Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
Local Growth Fund Proforma
Narrative required
Project Title
Battery Way Extension, Tyseley
Strategic Enabler
from Strategy for
Growth
5. Improving Physical Connectivity; 6. Optimizing physical, cultural and environmental assets.
Location
Outline project
details
Battery
Way
is
located
approximately 4.5 miles south-east
of the city centre off the A41
Warwick Road in the Springfield
Ward and Hall Green Constituency.
The existing road is a cul-de-sac
constructed about ten years ago to
give improved access to the former
Lucas Industries (subsequently Yuasa
Batteries) factory.
Background
Although the concept of a through
route between Greet and Olton
(following the line of Olton
Boulevard) was abandoned in the
early 1990s, Highway Improvement
Lines (HILs) were retained between
Warwick Road and Reddings Lane to
allow a link road to be constructed.
It was recognized that there could be longer-term benefits for traffic distribution and access to employment from the provision of an
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
industrial access road in this location.
This rationale has been further supported by the increasing problems experienced with industrial and through traffic in nearby
residential streets. The proposed road would address these problems, provide better access to the Signal Point development, and
enhance access to and viability of other potential development opportunities and employment sites. The proposals have been
discussed in consultation with the local residential and business groups and have received overwhelming support.
The project will assist the redevelopment of the former Yuasa Batteries factory. The site now has planning permission for an
industrial and distribution park to be known as Signal Point. The new access road would help maximise site development and takeup, and enhance access and viability of other potential development opportunities and employment sites. The Signal Point
development would provide over 700 new jobs once fully developed.
The project will also act as an important catalyst for the regeneration of the wider Tyseley and Greet areas, which are key
employment areas for the south-east of the city with more than 15,000 people employed on sites based around the A41 Warwick
Road. In addition to its existing employment numbers, the Tyseley area currently has approximately 7.0 hectares of undeveloped
industrial land and around 31,500 square metres of vacant floorspace, with the potential to create over 750 jobs. There are also
proposed residential developments in the area that would benefit from improved access.
Scheme Details
The current proposal is to extend the existing road by approximately 700 metres as a 7.3 metre wide single carriageway through
former industrial land as far at the junction with Reddings Lane, and to install a traffic signal junction where the Battery Way
extension meets Reddings Lane and Olton Boulevard West.
The outline scheme would provide a new 700m long, 7.3m wide single carriageway road between the existing Battery Way and
Reddings Lane, and a new traffic signal junction where the new road will meet Reddings Lane and Olton Boulevard West.
Potential impact &
outcomes
In policy terms the new link road is welcomed as the proposal will help deliver the regeneration of a redundant industrial site,
contributing towards a creation of a modern ‘best urban’ industrial development, which will deliver jobs in the area.
The construction of the new road improves access for businesses and key employers in the immediate area, such as SCH, Cole Valley
Business Park, ole River Park and the Tyseley Industrial area.
The new road would maximise site development and take-up, address current inadequacies in the local road network, and remove
significant traffic problems in residential streets during peak periods.
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
The decision will focus funding on an access project in an area of the city with a high level of unemployment. This fully supports the
Council Plan 2008-13 objective of ‘Succeed Economically’.
The Birmingham Prospectus and the Birmingham Community Strategy both identify ‘Addressing Worklessness’ as a key priority to
ensure the City succeeds economically.
The Birmingham Area Investment Prospectus identifies this as a key area for redevelopment, investment and employment
opportunities.
Links to other
Government
Programmes and
impacts/outcomes
Overall project costs
(£)
Funding
requirements and
potential
leverage/match
funding (£)
The scheme also contributes to the key Transportation and Street Services Portfolio priority to bring about a modern, efficient, high
quality and integrated transport network in Birmingham, matching its role as a world class city, and to West Midlands Local
Transport Plan 2006-11 (LTP2) targets in respect of congestion and road safety, and Local Area Agreement target NI167 to address
congestion.
Freight & Business Efficiency
Improve journey time reliability by reducing congestion along this key strategic
corridor, and provide better access more suited to HGV’s.
Access to Growth
The scheme will aid accessibility to new developments alongside Battery Way, as
well as regeneration in the wider Tyseley area.
Access to Labour and Skills
Improving local population access to the key employers in this deprived area, key
requirement for new development on brownfield land. Improved access to City
Centre and Enterprise Zone.
£1,260,000 inclusive of works, land, fees (including possible stamp duty) and contingencies
LGF funding sought - £1,110,000
Developer Contribution - £150,000
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
Key Project Milestones:
Duration of project
Key Project Milestones
Planned Delivery Dates
Obtain approval for PDD from Cabinet Committee Procurement
25/03/2014
Complete preliminary design and consultations
31/08/2014
Submit Planning Application
31/08/2014
Negotiations to acquire remaining land
30/09/2014
Obtain approval to Full Business Case from Cabinet Committee Procurement 31/10/2014
Govt Depts /
Agencies
Complete detailed design and appoint contractor.
