Agenda item

[Report of the Director for Planning, Regeneration and Development. To be introduced  by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.] The report will set out the updated Memorandum of Understanding for the N17 Design Studio for the year 2016/17.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning introduced the report which sought to formalise the arrangements between the Council and JMP [John McAslan and Partner architects] for their continued operation at the vacant shop premises at 451-453 Tottenham High Road until November 2016.

This arrangement had started in November 2014 and had allowed JMP, an internationally recognised architectural firm, to utilise the building and provide a traditional architecture office on Tottenham High Road whilst also providing an educational and community outreach programme which had included apprenticeships, work experience, field trips, and workshops with local schools.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning referred to the review of the arrangements, the community outreach work with schools, and felt JMP had made a difference to the local community.

Cabinet noted that JMP were committing to the Tottenham base until November and would continue their education and employment programme whilst paying the market rent for use of the premises.

In response to Councillor Engert’s question, the Cabinet Member acknowledged the challenges with filling apprenticeship positions and this involved identifying young people with the right skills match to take forward and feel the employment benefits of this type of technical apprenticeship position. This also involved, generally, schools encouraging the take up of this vocational option with students. Cllr Engert could further be provided with more details of the Council’s work on improving the take up of apprenticeships.

The Cabinet Member further clarified that the figures contained at paragraph 6.1.2.2 both of the references to the £12,400 figure should instead refer to a figure of £18,400 (which corresponds with the accompanying text and the table directly above it).

RESOLVED

1. Following the pilot project review, the 2016 arrangements for the N17 Design Studio project as set out in this report and the revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) are agreed.

2. To let the N17 Design Studio space to JMP at commercial rent, and to let out the remainder of the ground floor of the building, not let to JMP, as a commercial property, subject to the consent of the freeholder being secured.

3. That a decision will be made, and publicised, in November 2016 as to whether the project will continue from December 2016 onwards.

Reasons for decision

The project review recognised the successful elements of the pilot project as being; engagement with Tottenham schools by providing focused education workshops, field trips and interview skills and training, apprenticeships, work experience and the use of the studio as a host venue for community events and talks. It was proposed that these continue in the current year under a new MoU.

Given the expenditure so far, as set out in section 6.1.2, it was recommended that no additional funding be allocated to the Design Studio project other than already spent, and required in the future under Council’s responsibility as lessee of the building. No further funding will be provided to JMP.

JMP lease approximately 60% of the total space available in the building from the Council. The rear ground floor is also suitable for occupation, albeit no refurbishment works have been carried out to this space. However it was considered it may be suitable for let and opportunities to maximise the value of the space should be explored. The upper floor is not suitable for occupation due to structural issues that would require further capital investment.

Alternative options considered

To stop the N17 Design Studio project altogether and to let the space out to another operator. This was not recommended as some of the positive elements of the pilot project identified in the review have scope to be continued and developed in 2016 to have a positive impact on the regeneration of Tottenham, particularly on providing education and training opportunities for young people. In addition JMP had committed to paying full market value rent for the premises under current occupation, and to cover all of their costs. Therefore there was no further financial commitment required from the Council other than in its capacity as head leaseholder of the building.

To allocate additional funding into the N17 Design Studio project. This was not recommended due to the fact that the pilot project has already received Council funding.