20/07/2009 14:35 / To
cc
Subject / Re: Unacceptable Delay on Southside Big City PlanNotes Link
Dear
Thank you for your email about the Southside Gay Village Environmental Improvements. The funding for this project and an acceptance of the tender for the appointment of a contractor was approved by the City Council on 21st May 2009 in time for Pride 2009.
It was always our aim to begin the works on site during the summer 2009. However, the timetable has always been subject to when several utility companies can be brought together to move services to allow for the construction of tree pits and the wider footways – which are a fundamental part of the area’s transformation. My Report to the Cabinet Procurement Committee in May highlighted that the one of the risks to the timetable could be the availability of the utility companies to meet the hoped-for late June start date. We have been very clear about the potential changes to the provisional timetable with the Gay Village Development Group and through the information provided for the Midland Zone article “Gay Village Improvement Plans Formally Approved by Council” in June.
Officers have been in discussion with all the affected utilities since the start of the design work on the project last year and trial holes were dug in January 2009. Despite much work to mitigate a later start-on-site than anticipated, I’m sure you will understand that the reality is that the utility companies have their own pressures and we have no control over their allocation of work. However we have had very positive discussions, and I emphasise particularly with National Grid (who provide services on behalf of British Gas), with site coordination meetings taking place.
I am not aware of any utility issues affecting works at the Cube or Brindleyplace.
I share your frustration that the improvement works won’t start as soon as hoped, however I consider that the City Council is doing all it can in working with the affected utility companies to deliver this project as soon as possible and with the backing of the Gay Village Development Group. A firmer start-on-site date will be announced as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
Councillor Neville Summerfield
Cabinet Member for Regeneration
Birmingham City Council
>These details do not constitute a digital signature.
>Birmingham City Council does not accept service of documents by email.