Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration.]

This report sets out the basis of the proposal to acquire the NHS building in Burgoyne Road and the feasibility work required to set up the proposed use as a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced this report which set out the basis of the proposal to acquire the NHS building in Burgoyne Road and the feasibility work required to set up the proposed use as a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse.

The Cabinet Member was delighted to present this report which offered an opportunity for the Council to acquire a building from a local NHS Trust, which was currently unused, in order to create a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse and so to better meet local needs. The model of refuge provision proposed here was progressive and would change the local response to women escaping domestic abuse over time.

It was noted that though being described as being in Wood Green, the property concerned was located on Harringay Ladder near the railway stations.

The Cabinet Member claimed the acquisition would be a fantastic addition to the borough and thanked officers for their work in bringing about this acquisition to Cabinet.

In response to questions from Councillor Chandwani, the following information was provided:

• The Cabinet Member confirmed the building would have security built into the design.

Further to considering exempt information at item 27,

RESOLVED

1. To agree the acquisition of the freehold interest in the property known as the former NHS Clinic, Burgoyne Road, Wood Green (as shown edged in red on the plan in Appendix A) from the Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health National Health Service Trust for the purposes set out in section 6. of this report and for a sum set out in Part B of the report plus estimated costs of acquisition set out in Part B of the report.
2. To note that following a period of options appraisal, cost and development planning, a further report will be brought back to Cabinet for approval of the final business case for the site. This will include a plan which will include detailed designs, capital and revenue costs for the preferred option and a funding, delivery and operation strategy.

Reasons for decision

The Council are in a position to acquire the freehold of the building from the NHS Trust prior to the property being marketed for sale in the open market. A price has been agreed on the basis that the price represents best consideration to the NHS. Should the Council withdraw then the site is likely to be marketed on the open market.

The acquisition of the property will enable the Council to take forward the proposal to refurbish or develop the site for a new facility to provide a refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse. This will bring a currently vacant NHS building into use for an important Council service need supporting the Council’s current Borough Plan needs.

Alternative options considered

The alternative is not to acquire the freehold interest in the property. This would forfeit the opportunity to provide a much needed refuge facility for survivors of domestic abuse at this site.