Issue - meetings

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

The decision is to acquire two long leases from Workspace on Council freehold land at the Chocolate Factory, Wood Green. A small part of the Chocolate Factory site would be leased back to Workspace and realignment of the freehold red line in order to enable the development of Council residential and workspace accommodation on the sites.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategic Regeneration introduced the report which set out the proposed acquisition of two head leases and the granting of a new lease at the Chocolate Factory and Mallard Place Wood Green which would enable the Council to fulfil its aspirations in regards to the cultural corner in Wood Green.

This decision formed part of the Council’s regeneration ambitions and was part of the Wood Green Action Plan. It was noted that the proposed acquisition of the leasehold interest also offered the Council a unique opportunity to take control of the Council freehold land in this vicinity, in order, to enable the regeneration of this area.

This decision would enable the Council to develop the area acquired from Workspace in accordance with planning consent to build 137 new homes as part of the Council Housing Delivery Programme on the Chocolate Factory site. The Council were ready to build the first phase of new houses at this site by next summer and these were expected to be completed by the summer of 2023. The proposal also enabled the Council to develop a further 66 homes on the Mallard Place site at a later phase. Workspace would be provided on both sites to support employment. This proposal was in line with the Borough Plan and met Disposals and Acquisitions Policy which was agreed by the Council earlier this year.

It was noted that Area 51, which was based at Mallard Place, and currently provided education for young Adults who had severe or profound learning disabilities and would continue as part of the Cultural quarter.

This decision was a positive step to support good economic recovery and the Council’s housing programme.

The following information was provided in response to Councillor Cawley- Harrison’s questions:

• Workspace were able to take forward their own refurbishment on their own part of the site and this agreement was also allowing them, to continue with their current arrangements with artists for employment space.

• The employment space that the Council can use on the land, which becomes wholly Council owned, would be for the Council to develop over time. This was not restricted in use and assurance was provided that further cultural employment provision would be considered in the future. The meeting was advised that the primary and most important development for this site was the first phase of the housing scheme

• In relation to the surrounding areas which had significant developments coming forward, and query about the Station Road Re-use and Recycling Centre site, and the plans for future development, the Cabinet Member was not aware of any plans to relocate the Recycle and Reuse centre in the present arrangements. It was further confirmed by the Assistant Director for Capital Projects and Property that the Recycling and Reuse site was owned by the Waste Authority and there were no propositions or proposals being considered, at this time, for the development of this site.

Further to considering the exempt information at item 24,

RESOLVED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 323