Issue - meetings

To update Members on operational issues at Barham Park and on current progress on projects.

AGREED

(1)      To note the issues set out in the report.

(2)     To note and agree to the proposal to the underletting of Unit 8 of the Barham Park Building (The Children’s Centre) by Brent Council’s Children and Young People Service to a voluntary sector provider, namely the Young Brent Foundation, on the same rental terms pursuant to the lease in respect of Unit 8 between the Barham Park Trust and Brent Council and subject to the satisfactory clearance of financial checks.

(3)     To delegate authority to the Operational Director - Environmental Services in consultation with the Chair of the Trust Committee, to decide upon the proposal for rent abatement and deferrals from the Veterans in respect of quarters 2 and 3 for the year 2020/21 in respect of Unit 2 of the Barham Park Building, the details of which need to be finalised and the proposal for rent abatement and deferral from ACAVA in respect of quarters 2 and 3 for the year 2020/21 in respect of Units 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10 of the Barham Park Building.   In addition, to note that such decisions would take into account the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Guidance and the Charity Commission Guidance as set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report.

(4)     To delegate authority to consider and decide upon any further requests for rent abatement or deferral in respect of the Units at the Barham Park Building that are arising from the Covid-19 Pandemic to the Operational Director - Environmental Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Trust Committee and note that such decisions will take into account the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Guidance and also the Charity Commission Guidance as set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report.

(5)     To note and agree to the proposal to approval the installation of signs in Barham Park to inform and to facilitate cycling.

Leslie Williams (Project Officer) introduced the report updating the Trust on operational issues at Barham Park along with current progress on a range of projects.

Members were provided with updates in relation to the following issues:

·                Security and anti-social behaviour for the period 1 April 19 – 31 March 20, as detailed within section 3.2 of the report.  The increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour reported within the park were noted along with the increased level of outreach and Safer Neighbourhood Patrols as a means of tackling the issues alongside the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order covering all parks and open spaces which could be used to assist in enforcement activity.

·                Rough sleeping within the park: members noted the work being undertaken with St Mungo’s to support the three rough sleepers identified using the park during the year.  Whilst all had been offered support and accommodation at the start of the pandemic two had been identified as subsequently returning to sleep at or near the park with St Mungo’s continuing to assist where possible.

·                General Operational Works – Members noted that operational grounds maintenance work continued to be undertaken by the Council’s main contractor Veolia.  Recent work had included making safe and opening a gap in an internal fence between the Events Field and Queen Elizabeth II Gardens to allow easier access.  The Committee also congratulated Veolia and other officers involved for their efforts in being awarded a London in Bloom Walled Garden Silver Gilt award for their maintenance of the Walled Garden.

·                Grass and meadows: Members noted the continued improvement to the range of grasslands and associated wildlife within the park, as detailed within section 3.7 of the report.

·                Maintenance of Barham Park Building: Members noted the ongoing operational maintenance works and discussions regarding repairs to the units occupied by the Veterans Club and Friends of Barham Park Library.  The expenditure had been sourced from the Trusts unrestricted funds and included in the accounts from 2018/19.

·                Fire security system: Members noted the briefings being provided for tenant representatives at the Occupier’s Meetings regarding operation of the system for Barham Park and ability for each organisation to re-brief their own members as required.

·                Barham Park building Unit 7: Members noted the update provided by Chris Whyte (Operational Director, Environmental Services) regarding the ongoing negotiations with the lead tender applicant (the Friends of Barham Library) and their proposed partner organisation the Memory Lounge for provision of a Dementia Centre at Unit 7, with further clarification having also been sought on the partnership arrangements in terms of operation of the lease.  Members noted that the property comprised of two distinct areas, the Mess Room and a Store Room, with both areas requiring investment given their current condition, on which details were currently under discussion.  In support of these refurbishment costs confirmation was provided that Friends of Barham Park had been successful in securing funding through the Council’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy fund.

·                Barham Park building Unit 8: Chris Whyte then  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7