Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2025 and the meeting held on 30 January 2026.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2025 and extraordinary meeting held on 30 January 2026 were approved as a true record.

Presentation from Tris Burdett, Economic Development & Programmes Manager – Economic Development and Programme Team

The Board received a programme update on the Clay Cross Town Deal projects, as well as an evaluation of the associated risks moving forward. This included an update on progress of the Town Centre Regeneration project, on overview of the current timetable and a summary of the challenges impacting the project at that time.

The Board discussed the update. Members raised queries relating to the project timetable and the future use of Block B given the disruptions that the project was experiencing. It was highlighted that a full revised timetable would be shared as part of the closed session, and it was clarified that the pedestrianisation of Market Street was still set to be completed by June 2026.

RESOLVED –

That the update be noted.

Verbal update form Mohammed Mahroof, Property and Estates Manager

The Board received a verbal update from the Property and Estates Manager on the status of the business units in Baileys Square. This included an update on the progress made letting out each of the units. The update also included an overview of the types of business showing interest in the units, an explanation of the challenges that would need to be overcome and a summary of the feedback from potential tenants.

The Board discussed the update. Some Members enquired as to the build status of the units. Members heard that most were at shell level so could be fitted out quickly. Members were also updated on the progress of installing the relevant infrastructure and services on site. Some Members suggested that regular communications with prospective tenants, regarding the project disruptions, would be sensible and should be led by the Council rather than the letting agent, FHP.

RESOLVED –

That the update was noted.

None.

The Chair to move:-

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the following items of business to avoid the disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3, Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006). 

RESOLVED –

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the following items of business to avoid the disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3, Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

Verbal Update from Steve Lee, Assistant Director – Regeneration & Programmes

The Board received a verbal update from the Assistant Director – Regeneration & Programmes concerning issues affecting the Town Centre Regeneration Scheme. The update included an overview of challenges affecting the scheme, an explanation of the relevant next steps and a reassurance of the Council’s focus on completing the project.

The Board considered the update. There were discussions around contractors, risk, budget, priorities, timescales, communications strategy and lessons that could be learned. At the end of the discussion the Board thanked the relevant Council Officers for their hard work.

RESOLVED –

That the update was noted.

The next meeting of the Clay Cross Town Deal Board will be held in the new municipal year.

The next meeting of the Clay Cross Town Deal Board was set to be held in the new municipal year.