URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1016

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content:   As the the Blackheath Bus Interchange project was now approved by MHCLG, the unallocated funds stand at £394,105 following the approvals at the last Board meeting. The Expressions of Interests were included within the Agenda Pack prior to the meeting. Project leads were invited to present the Expression of Interests submitted.    The Project Lead presented the Expression of Interest for further funding of £170,000 for Britannia Park. This funding would support several elements for the park: 1. Signage – New signage at each entrance, this supporting a Green Flag Award. 2. Additional Drainage Works – Enabling the two sports areas to have drainage channels, linking to existing drain. 3. Tree removal - Removing 35 trees that were deemed to be a risk following a survey in 2022. For every tree removed, 2 trees will be planted on site. The Project Lead presented an Expression of Interest for Funding of £94,000 for Haden Hill Park. The park is the longest standing Green Flag Park for Rowley, since 2004. The Park facility is very outdated, and equipment is tired; the expression of interest is to remove the current facility and recreate a play area for junior age. Project lead advised that this expression of interest had been shared with Ward members on the 8th December, who were supportive of the improvements.   A Board Member commented that the Haden Hill Park has had complaints from residents and elected members regarding the play area; there is an active Friends of the Park who have also raised concerns of the existing parks but also the paths surrounding.   A Board Member queried whether residents will be involved in the tree planting and if Sandwell Tree Officers are aware of the proposal? The Project lead confirmed that residents will be engaged for this work, noting that the trees will be planted on site and Sandwell’s officers are aware.   The Project lead advised that at the previous Rowley Board Meeting there was a discussion around planting a community orchard, unfortunately due to contaminated land in the space needed, this is not able to proceed.   Canal Network Connectivity The Project Lead presented an Expression of Interest for Canal Network Connectivity.   1.    A request of £394,000 to resurface 1000m inside the tunnel using centrack. This would be match funded £176,000 Via Canal River Trust to Improve the North and South of the tunnel. 2.    A request of £394,000 to resurface 500m inside the tunnel using Concrete; existing areas of the tunnel evidence that the concrete is a more viable option to centrack material. This would be match funded £176,000 via Canal River Trust to Improve the North and South of the tunnel. 3.    A request of £130,000 to deliver Handrail repair / replacement only. The Trust would still deliver resurface works using match funding of £176k to improve the North and South of the tunnel.   The project lead shared data from a week survey which received 311 responses.   Rowley Regis Connected The Project Lead presented an Expression of Interest for Rowley Regis Connected. The requested funding would improve pathway from Totnal Bridge to Wrights Lane that is used by local residents and students attending the local Academy. Costings were estimated as site visit would be required to determine the works and cost required.   1.    £50,000 Resurfacing the worst affected areas and repair to stairs and handrail. 2.    £135,000 Resurfacing the full length and repair to stairs and handrail. It was noted that the length of the path resurfaced can be adjusted to suit available funding.   A Board Member asked whether tree branch and shrub cuttings will be undertaken as part of this work. The project lead confirmed this will be included to open and clear the path. A Board Member asked if option one was chosen, when could the remaining work be delivered? The project lead confirmed this would be subject to funding being available.   The Chair thanked project leads for their presentation and asked that they leave the meeting for the vote to take place. Project Leads left the meeting.   The Board discussed the Expressions of Interests presented. RR made the Board aware that the funding remaining to be allocated is £394,105.00 and that the Expressions Of Interests submitted exceed this amount. RR made Members aware that if the funding of £394k is allocated to the Canal network for the Netherton tunnel works, the other applications cannot be considered as the funding will be fully utilised. RR reported that all projects were presented to the Rowley Ward members on the evening before, with members preferring work to the Parks as a priority. The Board moved to voting.   Do members support £394,000 for Canal Network Connectivity, Netherton tunnel works? All Members unanimously voted not to award £394,000.000 to Canal Network for Netherton Tunnel Works.   Do members support £130,000 for the handrail repairs for the Canal Network Connectivity project? All Members unanimously voted not to award £130,000 to Canal Network for the Handrail repairs.   Do members support £170,000 for Britannia Parks extended works? All Members unanimously voted to award £170,000 to Britannia Park.   Do members support £94,000 for Haden Hill Play refurbishment work? All member unanimously voted to award £94,000 to Haden Hill.   Do members support £135,000 for Rowley Regis Connected, Wrights Lane refurbishment? All members unanimously voted to award funding to Rowley Regis Connected.   The PMO advised the Board that the Costs for Haden Hill and Rowley Connected were indicative due to the time constraints to submitting an expression; project leads will need to confirm they can deliver within these costs, therefore minor changes may be required to ensure all the funds are allocated.The Board requested updates to changes of funding allocations. 

Date of Decision: December 10, 2024