Issue - meetings

To advise the Committee of the tenant’s proposals for the existing Islands Building in the Grove, Alexandra Park.

The Advisory Committee received the report on the tenant’s proposals to improve the existing Islands Building in the Grove introduced by Amanda Reynolds, Chair of 345 Preschools Ltd.  The Committee noted that the proposals to improve the building would meet emerging Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) quality and curriculum requirements and would provide children with a more natural and sustainable, spacious environment.

In response to the Committee’s questions it was noted that 345 would need to close for 5 weeks for refurbishment, planning permission would need to be obtained,  and the works would allow up to 20 children at each session (morning and afternoon). If the proposals were not approved the current building would continue to be patched-up.

The Advisory Committee was unanimously in favour of the tenant’s proposals for the existing Islands Building in the Grove.

RESOLVED

i.     That the Board note the support for the proposals for the extension and refurbishment of the Islands Building.

ii.    That the Board and Planning Authority be urged to  approve  the proposals to enable works to commence as soon as possible to avoid the tenant a) losing the funding for the project, and b) having to operate through another period of adverse weather in the building with its current unsatisfactory state.