Update on estates issues

Report: 4
Date: 18 September 2001
By: Commissioner

Summary

With the establishment of the Estates Sub-Committee, it is appropriate to update members on a number of issues, which had previously been considered by the Estates Sub-Group.

A. Recommendation

Members are invited to note the information update on current estates issues.

B. Supporting information

1. Headquarters Accommodation Strategy: The appointed consultants, ISGC, have completed the first stage of their study into the options for future provision of Headquarters Estate premises and have progressed fieldwork for the second stage aimed at optimising the utilisation of current and future premises. Their findings were presented on 20 August to a steering group comprising senior police and civil staff users of the head quarter’s estate and the MPA Deputy Treasurer.

2. The major element of this review should be completed in October 2001 when the full findings will be reported through the steering group to this sub-committee in November 2001.

3. Hendon Recruitment - Mill Hill Halls of Residence: At its meeting on 20 March 2001 (agenda Item 12) the Finance Planning and Best Value Committee approved the lease of former MoD housing at Mill Hill to form additional police recruit halls of residence accommodation near Hendon to accommodate the growth in recruit numbers. Negotiations on the lease are now complete. Contractors are working on site to make the necessary conversion works on a rolling programme for the houses to be used as study bedrooms.

4. The first use by recruits of the Mill Hill halls of residence will be at the end of September 2001 as planned. Further units are being converted and will be brought into use in accordance with a programme agreed with the Training School.

5. Old Street Magistrates Court: These premises are surplus to the requirements of the MPS and the Greater London Magistrates Court Authority (GLMCA). The premises form part of the MPA and GLMCA estates. They were to be jointly sold by private treaty on the open market. The MPA Co-ordination and Urgency agreed at their meeting of 5 July 2001 (agenda item 6) to consider a request from the Community Advice Project (CAP) for a direct sale to them for community education purposes.

6. The Co-ordination and Urgency Committee requested an independent assessment of the commercial value of the site be obtained and agreed with the District Valuer during August to assist the CAP in preparing their business case to seek funding. This information was communicated as an exempt item matter to the Co-ordination and Urgency Committee meeting on 13 September 2001.

7. Weatherall Green and Smith were appointed and they have provided three valuations, each related to different uses for the site, each of which rely upon obtaining planning permission. This information has been provided to the GLMCA, who share the cost of the consultant. Upon certification of the valuations by the District Valuer, the information will be forwarded to CAP.

8. Legal advice is being sought from Winkworth Sherwood on the powers of both authorities to sell by private treaty to a preferred buyer.

9. Trenchard House: Actions to market Trenchard House are underway in accordance with the Finance, Planning & Best Value Committee decision (19 June 2001 agenda item 22 - resolution 4). The MPS is alert to local sensitivities that are well understood. Together with prevailing market conditions, such local issues are being taken into consideration before the final decision on the arrangements for its disposal.

C. Financial implications

Any financial implications from the above items will be reported in full papers to the relevant committees at the appropriate time.

D. Background papers

None

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Trevor Lawrence, Director Property Services Department, 020 7230 8370

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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