31/05/2015
Place Order with Contractor – start on site
01/07/2015
Complete implementation of works
31/03/2016
Post-implementation Review
31/03/2017
GBS LEP, Birmingham City Council
Partners
Mucklow Group
Resource
Requirements
£1,110,000 sought from LGF
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
Assessment Criteria
Market Demand
Battery Way is located approximately 4.5 miles south-east of the city centre off the A41 Warwick Road in the Springfield Ward and
Hall Green Constituency. The existing road is a cul-de-sac constructed to give improved access to the former Lucas Industries
(subsequently Yuasa Batteries) factory. Although the concept of a through route between Greet and Olton (following the line of
Olton Boulevard) was abandoned in the early 1990s, Highway Improvement Lines (HILs), which are laid down to protect land for
future highway schemes were retained between Warwick Road and Reddings Lane to allow a link road to be constructed. It was
recognised that there will be longer-term benefits for traffic distribution and access to employment from the provision of an
industrial access road in this location.
This rationale has been further supported by the increasing problems experienced with industrial and through traffic in nearby
residential streets. The proposed road would address these problems, provide better access to the Signal Point development, and
enhance access to and viability of other potential development opportunities and employment sites. The proposals have been
discussed in consultation with the local residential and business groups and have received overwhelming support.
Criteria A:
Ambition &
Rationale
The project will assist the redevelopment of the former Yuasa Batteries factory. The site now has planning permission for an
industrial and distribution park to be known as Signal Point. Outline planning consent has been secured for up to 360,000 sq ft of
industrial warehouse accommodation. The new access road would help maximise site development and take-up, and enhance
access and viability of other potential development opportunities and employment sites. It is estimated that Signal Point may
provide over 700 new jobs once fully developed.
The project will also act as an important catalyst for the regeneration of the wider Tyseley and Greet areas, which are key
employment areas in the south-east of the city, with more than 15,000 people employed on sites based around the A41 Warwick
Road. In addition to its existing employment numbers, the Tyseley area currently has approximately 7.0 hectares of undeveloped
industrial land and around 31,500 square metres of vacant floorspace, with the potential to create over 750 jobs. There are also
proposed residential developments in the area that would benefit from improved access.
The current proposal is to extend the existing road by approximately 700 metres as a 7.3 metre wide single carriageway through
former industrial land as far at the junction with Reddings Lane, and to install a traffic signal junction where the Battery Way
extension meets Reddings Lane and Olton Boulevard West. The majority of land required for the scheme is in City Council
ownership within the Transportation and Street Services Portfolio and discussions are on-going with other landowners to agree
acquisitions or land-swap arrangements to bring the remainder of the land required into the City Council’s ownership (See appendix
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
C for land ownership). An estimate of the additional land required for the scheme is included in the works cost.
Other options considered
Do Nothing. There will be no cost to the City Council for construction or future maintenance, and the Signal Point development can
proceed on the basis the existing road infrastructure, due to the fact that the floorspace proposed is less than that prior to
demolition. However, without intervention congestion would be expected to increase, the environment would deteriorate and the
market attractiveness of the site would be reduced. This will adversely affect the area’s economic performance. If the land were
not used for the highway scheme it may be redeveloped, which would make implementation of a highway scheme more expensive
or impractical in the future. It can be concluded that doing nothing would be counter-productive, leading to disbenefits in the
future, and would fail to satisfy the aspirations of the local residents, businesses and Ward Members.
Wharfdale Road Bridge. This bridge would improve access in and out of the industrial and commercial area of Tyseley as well as
replacing a failing bridge with limited weight restriction. However, the high cost for undertaking this works (£9,000,000 approx)
make it unrealistic in the short-medium term. It can be concluded that this option is not a realistic option in the short-medium term
due to the high scheme cost. The funding currently allocated to this scheme can be better utilised in delivering the Battery Way
Extension scheme.
4. Summary of Options Appraisal – Price/Quality Matrix
Score – 1(poor) to 10(good)
Battery
Do
Way Ext Nothing
Weighting
%
Wharf.
Bridge
Weighted Score
Battery
Do
Wharf.
Way Ext Nothing Bridge
Delivery of Service Outcomes: 1) Desires of Community
9
1
9
20
180
20
180
2) City Council Objectives
9
1
9
20
180
20
180
3) Capital Cost impact
4
10
1
20
80
200
20
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
4) Revenue Cost Impact
6
10
4
20
120
200
80
Level of Risk
8
9
1
10
80
90
10
Level of Stakeholder Support
9
1
9
10
90
10
90
100%
730
540
560
Total
Criteria B:
VFM
Governance
Birmingham’s LTB schemes will be managed at a senior level by a
Project Board consisting of the Executive, Senior User, Finance and
Contractor. These three Birmingham City Council Directors will be
joined by a senior member of the contractor’s team.
