Update on estates issues

Report: 4
Date: 04 April 2002
By: Commissioner

Summary

An update to Members on a number of issues which had previously been considered by the Estates Sub-Committee, the Estates Sub Group and/or the Finance Planning and Best Value Committee (FPBV).

A. Recommendations

Members are invited to note the position on current Estates issues and agree to the recommendation made at item 19.

B. Supporting information

1. Old Street Magistrates Court: The Community Action Project (CAP) is understood to have achieved its funding options with a view to achieving the April 2002 closure date. The MPA set a deadline of 31 March 2002 for disposal of the building to CAP. A verbal update will be given at the meeting. A position report will be forwarded to FPBV.

2. Trenchard House: Marketing action is underway through FDP Savills. A verbal update will be given at the meeting.

3. Grafton Square SW4: A public notice advising on the sale of MPA interest in the site was put on display on the site.

4. PFI South East London Police Stations: Following contract signing on 26 October 2001, construction work at the three sites is progressing according to programme. Meetings are being held with each Borough Commander to confirm the extent of variations being sought. A report is being prepared by the MPA Treasurer for FPBV to consider delegating to the Estates Sub-Committee the authority to approve such variations. 

5. C3i – Building Works: Within the C3i budget funding envelope in December the C3i Budget Manager authorised funding for the first tranche of preparatory work to enable staff moves out of Lambeth as part of the construction programme. Works are progressing according to programme for vacation of Lambeth Block A by August 2002. Contracts for works at Lark hall Lane and Hendon Car Park were let. Progress will be included in the Quarterly Capital Update Report. Report to be forwarded to FPBV on the issues regarding works at Lambeth and Forensic Science Service.

6. Residential Estate Strategy: The Estates Sub-Committee at its November 2001 meeting endorsed this report.

7. Secure Tenancy Status: Discussions with the Home Office have resulted in the inclusion of changes in the current Police Reform Bill. Royal Assent is anticipated to be January 2003. The first sale under the 'Right to buy' provisions of the Housing Act is being progressed. Report for FPBV on possible implications for MPA.

8. Recruitment: A further review is underway to assess future demand for residential and other accommodation following current proposals for an additional 1000 police officers plus auxiliaries.

9. All recruits who seek provided accommodation and meet the criteria continue to be accommodated. Repossessions are being progressed over a period of time against officers with a one year tenure to minimise any difficulties for such officers.

10. Discussions are in progress between Directorate of Property Services (DPS) and the National Health Service (NHS) for mutual assistance with provided accommodation. DPS participated in the Guardian 'Affordable Housing' Conference in February 2002.

11. Audit Reports: Final draft reports have been received from PriceWaterhouse Cooper for Environmental Management and for Energy Management. Reports on actions proposed will be submitted to the committee in due course.

12. 'Changing Habits': Assistant Commissioner Policy Review and Standards has published the report for Operation 'Cleansweep'. Management Board has instructed Borough Commanders to carry out regular inspections of relevant areas to improve conditions. Property Services Department (PSD) has identified and costed those works that are 'corporate' rather than local.

13. A sum of £1m per year has been included in the capital works programme for 2002/03 and the following three years. Approval of this programme is awaited. PSD has established a helpline to assist Borough Command Units and Finance and Resource Managers.

14. Rochester Row: A verbal update on the sale will be available in part two of this meeting.

15. MPS Storage: A comprehensive review is now underway across police stations.

16. Hayes Private Finance Initiative: PSD is updating the Public Sector Comparator for the Department of Information. PSD is also progressing contingency arrangements against the event that the Private Finance Initiative does not demonstrate value for money. Position report to be prepared for FPBV on possible costs associated with contingency arrangements.

17. Rainham Sector Base: The planning appeal was successful against the London Borough of Havering's refusal to allow a sector base to be developed within the new Tesco store. Costs were awarded against the Local Planning Authority.

18. Tintagel House: Works are due to commence around October 2002. They rely on the decanting of occupants. A verbal update will be provided in part two of this meeting.

19. Memorial Garden, Hendon: Congratulations on the design have been received from CABE (Council for Architecture and the Built Environment). They have drawn the project to the attention of the Home Office Ministerial Design Champion and asked that the MPA consider submitting the Memorial Garden to the Prime Minister's 'Better Public Building Award'. Members are asked to support this submission.

20. Estate Strategy: The draft of the 2002/03 Strategy awaits comments from Members before publication.

21. Income generation: Proposals prepared for initial discussion on use of advertising hoardings at police buildings/sites.

C. Financial implications

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

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

Report author: Trevor Lawrence, Director Property Services Department, MPS.

For information contact:

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

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