Issue - meetings

The purpose of the report is to review and endorse the arrangements for the proposed Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)        To endorse arrangements for the proposed Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company, set out at paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the report.

(2)        To approve Brent Council becoming a member of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(3)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods & Regeneration to appoint two Council Officers and/or external individuals as Company Directors of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(4)        To approve the entering into of a deed of variation to the Overarching Hybrid Development Agreement dated 13^th March 2023 in respect of the Ujima House and Cecil Avenue sites, made between the Council, Wates Construction Limited and Wates Group Limited, to update the Estate Management Company arrangements therein, for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration

outlining the proposal to establish a dedicated Estate Management Company (EMC) for the Cecil Avenue redevelopment as part of the broader Wembley Housing Zone (WHZ) regeneration project.

In introducing the report members were advised of the way in which the proposal represented another key milestone in the Council’s regeneration programme for Wembley and mission to build homes, foster community, and deliver lasting public value.  The proposal for which approval was being sought involved establishment of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company as a purpose-built, non-profit organisation that would provide seamless, high-quality management as well as embedding long-term stewardship for one of the borough’s most significant regeneration sites creating not just new buildings, but a thriving, safe and well-managed place.

In recognising the progress being made in delivery of the regeneration programme at Cecil Avenue and Ujima House (working in partnership with Wates and the Mayor of London) including the provision of over 290 homes, as well as a new community centre, public courtyard garden, commercial space, and enhanced public realm, members were advised that this remained on track to be completed by 2026.  The establishment of the management company was therefore identified as representing the next stage in delivery of the key long-term management structure with the new company responsible for acting as a central source of estate services, ensuring maintenance, safety, and communal upkeep were consistent and accountable as well as taking on legal responsibility under the Building Safety Act, with a clear governance framework to ensure resident safety was not compromised.  Members were advised that the company would also be expected to run on a financially sustainable basis, with costs recovered through fair service charges, rather than falling on the Housing Revenue Account.  As further assurance, it was pointed out that the Council would serve as a founding member with the intention to eventually take over full ownership and control of the company, securing its long-term influence and accountability as well as establishing mechanisms for resident voices to be heard, with a dedicated residents’ group to engage directly with the managing agent.

In welcoming and supporting the approach outlined, members were keen to recognise the way it served to demonstrate how public-led regeneration could achieve strategic control, financial prudence, and social responsibility in a joined up way whilst also delivering a positive outcome for residents and as part of the wider regeneration programme across the area.  On this basis Cabinet therefore RESOLVED:

(1)       To endorse arrangements for the proposed Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company, set out at paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the report.

(2)       To approve Brent Council becoming a member of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods & Regeneration to appoint two Council Officers and/or external individuals as Company Directors of the Cecil Avenue Estate Management Company.

(4)       To approve the entering into of a deed of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13