INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY DUAL ASSURANCE MEETING: 14 June 2012
Present:David Allen (Chair)
Andrew Connolly
Peter Lacey (Lay Lead)
Hugh McCann
Michele Shoebridge
Sally Wilcox
Lynne Tucker
In attendance:Jean Lloyd (Secretary)
Items for consideration at the meeting of the Infrastructure Strategy Group were discussed as follows:
1.Living Systems Building
The proposal submitted in respect of the Living Systems Building was discussed.
The main area of concern was funding and how we close the funding gap. The University was currently awaiting the outcome of recent bid submitted to HEFCE under the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund 2012-2015: Expression of Interest. If approved, the University would need to match. There was also concern that whilst there was funding in Tranche 2, it was possible that we would encroach on Tranche 3, in which case the University would need to know exactly what to prioritise.
It was noted that the Planners had raised concerns about the size of the building. The University would like to build as big as possible in order to maximise the space available for bringing disciplines together.
It was noted that the proposal would be submitted to Council at its July meeting, with a request to approve funding for the largest build.
2.Armstrong Review
The Chair reported that the Armstrong Review would be considered at the July meeting of Council.
It was noted that the new Chair of Council would not be a member of ISG, which gave an opportunity to rethink the role of the Group.
It was agreed that Professor Armstrong would review the capital procedures in the Autumn once the Armstrong Review had become operational.
Possible suggestion was the implementation an Infrastructure Advisory Group to advise groups such as ISG and the Planning Review Group.
Sally Wilcox (IT Dual Assurance) indicated that she would like to raise the profile of IT and for this to take a more substantive role within infrastructure.
3.Geoffrey Pope
The Chair reported that he had now signed a seal of settlement with EC Harris in respect of Geoffrey Pope. Funds when received would be added to the Infrastructure Fund.
4.Tremough Developments
Items to be raised with Andrew Asbury:
- Confirmation from Andrew of end date
- Confirmation of Heart
- Points relating to Cornwall
5.Infrastructure Report
It was noted that the simplification of the report was still in preparation.
6.RFA: Cornwall House
The question of the functionality of Cornwall House was raised and the long-term prognosis. Reassurance were sought for its future life/well being.
It was noted that Hugh McCann was working with the Guild on a strategic document in respect of Devonshire and Cornwall Houses.