Agenda item

The Chairmanintroducedthereportwhichprovidedan updateon progress across the programme since the last committee meeting on the 13^th September 2021. The report provided particular updates on the Brent Cross Town (BXT) programme and authority to update the First Phase Proposal and Land Transfer arrangements, taking into account economic conditions and the delivery programme.

A Member queried how the walk from Brent Cross underground station to Brent Cross shopping centre was going to be made safe. Officers assured members’ that plans were being developed to ensure a safe route for pedestrians.

Members’ were assured by officers that residents would be engaged and listened to in relation to plans for Clitterhouse playing fields.

Councillor Houston raised concerns on behalf of residents in relation to a large fence around the southern junction and asked if this could be looked at. He further raised concerns that the area around Brent Terrace and Clitterhouse were being left in an unacceptable state during the undertaking of works. The issues surrounding the volume of traffic surrounding Brent Terrace, with lorries mounting pavements and engines being left running was also noted. Members advised that a pathway stopping order had due to be in place to avoid this type of disruption, however residents had objected this proposal to help mitigate issues.

Followingdiscussion oftheitemtheChairmanmovedto thevoteon theofficer’srecommendations.

The votes were recorded asfollows:

RESOLVED thattheCommittee:

1.    Noted the progress across the Brent Cross programme as detailed in the report.

2.    Noted progress across the Brent Cross Town (BXT) programme and delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chairman of the Housing and Growth Committee to:

a)    approve the inclusion of Plot 19 within the BXT First Phase Proposal to bring forward a speculative office building subject to receipt of a satisfactory varied First Phase Proposal from Brent Cross South Joint Venture Limited Partnership in accordance with the terms of the Project Agreement and to CBRE confirming that there is no negative impact to the Council’s First Phase financial returns from the BXT development;

b)   review the land transfer arrangements at the Phase Unconditional Date  in respect of the first plots and make any necessary revisions ahead of the Phase Unconditional Date;

c)    amend the Phase Unconditional Longstop Date in accordance with the Project Agreement and the JV documents;

d)   enter into documentation to make any consequential changes to the BXS Business Plan, Project Agreement and other legal documentation as required resulting from the above.

3.    Delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chairman of the Housing and Growth Committee and the Director of Resources to confirm to Brent Cross South Joint Venture Limited Partnership how the Council wishes to receive its CLC (Council Land Contribution) from Plot 25 in line with the Project Agreement. 

4.    Delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chairman of the Housing and Growth Committee and the Director of Resources to agree the detailed Heads of Terms for inclusion of the Retail Park within the Project Agreement and make any consequential changes to the BXS Business Plan, Project Agreement and enter into other legal documentation as required.

5.    Noted that following completion of the OJEU compliant procurement process that has been undertaken (OJEU Notice 2020/S 170-412510) the council will imminently enter into a two stage NEC3 ECC Design & Build contract with McLaughlin & Harvey to design, build, commission and handover into operational use the new replacement Waste Transfer Station.

6.    Noted that the Brent Cross West (BXW) and associated critical infrastructure final cost review is now concluding and will be reported to the Finance Performance and Contracts Committee on 23 November 2021. 

7.    Approved that the improvements to the public realm around the western station entrance and required infrastructure modelling and design work to unlock further development in the area is funded from the surplus within the Brent Cross land budget.

8.     Noted that the Council has received confirmation from the Secretary of State following submission of its application pursuant to s 19(2) of the Housing Act 1985 to appropriate the required housing land to planning purposes to facilitate the Brent Cross Town Development.