Estate updates

Report: 14
Date: 13 February 2003
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report updates members on the latest information on Estate Property Services matters.

A. Recommendation

That Members note the information update on current estate issues.

B. Supporting information

Introduction

1. At the Finance Committee on 24 October 2002, it was agreed that a report on estates issues would be produced at alternate meetings. Source documents can be found in previous relevant reports and in the Members' Library.

Trenchard House, Soho

2. This unused section house is beyond economic refurbishment and provides very poor accommodation and facilities. As a consequence, the MPA resolved to dispose of the property and it was marketed in May 2002 but a disposal was unsuccessful. Since then discussions have taken place with Westminster City Council around the Town & Country Planning issues; with the benefit of new MPA planning consultant input. It is clear that to resolve the planning situation would entail a great deal of detailed design and expense by the MPA. The outcome could still be uncertain. In the circumstances, Members are advised that a remarketing of the property would be the best way forward. Agents are in the process of being instructed and a further report will be presented when offers have been received.

Rochester Row, Pimlico

3. This former police station and Court is owned by the MPA and is disused. Attempts to dispose of the property were frustrated in late 2002 since when unconnected parties have shown an interest in the property. In view of the recent marketing, which can be regarded as “test marketing”, it is considered reasonable to negotiate with such interested parties provided an early conclusion can be reached. Consequently, a separate report may be submitted as an exempt item seeking authority to sell.

Former MPA Residential property short term let to Housing Associations

4. Some 348 properties surplus to the then requirements of the MPA were let to Housing Associations. 222 units are shortly to revert to the MPA with vacant possession. The units are spread across 13 sites. As the Housing Associations involved entered into short-term agreements for the uses of these units it is their responsibility to deal with rehousing of current occupiers. Nevertheless, it has been agreed that wherever possible the MPA will phase demands for vacating premises, while preserving the contractual position, to seek to ensure rehousing takes place in a co-ordinated and socially responsible manner. A list of the properties has been placed in the Members' library. This matter has been reported upon previously. In the meantime, certain locations have generated a great deal of correspondence to the MPA, from Housing Association tenants, complaining about standards of repair and maintenance. Property Services is addressing these issues with the relevant Associations who bear the responsibility until the hand back of the sites.

Glidewell / Co-location with Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

5. As Members will be aware, the current plan is to free up space in Boroughs to allow co-location of a limited number of CPS staff on the MPS estate at, or close to, the point of charge. The CPS will potentially occupy some 25,000 square feet of the MPS estate and negotiations continue to reach an occupational and financial agreement with CPS around this high priority initiative. A further report will be submitted before CPS occupation of the MPA estate extends beyond the five pilot sites.

Central London Estate

6. The increasing number of officers and related civil staff (e.g. Police Community Safety Officers), combined with restructuring, is continuing to place extreme pressure on the estate generally and particularly in Central London. There are also a number of co-location initiatives (see Glidewell above) that continue to abstract available space from the estate. As a consequence, a number of property acquisitions are being planned and will be reported in due course.

Residential Quarters and Section House Occupation rates

7. Members should be aware that the statistical vacancy rates are rising. This is because of the need to maximise availability to meet demand from the major increase in recruitment of new officers through Hendon and is a relatively short-term situation. Demand management continues to ensure that potential demand from new recruits does not overwhelm the estate.

Action under Delegated Powers (Director of Property Services):

8. The following significant items have been actioned under delegated powers.

• Fuel Oil Contract - An OJEC notice relating to the re-tendering of the Fuel Oil Contract has been issued with a return date of 4 February 2003.
• MPA's lease of ground floor Brandon House - Director of Property Services has approved the rent review in respect of the ground floor of Brandon House.
• Rent Review for 157, Larkhall Lane - The Director of Property Services has agreed and signed a rent review memorandum in respect of the outstanding rent review for this property.

C. Equality and diversity implications

Any equality and diversity implications arising from the matters in this report are being assessed as part of the individual project or item and will be reported separately to the Committee at the appropriate time.

D. Financial implications

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

E. Background papers

None.

F. Contact details

Report author: Alan Croney, Director of Property Services, MPS.

For more information contact:

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

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