Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the wider regeneration proposals for the Bridge Park Complex and Unisys site, including the development of a new leisure centre as part of the council-led elements of the scheme.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)  To note the current position on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) decision and awarding of the Certificate of Immunity for Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre and Technology House.

(2)  To acknowledge the wider Bridge Park masterplan and the planning strategy for the site and agree for the Council to submit their elements of the planning application, which will include the provision set out in paragraphs 3.2.6 to 3.2.11 of the report.

(3)  To agree the revised facility mix for the new leisure centre and the scheme delivery phasing proposals for the council-led development, with the leisure centre forming Phase 1 and the Adult Education and Community Building forming Phase 2, as set out in paragraphs 3.2.12 to 3.2.27 of the report.

(4)  To note the creation of a Community Engagement Group to refine the design and facility mix for Phase 2 of the Council’s development.

(5)  To approve the use of a call-off procedure under the SCAPE Construction Framework for the contracts for Phase 1 of the Bridge Park Regeneration Programme on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.2.39 of the report.

(6)  To delegate authority to award the pre-construction services and main works contracts to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration.

(7)  To approve a revised total capital budget of £53.50m to deliver Phase 1 of the Bridge Park Regeneration. The capital budget for Phase 2 (Adult Education and Community Building) will follow in a separate paper in due course.

(8)  To agree the use of up to £39.00m of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding for Phase 1 of the Bridge Park Regeneration Programme.

(9)  To note that the Conditional Land Sale Agreement (CLSA) is contingent upon planning and financial condition and delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration to finalise and complete the CLSA and enter into the final transfer agreement and any other ancillary documents that may be required.

(10)                 Subject to planning approval, to delegate authority to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration to agree to appropriate the lands under section 122 Local Government Act 1972 and thereafter, engage the powers conferred by section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override easements and other rights.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 3 August 2026.

Councillor Matt Kelcher (Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration seeking endorsement of the recommendations for the Bridge Park Complex Regeneration, as detailed in section 2 of the accompanying report.

In presenting the report, Councillor Kelcher began by expressing his pride at being able to bring the proposals to Cabinet, which he felt brought the Council closer to its ambitions around Bridge Park and the wider Hillside Corridor. He advised that the proposals brought closed-off, underused buildings needing significant regeneration back into positive use with benefits including housing, employment opportunities with the new hotel, and the new leisure centre which would contribute to a wider commitment to make Brent a Borough of Play. He highlighted that, currently, only 12% of Brent residents on low income could walk to a swimming pool, and when the work was complete on the new leisure centre that figure would increase to 80%, bringing swimming closer to home for those struggling to access the activity which he felt delivered on the Council’s commitment to equity and providing opportunities for all residents.

Having acknowledged the benefits of the scheme to the local community, Councillor Kelcher also recognised the historic importance of the site within Black British history, assuring members that this had been a sensitive project as it had moved forward, and he would ensure that the history of the site was respected and that residents remained at the heart of the regeneration.

In concluding his remarks, Councillor Kelcher identified the proposal as an exciting opportunity across leisure, physical activity, housing, and employment, which turned an underused and unattractive building into something he hoped the Council and residents could be proud of, whilst respecting the unique history and heritage of the site.

In supplementing the introduction, Councillor Liz Dixon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health) highlighted that the proposals had very strong alignment to the Council’s active wellbeing priorities, providing an accessible place for families in the summer holidays, particularly the much needed water space.

Members thanked Councillor Kelcher and officers for bringing the proposals forward, which they felt at their core focused on the health and wellbeing of the communities who used Bridge Park. Recognising the substantial health inequalities in Brent in comparison to London and North West London, Cabinet was pleased that the project prioritised building civic infrastructure and saw this as part of a broader context linked to wider ambitions relating to the provision of free swimming for under 18s and a proposed ambition to eventually build a lido in the borough. Members echoed the sentiment that this was an opportunity to strengthen culture and wellbeing in Brent to create a vibrant neighbourhood where residents of all ages could live, connect and thrive and provide stronger social connections and a new sense of tribe and belonging.

Members also acknowledged the employment and skills opportunities that would be unlocked with these proposals, including new provision for Brent Start, as well as the substantial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10