To update the cabinet member of the current position regarding Hereford City Centre Transport Package (HCCTP) and progress of the city link road and to approve the next steps regarding the design of other package measures.

The City Link Road project is nearing completion on programme and when complete will provide the necessary infrastructure to enable the transformation of the city centre with development opportunities including an urban village, university accommodation and public service hub facilities. Following the completion of the road further measures including a new transport hub at the train station and public realm on surrounding streets will enhance the area and provide opportunities for more sustainable travel as part of an overall transport strategy for Hereford.

This report provides an update on project progress, programme and budget at this stage of the project

There is an approved budget in the capital programme for the Hereford City Centre Transport Package of £40.6m. This includes an external grant of £16m from the Marches LEP Growth Fund.

The total estimated cost of the package comprises the city link road and other transport improvements in the area once the new road is completed.

The forecast estimated outturn of the Hereford City Centre Transport Package is currently within the approved budget of £40.6m and the current forecast for the main road construction contract outlined above is contained within this overall forecast.

That:

(a)  within the overall capital programme allocation of £40.6 million for the Hereford city centre transport package (HCCTP), the revised allocations of funding in relation to the key elements of the package, as detailed in paragraph 24 be approved.;

(b)  the Director for Economy, Communities and Corporate be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to progress detailed design and feasibility within the allocated budget of £563,000 identified in paragraph 24 for the professional fees associated with the remaining package elements of a transport hub and upgrading the existing highway from the junction of the City Link Road, along Commercial Road, Blue School Street to its junction with Widemarsh Street and Newmarket Street to inform further decisions.

Funding of public realm schemes following completion of the City Link Road is altered or reduced from that set out in Business Case. This is not recommended as budget is available to deliver these schemes which will deliver the full benefits to the city

The scheme is included in the council’s capital programme with an approved budget of £40.6m for the delivery of the road scheme and complimentary package of measures. The following table compares the cost estimates for the scheme as set out in the business case submitted to the Marches LEP and forecast outturn costs.