Issue - items at meetings - Tower Gardens

Report of the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning (Deputy Leader).

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

Approved, pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 2.01(c), the award of contract to Tenderer A as set out in Appendix A – Exempt Report. The contract sum had a total value of £3,399,871.00.
Approved the expenditure of sums as set out in Appendix A – Exempt Report.
In line with Contract Standing Orders (CSO 16.04), approved issuance of a letter of intent for the value of £339,987.00. The Letter of Intent allowed the contractor to commence the project by placing orders with their supply chain before agreeing a formal contract.

Reasons for Decision

The decision to award this contract was based on several critical factors:

Feasibility and Condition Surveys
The Council appointed a multi-disciplinary consultant in 2022 to conduct a feasibility study of the 77 tenanted properties included in the Tower Gardens Major Works Programme.

The study, which also incorporated detailed condition surveys, was conducted in two distinct phases. Inspections of the front elevations took place during the week commencing 31 January 2022, followed by assessments of the rear elevations starting the week of 21 February 2022. The findings revealed that all properties exhibited comparable defects, with structural movement identified as the predominant concern.

The scope of works, derived from the feasibility study and condition surveys, was outlined in Section 4.2.

In addition to the feasibility study and condition surveys, the appointed consultant was commissioned to deliver a range of specialist services, with associated fees detailed in the Exempt Report – Appendix A. These services included:

Project and cost management
Architectural design and technical support
Building surveying
Mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering
Principal Designer services in compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations

General Scope of Works

The following works were identified by the consultant and recommended as part of the Tower Gardens Major Works Programme:

Structural repairs
Replacement of roof coverings to ensure weatherproofing and structural integrity
Renewal of rainwater goods to improve drainage and prevent water damage
Fabric repairs to masonry and brickwork to restore external surfaces and prevent deterioration
Replacement of all windows and front entrance doors to enhance energy efficiency and security
Renewal of fencing to improve boundary definition and aesthetics
Levelling of pathways to eliminate trip hazards and improve accessibility

These works ensured that properties within the Tower Gardens Conservation Area were structurally sound, weatherproof, and compliant with current standards. This investment in the 77 properties helped prevent further deterioration, reduced repair costs, and enhanced the overall condition of the borough’s housing stock.

Need for Fire Safety Upgrades

As part of the programme, fire safety upgrades were incorporated where necessary. This included the replacement of components such as external doors with fire-rated units, installation of compliant fixtures, and improvements to compartmentation in roofs and other areas. These measures were essential to ensure that properties met current fire safety regulations and provided a safe environment for residents.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

The programme supported the Council’s commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon borough by 2041. ... view the full decision text for item 360

The Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member explained the proposed Major Works Programme for 77 properties on the Tower Gardens Estate. It was explained that this initiative represented a significant investment in tenanted housing stock, which was located within a designated conservation area in the White Hart Lane Ward. The project marked a vital step toward enhancing the long-term sustainability, safety, and quality of homes.

It was explained that the proposed works reflected the Council’s commitment to maintaining high-quality housing that met the needs of our residents. Planned improvements included roof and window replacements, structural repairs, health and safety improvements, external fabric repairs and redecorations, and energy efficiency upgrades.

It was explained that the proposed works aligned with broader priorities under the Haringey Deal, including co-production, fairness, and environmental responsibility. It was explained that the Council had engaged extensively with residents and stakeholders to ensure the programme reflected local priorities and complied with the Council’s planning policies for conservation areas. Feedback from the Council’s conservation team was instrumental in shaping both the scope and sequencing of the works.

Following questions from Councillor Connor, the following information was shared:

It was explained that, while designing the scheme, the Council had taken into account potential costs from the site being in a conservation area, and that these were factored into the overall cost of the scheme.