Issue - meetings

To amend the capital programme to enable the forward funding of refurbishment works at Ashley Gardens Pavilion, Ashley Gardens and agree to dispose of the freehold interest in the Douglas Avenue Resource Centre in order to repay the forward investment. 

(i)         that the capital programme be amended to include  investment of up to £300k in the refurbishment of Ashley Gardens, Wembley HA9 8NP, and to  fund this expenditure from the capital receipt arising from the sale of the Council’s site at Douglas Avenue Resource Centre;

(ii)        that authority be delegated to the Assistant Director Regeneration and Major Projects (Property and Asset Management) to dispose of the freehold interest in the Douglas Avenue Resource Centre, Douglas Avenue, Wembley HA0 4DT.

Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) introduced the report which sought approval to enable forward funding of refurbishment works at Ashley Gardens Pavilion, Ashley Gardens and agreement to dispose of the freehold interest in the Douglas Avenue Resource Centre in order to repay the forward investment. Councillor Crane referred to the deputation earlier in the evening from Mr Dunwell speaking against proposals to relocate Brent Education Tuition Service on the Ashley Gardens site from where a nursery was also operating. Councillor Crane advised that meetings had taken place with the nursery operator and that the scheme had been designed with the nursery in mind.

The Director of Children and Families advised that plans were in place to review arrangements for excluded pupils to ensure they were fit for purpose referring to the council’s statutory duty to provide education for this wide range of pupils. She assured that safeguards were in place and hoped for continued good working relations between BETS and the nursery. In answer to a question from Councillor Jones, the Director confirmed that BETS would have access to an outdoor play area.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the capital programme be amended to include investment of up to £300k in the refurbishment of Ashley Gardens, Wembley HA9 8NP, and to  fund this expenditure from the capital receipt arising from the sale of the council’s site at Douglas Avenue Resource Centre;

(ii)        that authority be delegated to the Assistant Director Regeneration and Major Projects (Property and Asset Management) to dispose of the freehold interest in the Douglas Avenue Resource Centre, Douglas Avenue, Wembley HA0 4DT.