Agenda item

Hedd Vaughan-Evans (Head of Operations) to present the report.

1.     To consider and note the Quarter 1 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register.

2.     To approve the Quarter 1 Performance Report to the Welsh Government and UK Government, as well as the local authority scrutiny committees.

 

The report was presented by the Head of Operations with the support of Ambition North Wales officers.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.     To consider and note the Quarter 1 Performance Report and the updated Portfolio Risk Register.

2.     To approve the Quarter 1 Performance Report to the Welsh Government and UK Government, as well as the local authority scrutiny committees.

 

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

 

Quarterly reporting on progress against the North Wales Growth Deal is one of the requirements of the Final Growth Deal Agreement. Following consideration by the Ambition Board, the reports will be shared with the Welsh Government, UK Government and the local authority scrutiny committees.  ⁠

 

DISCUSSION

 

Members were guided through the Ambition North Wales updates and the following programmes were specifically highlighted:

 

The Digital Programme

Pride was expressed that an Outline Business Case for '4G+' Linked Sites and Corridors had been approved by the Board in March. It was explained that the development of a Full Business Case including preparations for market engagement has already begun. ⁠

 

It was noted that the Gateway 2 Review on the Outline Business Case of the Connected Campuses Advanced Wireless scheme had been completed in May. It was confirmed that the project had received an Amber rating, and it was stressed that work was under-way to address the recommendations prior to the presentation of the Outline Business Case to the Board in September. ⁠

 

Reference was made to a number of regional projects under way to support SMEs to research new technologies and improve broadband connectivity in local communities. It was noted that these projects were funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund. ⁠

 

Low Carbon Energy Programme

It was stated that the Bangor University-led 'Egni' project was making good progress. It was noted that RIBA Phase 3 was ready to be signed off and it was hoped that a Full Business Case would be presented to the Board in the spring. Similarly, it was confirmed that positive progress has been made to overcome key issues relating to the Deeside Anaerobic Digestion Project funding agreement, before submitting the Full Business case to the Board for consideration. ⁠ ⁠

 

It was noted that there was positive co-operation with the Welsh Government to realise the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub project. It was explained that the project hoped to strengthen the offtake purchase position for Hydrogen before moving on to the next step. ⁠

 

It was confirmed that the Fund's Advisor tender documents attached to the Smart Local Energy project was currently being finalised, together with the timetable for the launch of the tender and review of submissions - these were currently being planned.

 

Land and Property Programme

Reference was made to several programme projects including Warren Hall, Western Gateway, Former North Wales Hospital, Parc Bryn Cegin, Wrexham Gateway and Holyhead Port.

 

It was explained that Stage Fifty Ltd, developers of the Kinmel Studios project, had been placed in administration in early April 2024 by their main funder. It was stressed that the proposed discussions had taken place between Ambition North Wales officers, Conwy County Borough Council and the key individuals involved in the original proposal. It was confirmed that decisions would be made to consider whether the revised application could be developed. It was trusted that the project could be delivered before the end of the year despite the risks. It was hoped that funding agreements for the project would be confirmed by the autumn. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

 

Agri-Food and Tourism Programme

It was reported that the Responsible Adventures project was continuing to develop an Outline Business Case through site visits with stakeholders and preparation for pre-planning applications. It was noted that it was hoped that the Outline Business Case would be presented to the Board before the end of this year. ⁠

 

It was mentioned that the Tourism Talent Network team and the Portfolio Management Office were working together to complete the procurement and the Full Business Case. It was also made clear that work was under-way for a re-brand, a project funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund to boost student engagement. It was noted that work was ongoing to select the project's final sub-centre. ⁠ ⁠

 

It was recognised that officers were considering alternatives to Glynllifon's Rural Economy Hub after receiving the environmental survey feedback from Natural Resources Wales.

 

The Committee was reminded that a task and finish group had been set up to explore the gaps in the agriculture and horticulture areas of the Growth Deal and that a draft research report had been received. It was confirmed that the group was working with the Programme Board and wider stakeholders to complete the report and share it regionally. ⁠

 

Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Programme

It was mentioned that the construction of the Optics Centre and Enterprise Engineering was progressing well and it was noted that further procurement for the project has been launched to refurbish optics, possess suitable equipment as well as develop its hydrogen component.

 

The details of the Portfolio Risk Register were then given and it was confirmed that the 'Planning and Statutory Consent' gross risk had increased during the quarter. This risk had been identified as high; however consent was managed at programme and project level within the Growth Deal to ensure it was managed effectively. ⁠

 

The members expressed their thanks for the report.