Agenda item

This report is to provide the Panel with an update on the Tottenham and Wood Green regeneration programmes, and consider lessons learned from the Tottenham programme (which is at a more advanced stage) that can usefully be applied to the Wood Green programme.

Helen Fisher, Programme Director, Tottenham Regeneration, introduced the report as set out, providing an update on: The Tottenham and Wood Green Regeneration Programmes; Lessons learned from the (more advanced) Tottenham programme that could be applied to the Wood Green programme; Area Action Plan development and consultation; Supplementary strategies; Consultation (statutory and non-statutory); Communications; Stakeholder engagement; Socio-economic regeneration (the People Priority); High Streets; and Programme management. 

Ms Fisher advised that a Regeneration, Planning and Development restructure proposal had been consulted on with officers between December to January 2017. It was noted that the proposal was to bring all regeneration activity together under one Director. The Panel was informed that the proposal would result in resources such as communications and programme management being shared to enable a greater exchange of best practice 

In response to questions, the Panel was informed that: 

-       The sale of Apex House to Grainger Plc was completed in late 2016 and construction work was due to start on site by Spring 2017.

-       In November 2015 Cabinet had agreed to make a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to assist in assembling land needed to implement the Wards Corner development as part of the regeneration vision for Seven Sisters and Tottenham. The Panel was informed that the council had received formal notification from the National Planning and Casework Unit in December 2016 advising that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government had decided to hold a public local inquiry into the CPO. It was noted that the next stage for the council was to submit its Statement of Case to the Secretary of State and to each remaining objector.

In terms of communications, the information set out in section 6 of the report was noted. The Panel agreed it was important to reach all residents by ensuring effective use of accessible communications formats. It was noted that the following lessons had been learned:

-       The importance of having a dedicated resource for communications which enabled regular, timely and targeted communications.

-       Clarification of core communication messages supported by a communications strategy and plan.

-       The importance of regular, transparent updates making use of a robust website and face to face communications; and

-       Enhancing the use of social media and embracing this as an evolving and vital communication channel.

During discussion a number of issues were considered, including:

-       Ongoing maintenance issues concerning West Green Road’s Pocket Park and the Morrison Yard site on the High Road, Tottenham. 

-       An update on the N17 Design Studio partnership between Haringey Council, John McAslan and Partners, and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, as outlined in section 9.6 of the report.

-       Various issues concerning the funding and investment package for Tottenham, as outlined in section 2 of the report.

-       The fact that the Council had held an annual Tottenham conference in July, and had published an annual update to the Tottenham Delivery Plan.

-       Issues concerning the Leader of the Council’s decision (November 2016) to grant a 99 year lease to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for their outside broadcast facilities. 

-       The role of the Tottenham Landowners and Major Businesses Group. 

-       The work of the of the Wood Green Business Forum, formed in July 2015, including the development of a “Love Wood Green, Shop Wood Green” brand for Wood Green events.

AGREED: That the update on the Tottenham and Wood Green Regeneration Programmes be noted.