Issue - meetings

The Action Sheet arising from the meeting of the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee held on 3^rd November, 2021 was submitted, whereupon:

Trinity Chapel

A Member said he had requested the total cost of the scheme.

In response the Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities said the figure detailed in the action sheet was the total being sought from Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Welsh Government, and included the internal refurbishment of Trinity Chapel and the existing library building.  The Officer undertook to provide a more comprehensive breakdown of costs to Members.

A Member asked whether the ‘community shop’ element was still intended, and the Officer confirmed that the community shop would be located in the existing library building to complement other community focussed facilities.

Members expressed concern regarding the escalating costs of the Trinity Chapel project and relocation of the library into the town centre.  They also expressed concern regarding the spend on Anvil Court when the Council did not own the building. 

Another Member pointed out that funding had been secured through Welsh Government and Coalfields Regeneration Trust.  In terms of relocating the library, he said Aneurin Leisure Trust who managed the library facility felt that relocation into the town centre would increase footfall not only to the library but also Abertillery Town Centre.

A Member pointed out that funding from Welsh Government was public money and in his opinion the escalating costs was a waste of public money.

The Committee AGREED, subject to the foregoing, that the Action Sheet be noted.