Estate updates

Report: 09
Date: 10 April 2003
By: Commissioner

Summary

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

A. Recommendation

That the Committee notes the information on current estates 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 also in the Members' Library.

Trenchard House, Soho

2. At the February meeting it was reported that “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.” Members are advised that marketing is to take place in April and a copy of particulars will be placed in the Members' Library. At the meeting on 24 October 2002 it was also reported that Norman Kendall Section House had proved unsuitable for sale and was being retained for other police uses and that Maurice Drummond Section House required an operational use to be relocated before a disposal could take place. As a consequence re-use and redevelopment of these properties as residential accommodation is no longer proposed or considered viable. In the original budget book the sale of Trenchard House was linked to these two other properties but the demands on the capital budget, combined with the problems outlined, mean that this linkage is no longer viable. The separate report on the capital programme to this meeting will cover this point also. (agenda item 11)

Bow Street and Old Street - disposals

3. Bow Street -a report by the Treasurer appears in the exempt section of the agenda for this meeting (agenda item 30).

Old Street -- The Director of Property Services and the MPA Treasurer have met with the District Valuer who has undertaken to produce a valuation of the site reflecting full development potential. It is hoped that this will provide an appropriate benchmark for assessing the proposal from CAP in the context of the Authority's statutory obligations. The District Valuer's conclusions is not expected until the end of April.

Rochester Row, Pimlico

4. An oral update on the progress of disposal will be made at the meeting.

Former MPA residential property short term let to Housing Associations

5. In February it was reported "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." Since then there has been considerable media interest in the situation and discussions continue to seek to resolve matters and Link Members in the boroughs involved will be kept updated.

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

6. No further progress has been made in agreeing overall arrangements with the CPS and a verbal update will be available at the meeting.

Central London Estate

7. An oral update will be made at the meeting.

Residential Quarters and Section House Occupation rates

8. 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.

Hounslow Heath

9. An oral update on the sale of this property will be made at the meeting.

Action under Delegated Powers (Director of Property Services):

10. The following significant item will be actioned under delegated powers.

• C3i - F.M. Services - OJEC notices are to be issued in the week commencing 21 April 2003 (for publication in the week commencing 10 May 2003) inviting potential bidders for Facility Management Services at three C3i sites.

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

• Previous update reports and Housing Papers lodged in Members' Library

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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