Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme and seeks Cabinet approval for up to £7.4m Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy capital funding to deliver public realm and highways infrastructure improvements in and around Neasden Town Centre.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the comments made by Councillors Ahmed and Dixon (as local ward councillors for Dollis Hill) in support of the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme.  Highlighting the diversity, history and vibrant nature of Neasden the challenges faced in the area, particularly in relation to social and economic inequalities were also recognised with the proposals and funding (which it was noted included £3.1m in capital grant funding from the Mayor of London and up to £7.4m from Brent’s Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy) outlined within the report therefore welcomed as a means of focussing delivery of a programme of transformative regeneration and sustainable development within Neasden Town Centre that would also, it was felt, enhance the quality of life within the wider area.

In outlining their support for the programme, particular reference was made to the public realm and highways improvements as well as potential to secure wider environmental sustainability which had been identified along with the engagement and collaboration undertaken with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders in the co-design and development of the Neasden Town Centre Action Plan.  It was noted this would form a key element in delivery of the programme designed to make Neasden a safer, greener and more prosperous area for all.

Consideration of the report was also supported by a presentation from Rumi Bose (Rumi Bose Consultancy) providing an outline of the key elements of the programme and summary of the engagement undertaken to develop the Neasden Town Action Plan.

Having noted the comments made by the local ward councillors and supporting presentation Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To approve up to £7.4m Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy capital funding to deliver public realm and highways infrastructure improvements in and around Neasden Town Centre.

(2)        To note that a range of contracts for consultants and contractors would be required to design, plan and develop the proposed public realm, community programming and highways improvements for the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme.

(3)        To note and endorses the proposed installation of a temporary building for community use on top of the council-owned car park next to 237 Neasden Lane, subject to obtaining any planning permission and other statutory consents.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Wednesday 22 January 2025

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Councillors Ahmed and Dixon to the meeting who, he advised, had asked to speak (as local Dollis Hill ward councillors) in support of the Neasden Civic Partnership Programme.  Highlighting the diversity, history and vibrant nature of Neasden, Councillor Ahmed in opening his comments, also felt it important to recognise the challenges faced in the area, particularly in relation to social and economic inequalities.  The proposals and funding (which it was noted included £3.1m in capital grant funding from the Mayor of London and up to £7.4m from Brent’s Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy) outlined within the report were therefore welcomed as a means of focussing delivery on a programme of transformative regeneration and sustainable development within Neasden Town Centre that would also, it was felt, enhance quality of life across the wider surrounding area.

In further support of the programme, particular reference was made by both Councillors Ahmed and Dixon to the public realm and highways improvements as well as potential to secure wider environmental sustainability, which had been identified as part of the programme, along with the engagement and collaboration undertaken with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders in the co-design and development of the Neasden Town Centre Action Plan.  It was noted this would form a key element in delivery of the programme designed to make Neasden a safer, greener and more prosperous area for all.

Having thanked Councillors Ahmed and Dixon for their comments, Councillor Muhammed Butt then introduced Rumi Bose (Rumi Bose Consultancy) who, he advised, had been invited to attend the meeting in order to provide (as supporting background information) an outline of the key elements of the programme and summary of the engagement undertaken to develop the Neasden Town Action Plan.  The key issues covered within the presentation were as follows:

·             The background and outline of the programme and development of the Neasden Town Centre Action Plan as the basis for submission of a bid under the Mayor of London Civic Partnership Programme (CPP), which had resulted in Brent being selected as one of 12 boroughs to join Stage 1 of the programme.  As a result of work to develop the Action Plan, funded through the Stage 1 programme, a subsequent bid had been submitted for Mayor of London CPP Exemplar (implementation) funding with Brent having been one of five boroughs securing a share (£3.1m) of the stage two funding available.

·             The key strategic principles around which development of the proposals and Neasden Action Plan had been based, which included the aim to enhance public realm; tackle climate change and ecology and enhance community programming and leadership.

·             The detailed mapping process undertaken in relation to the socio, economic and infrastructure issues identified across Neasden as a basis to support development of the Action Plan.

·             The detailed and extensive nature of the community engagement process undertaken to inform co-design of the Neasden Town Centre Action Plan, which had involved a range  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7