Agenda item

It was noted that:

(a)  Since the last cabinet report Slough Clinical Commissioning Group (“SCCG”) had obtained outline support from NHS England and would submit a final Business Case for approval in April 2016.

(b)  The proposals for the hub had evolved and now included the potential to build on the strengths of the community centres in Slough, through joint team and agency working and the application of an asset based model of delivering public services that is aligned to the Council’s “Enabling & Preventing” theme of the 5 year plan.

(c)  The outline plans included the introduction of up to 16 properties for rent. Of these, no less than 50% would be owned by SBC, with the remainder owned by Raw Investments Ltd (“RIL”).

(d)  The preferred development solution that met the strategic needs of the Council, SCCG and Raw Investments Limited (“RIL”) is for the hub to be jointly owned and managed between RIL and the Council. RIL would have ownership of the health-led area and properties above, with the remainder owned by the Council (General Fund). 

(e)  The scheme enablement be scheduled to commence by the end of April 2016 through the demolition of the Merry Makers PH (with attached hall) and 324 Trelawney Avenue.

(f)  Housing Services had commenced consultation with tenants residing in 313-323 Trelawney Avenue regarding their relocation.

(g)  Asset Management would continue to explore the feasibility of relocating the football teams currently based at the Merry Makers PH to a formal lease/licence of the changing rooms at Kedermister Park.

(h)  That Thames Valley Police (TVP) have now confirmed they require touch down space at the hub and that discussions have commenced with regards finalising their requirements and the surrender of their lease of Langley Police Station.

(i)  Subject to NHS England approving the business case submitted by SCCG, a final report containing the full business case to proceed with the proposed redevelopment be presented to Cabinet in June 2016.

To agree that:

(j)  Subject to compliance with Housing Revenue Account (“HRA”) guidance, it be agreed in principle that the General Fund (“GF”) appropriate the area of land required from the HRA to develop the hub, with the remainder of the site retained by the HRA and used to build affordable housing for rent .

A progress report was received that updated the Cabinet on the continued positive progress in the delivery of the Trelawney Avenue Redevelopment Plan that included a community hub and new housing.

It was envisaged that the hub would have housing, healthcare, library and adult social care services, plus flexible space for voluntary and community based use.  There would also be some space at the hub for Thames Valley Police and discussions were ongoing about their specific requirements.  Commissioners welcomed the fact that Slough Clinical Commissioning Group had obtained outline support from NHS England to move an existing practice into the new hub and work in an integrated way with other public services.  The Council were also working with Raw Investments Limited and the site plan included provision a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroomed flats and a 2 bedroomed house.  The approach being taken was to realise the One Public Estate objectives, improving services whilst minimising running costs.

The Cabinet was pleased that the significant work put in to the plan was now progressing well in line with the original aims of the redevelopment and using the good practice of hubs developed elsewhere in the borough.  The progress was noted and approval was given to the land appropriation detailed in recommendation (j).  Enablement works were scheduled to commence by April 2016 and business cases would be progressed by the CCG and Council respectively with a final report scheduled to come to Cabinet in June 2016.

Resolved –

(a)  That it be noted that since the last cabinet report Slough Clinical Commissioning Group (“SCCG”) had obtained outline support from NHS England and would submit a final Business Case for approval in April 2016.

(b)  That it be noted that the proposals for the hub had evolved and now included the potential to build on the strengths of the community centres in Slough, through joint team and agency working and the application of an asset based model of delivering public services that is aligned to the Council’s “Enabling & Preventing” theme of the 5 year plan.

(c)  That it be noted that the outline plans included the introduction of up to 16 properties for rent. Of these, no less than 50% would be owned by SBC, with the remainder owned by Raw Investments Ltd (“RIL”).

(d)  That it be noted that the preferred development solution that met the strategic needs of the Council, SCCG and Raw Investments Limited (“RIL”) is for the hub to be jointly owned and managed between RIL and the Council. RIL would have ownership of the health-led area and properties above, with the remainder owned by the Council (General Fund). 

(e)  That it be noted that the scheme enablement be scheduled to commence by the end of April 2016 through the demolition of the Merry Makers PH (with attached hall) and 324 Trelawney Avenue.

(f)  That it be noted that Housing Services had commenced consultation with tenants residing in 313-323 Trelawney Avenue regarding their relocation.

(g)  That it be noted that Asset Management would continue to explore the feasibility of relocating the football teams currently based at the Merry Makers PH to a formal lease/licence of the changing rooms at Kedermister Park.

(h)  That it be noted that Thames Valley Police (TVP) had now confirmed they require touch down space at the hub and that discussions have commenced with regards finalising their requirements and the surrender of their lease of Langley Police Station.

(i)  That subject to NHS England approving the business case submitted by SCCG, a final report containing the full business case to proceed with the proposed redevelopment be presented to Cabinet in June 2016.

(j)  That subject to compliance with Housing Revenue Account (“HRA”) guidance, it be agreed in principle that the General Fund (“GF”) appropriate the area of land required from the HRA to develop the hub, with the remainder of the site retained by the HRA and used to build affordable housing for rent .