improvement Plan), it was noted that a meeting would be required with Derbyshire County Council Officers early in the new year to discuss the matter.

It was moved by Councillor Anthony Bates, seconded by Kim Dorrington and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That the Terms of Reference for both the Ashbourne Reborn Link Community Hub Project Board and the Highways and Public Realm Project Control Board be approved by the Programme Board, in accordance with Governance requirements.

2.    That the Procurement Strategy/Guideline document for the Link Community Hub is circulated to the Programme Board for noting under written procedures.

3.    That the Board considers progress to date and the position regarding programme, cost, deliverables, and risks be received and noted.

4.    That the proposed approach to seeking advice from DLUHC on the Project Adjustment Request process be approved.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.