The Head Of Operations - Community Services presented a report which sought approval of Cabinet to enter a construction contract with Knox and Wells Ltd for the re-development of Maesteg Town Hall.

He explained that Maesteg Town Hall was a grade 2 listed building located within a conservation area. It occupied a prominent position in Maesteg Town Centre and was a focal point for arts and community activity in the Lynfi Valley. The expansion would allow for more facilities like training rooms and a library etc.

The Head Of Operations - Community Services explained that the authority had employed a multi-disciplinary team to deliver the concept design and cost for the proposed repair, restoration and extension of Maesteg Town Hall. The design team included:

• The MACE Group – Project management and cost consultancy

• Knox and Wells Ltd – Design and Build Contractors (appointed currently for their professional design services)

• Purcell Architects – Architects

• Musker Sumner partnership – Civil Engineers

• Hoare Lea – Mechanical and Electrical Consultants

To date the design team have:

• undertaken several surveys within the building

• progressed the designs in line with survey findings

• provided a proposed cost plan

The Head of Operations – Community Services advised that the Town Hall closed in October 2019 and Awen Cultural Trust have decanted the building. Due to a delay in the return of sub-contractor tender returns there has been a slight delay in construction start, however the project is now at the stage where there is a need to enter into the second stage of the design and build contract so that construction works can commence. The contract value for this element will be £6.5 million of the total project costs of £8.2 million included in the Capital Programme Update Quarter 3 report presented to Cabinet 21 January 2020, and to Council for approval on 22 January 2020.

The Head of Operations – Community Services outlined to Members the Equality Impact Assessment and Well-being Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 assessment indicated at sections 6 and 7 of the report.

The Leader commented that this is was a long term investment and although it was hard to plan these types of costs, it was a worthwhile investment to secure an important building for years to come. The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration echoed these comments and added that it was a strategic plan for the town centre.

The Chief Executive noted that there may be a large amount of social media and media interest so it was important to ensure that the public were aware of the importance of the long term investment that had been committed to the building.

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help echoed these comments. He thanked Halo and ARWEN for their support throughout the process and was looking forward to seeing the end result in terms of works to this important facility being completed.

The Leader hoped that full Council would approve the development of Maesteg Town Hall as it was important to maintain it’s local heritage.

The Leader queried the whereabouts of art that was created by a local artist. He stated that after the Council Chamber refurbishment had taken place many years ago, the artwork was taken down and placed in storage. He added that it would be a good idea to locate this art and have it re-displayed at Maesteg Town Hall.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet, subject to approval of Council:

• Delegated authority to the Head of Operations – Community Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Chief Officer – Legal, HR & Regulatory Services, to enter into a construction contract with Knox and Wells Ltd of £6.5 million and all such other ancillary contractual documentation as shall be necessary to complete the Maesteg Town Hall Re-development Construction project.