Issue - meetings

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

1.             The Cabinet had received a deputation which related to an item on the agenda and concurred with Part Four, Section B, Paragraph 30 of the Haringey Constitution. The deputation had been received from local residents and users of the community centre relating to Down Lane Park – Phase 2a Hub – Permission to initiate tender action for a Construction Works Contract

Several representatives provided evidence, including some local children, who utilised the services. It was explained that residents who utilised community centre had stressed the importance of the community centre, to community resilience. It was explained that the community felt that the proposed community space was considered too small for effective usage. It was additionally suggested that the old pavilion could be refurbished to meet community needs. It was asked that Members of Cabinet meet with residents to discuss proposals.

The Cabinet Member for Placemaking, and Local Economy provided a response.

It was stressed that the Cabinet Member understood the need for the park and the improvement of the site. It was explained that there had been a £7 million investment into the park, which had been delivered in collaboration with local communities. It was additionally explained that the Council was working to enter the delivery phase for the improvement of the park. It was noted that the Council was working to meet with residents to discuss provision and proposals further.

On the specific point made to refurbish old pavilion, it was explained that the Council had review options to refurbish the pavilion, and that the Council had determined that it was unable to be refurbished cost-effectively. It was explained that a new design was needed to deliver new facilities. It was noted that the Council had put significant amounts of investment into the park, but stressed that there had been a requirement to reduce spend as well as ensure that improvements could be implemented across all of parks in Haringey.

Following questions from Cabinet Members, the following information was shared:

• It was explained that the Community wanted to run community activities in the park. Members asked how the community group would ensure safeguarding compliance was upkept. It was explained that the community wanted to ensure that the space was maintained in order to be utilised. Officers explained that the Council needed to ensure that safeguarding was everyone’s responsibility, and that standards were monitored by external bodies.

Cabinet stressed that they would work with the community and discuss to ensure that the community group was involved.