The Town Hall project is progressing in line with identified timescales.

This report provides a general update, progress on the Hub Groups and back

office regarding the remodelled Town Hall.

The report provides information on the fire safety compliance of the scheme

and the provision of an automated suppression system for members to consider following a motion at Ordinary Council (18.10.2017).

An automated suppression system is a general term given to systems which

are activated automatically when a certain temperature is reached which in turn releases a liquid, substance or gas that reduces the impact or spread of

a fire and/or smoke.

The report by Lawrence Webster Forrest confirms that the current scheme (without any automated suppression system) meets the current standard. However, discussion with experts (including the Fire Brigade) state that risk is further mitigated if an Automated Suppression System is if installed on the top two floors of the Town Hall.

Cllr Mrs McKinlay  MOVED  and Cllr Kerslake  SECONDED  the recommendations in the report and following a full discussion a vote was taken on a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

1.         Note the Town Hall update within this paper.

2.         To agree that the PPR Committee receives a further update report on progress of the Town Hall at the next PP & R Committee.

3.         Progress the detailed work necessary to install a water misting system via an Automated Suppression System on the top two floors of the Town Hall.

4.         That an increased capital budget of £200,000 with an ongoing revenue cost for maintenance of £5,000 per annum be identified for the provision of an automated suppression system. That should the overall projected costs look to be exceeding this amount the decision be referred back to Policy, Projects and Resources Committee.

Reasons for Recommendation

It was recommended to report back to Members at the next PP & R Committee so they are aware of progress generally and the latest financial position in terms of any changes relating to both expenditure and revenue.