Agenda item

Following Scrutiny the report was noted.

Jonathan Burnes gave a summary of the dashboard information and project specifics:

 

Starting with the RAG Status (Red, Amber, Green):

 

Skills: Apprenticeship figures are lower than anticipated, moving the status from green to amber. Efforts are underway to improve these figures with all partners involved.

 

Red Risks:

 

•         Increased Construction Costs.

•         Projects Not Delivering on Outputs/Outcomes.

•         Flood Risk Management Mapping: Officers awaiting feedback from Welsh Government and Natural Resource Wales for mitigation.

 

Red Issues:

 

•         Slippage/Reforecasting: Projects and programmes are addressing slippage, with improvements seen in Quarter 3 compared to Quarter 2. They are continuing their efforts to catch up by Quarter 4.

•         Delivery Against Project Milestones: Driven by financials and deliverables of outputs like buildings and course delivery which is impacting the wider infrastructure.

 

Benefits:

 

•         Jobs: Increase of 119 jobs between Quarter 2 and Quarter 3, now totalling 742 jobs, mainly due to the waterfront project.

•         Investment: Increased by £64 million between Quarter 2 & Quarter 3, now totalling £459 million of the £1.3 billion investment.

•         Procurement Schedule:

•         Minimal changes noted from Quarter 2 to Quarter 3.

 

Members noted an increase in jobs to 742, but felt it was concerning that the total projected number was approximately 9,700. They asked what the current job projection is and given the job losses in the region, is the programme on track to create more employment, or is it falling short?

 

Officers initially set a target of 9,000 jobs, now forecasting 9,700. This forecast mainly includes direct jobs in construction, with wider impacts yet to be recorded. They advised that significant job increases will be seen once evaluations are complete.

 

Currently, 7 out of 36 projects are completed, with 17 infrastructure projects in the pipeline. Officers explained that as these projects progress, job numbers should increase. Officers monitor and mitigate delivery risks, providing annual updates and evaluations to release funding.

 

Members were informed that there are evaluation profiles and benefit definitions used to track progress and detailed reporting on each project is extensive, covering over 100 deliverables, including job creation.

 

Members understood the officers' points but had concerns about job projections at 71/72 Kingsway. They noted that a flexible office space provider occupies 20,000 Ft2. and noted that they could house anywhere from 10 to 100 people.

 

Members accept the uncertainty of how many people will occupy the space but emphasised the importance of other jobs being created as well. Members noted that significant job increases won't be visible until businesses are fully operational, and contracts are in place.

 

Members asked for a breakdown of the 742 jobs by area, particularly focusing on Pembroke Dock Marine as it is a low-income area.

 

Officers explained that the dashboard benefits summary shows how the 742 jobs are distributed across projects. Pembroke Dock Marine it has 77 jobs logged but more have been created and not yet reported due to pending evaluations. Since the infrastructure was only completed last summer, job numbers are expected to increase as the area becomes occupied and operational.

Members asked if after the works to improve the slipways were completed in Pembroke Dock, does the 77 jobs created include those who completed the work, and if so, are these workers still employed. Members asked if these are long-term and sustainable jobs.

Officers advised that the jobs are defined and monitored as full-time equivalents (FTE). Fractional appointments (short-term jobs) e.g., six months, a week etc. are pro-rated to full-time equivalents (FTE) and are then monitored.

 

Individuals or combined roles must be employed for at least 12 months to be considered a full-time job.

 

Officers feel that sustainable jobs are expected post-construction, as businesses occupy the infrastructure. These jobs will be detailed in impact reports rather than direct construction jobs. Currently, most reported jobs are from the construction phase, including roles like project and finance managers.

 

Johnathan Burnes continued doing the project update.

 

Support and Innovation - Low Carbon Growth:

 

•         Bay Technology Centre: Occupancy rates have increased from 65% to around 80%. Securing tenants is taking longer due to legal documents and contracts, but efforts are focused on ensuring the right type of tenants.

•         Switch Project: Focused on decarbonisation of steel. Planning approval has been granted, and the project received extra funding through the Tata steel transition board allowing it to proceed.

•         Property Development Fund: Oversubscribed with more private sector companies wanting to access the fund than available. Projected to overachieve in terms of private sector leveraged investment.

 

Skills and Talent:

 

•         Increase in the number of pilot projects from 24 to 29.

•         Efforts to maximize apprenticeship skills development projects.

 

Pentre Awel:

 

•         The first phase is underway, with a site visit planned for scrutiny members in April. Delivery is on track, with fit-out and tenant arrangements progressing.

 

Digital Projects:

 

•         This is overachieving on several targets, including private sector funding. The programme is seen as a trailblazer in digital connectivity and collaboration among partners.

Waterfront and Kingsway:

•         Swansea Council took possession of the 71-72 building in December. Progress is being made with tenants, and they are aiming for 100% occupancy by the launch in June.

•         Innovation Matrix: Is open and operational with around 80-90% tenancy agreements. Official launch with ministers is scheduled this month.

•         Precinct Project: Currently in discussion for a delivery model and location within the city.

 

Yr Egin Phase Two:

 

•         Phase one is at 100% occupancy. Phase two delivery is under review.

 

Homes as Power Stations:

 

•         Progress has been made in supply chain management and demonstration houses in Port Talbot. Rolling out incentive funds to housing associations, local authorities, and private sector housing.

 

Pembroke Dock Marine:

 

•         Currently progressing their infrastructure including the demonstration zone, training facilities, and university-business collaborations. Seeking funds from government and private sector for activities like birthing and testing technologies.

Campus Project:

•         Main contractor appointed, demolition and build of Singleton phase one starting soon. Working with the hospital for phase one refurbishment and business incubation centre in Morriston. Progressing the 5G Vodafone bid and phase two plans for both sites.

 

Following Scrutiny the report was noted.