Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Darran Davies and Councillor Alan Chapman.

None.

RESOLVED: That the minutes from the meeting on 10 January 2024 be agreed subject to amending the Committee Members present and noting that data from the Enforcement team was requested.

It was confirmed that all items would be heard in Part I.

The Head of Capital Programme introduced the report on Civic Centre Works – Project Update which provided an outline of completed work, current work, proposed works and issues/decisions that needed to be confirmed to take the project forward.

The Committee was updated about work undertaken in 2 East, 1 North and the Middlesex Suite. As part of de-carbonisation plans, heat pumps, heating system controls PV panels, building fabric insultation, loft insulation, secondary glazing and lighting was being installed. A ‘fly through’ for the proposed layout and break out area had been added to the intranet page and areas were being explored for where tenants could make use of space. Officers were also looking at suitable options for coffee and concession supply in the main reception area.

The Committee heard about the next steps of the project and funding. Weekly meetings took place with all stakeholders involved in the project and updates were regularly provided to the Corporate Management team. Briefings were also provided to Members. The overall aim of the project was to configure and refurbish the existing listed building to bring more functions to the Council buildings and create a multipurpose hub with reduced running costs for the Council.

In response to Member questions regarding timescales and the involvement of staff, it was explained that some aspects of the project were on track, ahead of track and dependent on decisions being made by other people before action could be undertaken. Overall officers were comfortable with the way the project was progressing. Staff had been included in the shaping the project through drop in sessions, information provided on the intranet and a ‘flythrough’ demonstration of what areas would look like. Sample desks and chairs had been requested. Accessibility had also been considered with works planned to lifts and ramps.

During Member discussions it was noted that materials taken into consideration for the project were all sustainable and secondary glazed windows were being incorporated into plans.

Members commented that the adult education space was a nice place and welcomed the plans for the Civic Centre. Officers were thanked for the extensive update and it was agreed that the ‘fly through’ demonstration would be sent to Members.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the report.

The Head of Capital Programme introduced the Update on  Restoration Project at Cranford Park report which provided an outline of planned works and work undertaken.

The Committee was informed that the project consisted of the restoration of historic buildings, structures, and landscapes of Cranford Park, building a new café, upgrading the playground and upgrading the park for education, recreational and community purposes. The overall aim was to try to rejuvenate the area and it was being largely funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Community Lotteries Fund.

Members heard about progress including work undertaken to the cellars, bridge over the river and updates to the St Dunstans subway. A big challenge was securing electricity for the café kitchen which required a 500 kva electrical transformer however there had been issues with Southern and Scottish Electricity (SSE) installing this due to pending outcomes of legal matters. Although the Cabinet had authorised works, SSE would not commence writing contracts with their outsourced haulage and installation operators until the land transfer was in place. It was noted that once a date for installation was received, contractors would be commissioned to the dig the cable trenching and commence works required for the installation of electricity. A contractor had already been lined up. 

The Committee also heard about the foul drainage and the challenges with the sewers that led to a large septic tank that appeared to discharge to the ground. It was decided that a sewage treatment plant would be the most economical solution and works were pending permits from the Environment Agency. The Cranford Park Steering Group was involved with the project and included representatives from Friends Group the nearby church, Wildlife Trust and local resident groups.

The Committee agreed that the challenges with the transformers were an issue and enquired about contact with SSE. Members were informed that officers contacted SSE weekly for updates but it was difficult to speak to the relevant contacts. A contractor for the works had been identified and the costs had been fixed for a few months.

During Member discussions, clarification was provided on the location of the public sewer. It was also noted that there would be annual costs for the treatment plant, and there was a small overspend on the heritage budget. It was hoped that the café would be up and running by the summer, subject to the electricity challenges.

Members thanked officers for the report and the works undertaken to restoring the area. Although disappointment was expressed about SSE and the transformer issue, Members were keen to see the park up and running and pleased to see the Cranford Steering Group assisting with the project.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be noted.

The Committee agreed that it would be useful to receive a written statement or attendance from the Enforcement Team. It was important to hear information from the Enforcement Team to identify whether there were any patterns, first hand experiences and areas for improvement.

Members also agreed that it would be useful to hear from the School Travel Team again to consider any final findings and recommendations. Information such as emergency accident data, traffic offences and the number of road safety initiatives agreed would aid the Committee in its findings session.

RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed it would be useful to hear from the Enforcement and the School Travel Team. 

The Committee was informed that the Cabinet reports on the Dispoal of Land at Willowtree Marina, Yeading had been deferred until to early spring and the School Capital Programme Update had been deferred to April 2024.

It was noted that if Cabinet reports were to be shared with Members prior to Cabinet, this would require Cabinet Member approval. Other factors would also need to be considered such timings and whether the report was ready.

RESOLVED: That the updated and Cabinet Forward Plan be noted.

The Committee considered the work programme.

Members were keen on undertaking a site visit to the Jubilee Leisure Centre. It was agreed that Democratic Services would liaise with officers to arrange this.

RESOVLED: That Democratic Services liaise with officers to arrange a site visit to the Jubilee Leisure Centre and the work programme be noted.