Issue - meetings

This report concerns proposals for the use of the unoccupied ground floor commercial unit at Roy Smith House, 71 Hillside, London, NW10 8LN towards community initiatives and seeks Cabinet approval for use of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding towards works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House including invitation of tenders for the works.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To approve the use of £624,000 of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.

(2)      To approve inviting tenders for a contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(3)      To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (2) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(4)      To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Partnerships Housing and Resident Services in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing to award the contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 September 2024

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced a report setting out proposals for use of the unoccupied ground floor commercial unit at Roy Smith House, Hillside, NW10 to support community initiatives and seeking approval for use of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to fund the fit out of the unit as well as authority to procure the works.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the proposals had been designed to support the outcomes of the Employment and Skills themed Outcome Based Review focussed around the delivery of better employment outcomes for Stonebridge residents with the aim of converting the unit to provide a community venue and flexible event space for use by the local community including a kitchen, café bar and training suite.  Subject to approval, a separate exercise would be undertaken to market the unit and attract anchor provider(s) to manage and deliver services for the local community, which would include provision of advice and guidance, services for young people, food, employment and skills support as well as other tailored and community offers.

In welcoming the use identified, members were keen to recognise the alignment of the proposal with the objectives in Brent’s Local Plan and Infrastructure Delivery Plan along with the positive impact being created through the use of SCIL as part of the wider programme of regeneration activity and its associated benefits for local communities across the borough.

In support of the benefits identified and ongoing commitment to create long lasting and positive change for local communities across the borough supported by associated infrastructure, Cabinet therefore RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the use of £624,000 of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.

(2)    To approve inviting tenders for a contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(3)    To approve officers evaluating the tenders referred to in (2) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraphs 3.2.14 of the report.

(4)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Partnerships Housing and Resident Services in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing to award the contract for works to fit out the commercial unit at Roy Smith House.