Criteria C:
Delivery & Risk
The Project Board will meet with predefined regularity and together
they will be responsible for project control. They will make decisions
within the scope of Cabinet approval and were appropriate decisions
on any minor scope alterations. Any exceptional decisions, including
decisions outside of the approved scope of the scheme, will be
referred to the relevant Cabinet Member and if necessary the full
Cabinet.
The Project Manager will manage the project, tracking progress
against scope, time and budget. They will give direction to officers
across the authority with a specific role in delivering the project,
meeting with each area regularly to ensure any risks or issues are
identified and providing challenge were needed. They will also report
to the Board on a regular basis, escalating any issues for discussion or
decisions outside of their remit.
Members of the project team will work together to deliver the project,
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
ensuring a joined up approach. The engagement & consultation section of the project team will engage with key stakeholders as
well as conduct public consultation. This will be used to inform decision making across the project.
Two well established officer groups within the authority, the Transport Delivery Group (TDG) and Transport & Street Services Group
(TSSG), will provide project assurance. They will scrutinise delivery, finances and procedures, providing challenge to the Project
Manager and Project Board and recommendations for improvements where appropriate.
Risk Management
The majority of land required for the scheme is in City Council ownership within the Transportation Portfolio and discussions are ongoing with other landowners to agree acquisitions or land-swap arrangements to bring the remainder of the land required into the
City Council’s ownership. An estimate of the additional land required for the scheme is included in the works cost.
Planning consent is required as this is a completely new stretch of road.
Diversions of underground mains and services by the utility companies must be completed within the projected timescales. It is not
expected that these will involve any unusual difficulties.
The scheme does not involve any unusual or especially difficult elements in terms of project management, design or contract
management and so it should be achievable using existing resources within the Transportation Projects team, who have successfully
delivered similar projects in the past. Specialist input can be obtained from the City Council’s partner consultants where necessary
to support the internal resources.
Previous schemes that Birmingham City Council have, or are delivering, are shown in the table below.
Scheme
Cost
To
time?
To
budget?
Comments
Delivered:
Selly Oak Link Road
£63m
Yes
Yes
Additional DfT contribution provided to cover shortfall in
S106 contributor
Northfield Relief Road
£19m
Yes
No
Contractor’s claim
In delivery:
New Street Gateway (in
£600m
Under construction
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
partnership with Network Rail)
Metro Extension (in partnership
with Centro)
£127m
Under construction
Chester Road (sole lead)
£10m
Full Approval
Tame Valley Viaduct Bridge (Deck
Waterproofing)
£4m
Yes
Yes
Successful collaboration between BCC & HA in
combining M6 and A38(M) bridge works
It is not envisaged that there would be any difficulty in securing contractors for the work at the present time as there is spare
capacity within the construction industry.
Procurement
The overall responsibility for delivery of the Battery Way Extension scheme, including the appointment of consultants, contractors
and delivery partners will lie with Birmingham City Council as the lead Authority. This will be undertaken in accordance with the use
of a competitive tender process in line with standard procedure. The appropriate procurement processes will be selected to enable
delivery of the proposed scheme in the most efficient way that delivers maximum value for money within the resources available.
This means that, where appropriate, existing procurement mechanisms and / or existing proven competent framework suppliers will
be used to accelerate delivery. This will enable us to the start the implementation process quickly and will significantly reduce the
likelihood of early delays in the delivery programme that could impact on delivery of the scheme as a whole.
Building on the City Council’s record of successful delivery of large and complex highway and transport-related capital projects and
programmes, internal resources will be used for the design and contract administration of schemes where available. However,
external consultants are likely to be appointed to deliver a significant proportion of the detailed design and implementation work,
with the City Council providing a programme management and monitoring role.
Where available, design work will be carried out using the City Council’s own resources. However, it is anticipated that much of the
detailed design work will be carried out by external consultants under the control of the Project Management Team, which will be
staffed by senior, experienced Council Officers. It is intended that the design stage will be procured under the Homes and
Communities Agency’s framework contract which is already widely used by the City Council to procure consultants for works on the
highway.
During the first quarter of 2014, a new Highway Infrastructure Framework Contract will be put in place. The new contract is being
Forms to be completed and returned to Katie Trout and Craig Wakeman by 27th September
Name: Philip Edwards
Organisation: Birmingham City Council
Contact details: 0121 303 7409, Philip.Edwards@birmingham.gov.uk
developed specifically to allow for all of the highway elements needed for the programme. In ensuring value for money from capital
investments Birmingham recognises the need to provide for the long term maintenance and management of all new infrastructure.
To this end, our long term, strategic partnership with Amey for the maintenance and management of the city’s highways and related
infrastructure meets this objective. All designs for proposed infrastructure will be assessed for maintainability by Amey in line with
the City Council’s code of practice. This will guarantee that all materials and construction details are robust and capable of being
cost effectively maintained. It will also ensure that the positioning and layout of features fits well with existing infrastructure,
enabling accessibility for maintenance operations in a safe and efficient manner, whilst reducing the potential for traffic disruption
during maintenance.