Decision details

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member Report of 06 December 2023 delegated:

·       Authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy, and Planning (REP) to approve other Professional Services and associated costs and contingency totalling £3.44m, subject to no individual contract exceeding £300k.

·       The approval to spend of contracts less than £300k.

This report records the decisions taken under this delegated authority.

Reasons for Decision

As per 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the Cabinet Member report:

·       The reason for the recommendation is to secure fees and appoint the design team to enable design development to be progressed and produce the Outline Business Case in Spring 2025. 

·       To support design development, the following core MDCT consultants are required to provide technical and specialist support: Architect, Project Manager, Cost Consultant, Structural & Civil Engineer, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Engineer, Planning Consultant and Landscape Architect.

The proposed redevelopment of 291 Harrow Road is in line with the Council’s ambitions for a Fairer Westminster and aims to deliver on the following objectives:  

·       Re-provision of existing homes and explore opportunities to deliver high quality new homes of all tenures including Truly Affordable Homes and specialist housing such as Learning Disability housing. 

·       Improvement to place shaping including play space, bio-diverse green space and enhancement of the public realm including increasing permeability and connectivity with the canal and surrounding areas. 

·       Construction of high quality and energy efficient sustainable new buildings which utilise cutting edge design and technological innovation. 

·       Promoting a safer and vibrant neighbourhood, which encourages positive community interaction.   

·       Enhancing community assets and maximising impact through linking to wider provision in the surrounding area.   

·       Encouraging and facilitating strong public participation in community participation in the design and development of the scheme.   

·       Encouraging and enhancing the local economy through the Creative Enterprise Zone. 

·       Increasing opportunities for employment and business growth and initiatives.

·       Responsible Procurement ensuring ethical treatment and consideration and mitigation of environmental impacts.