Agenda item

(a)  That it be agreed that the Trelawney Avenue  development proceeds, with delivery of a Council Access Point and new housing accepting that a separate healthcare facility is no longer possible;

(b)  That Langley Library be incorporated into the Council Access Point and officers explore alternative uses for the existing library accommodation;

(c)  That a flexible healthcare/consultation space be provided within the new CAP for use by NHS and Public Health partners;

(d)  That Slough Borough Council enter into a Pre-Contract Services Agreement with Slough Urban Renewal that will develop the scheme up to and including planning approval;

(e)  That once the viable scheme design is agreed a further report is brought back to Cabinet by December 2020 to report on budget requirements and seek approval to enter into contract for the delivery of the scheme.

The Cabinet received an update on the Trelawney Avenue Redevelopment Plan and considered proposals to restart the project.

It was noted that the development partner, KDL, had withdrawn from the development due to the changed financial climate caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Approval was sought to otherwise proceed with the development as previously agreed.  The Council would solely deliver and manage this mixed-use project, which would provide a new Council Access Point in line with the Localities Strategy and up to 32 affordable properties.  The new Council Access Point would incorporate Langley Library.

The Cabinet was informed of the changes of the new proposals compared to the previously approved project.  It was noted that the separate healthcare facility envisaged would no longer be possible without KDL, however a flexible, multi-use space for healthcare professionals from the NHS and Public Health would be provided on the site to hold regular sessions for the local community.  There were a number of benefits to the Council taking control of the development including delivering affordable homes rather the private homes for rent as under KDL, the ability to fully relocate Langley Library and greater certainty to deliver the project.  Lead Members recognised the challenges in managing complex projects with health and other partners and reiterated their commitment to deliver a scheme that would achieve the vast majority of the original objectives and better housing outcomes.

The recommendations were therefore agreed and the Cabinet requested the next report seeking approval of a revised scheme be brought to Cabinet by December 2020.

Resolved –

(a)  That it be agreed that the Trelawney Avenue  development proceeds, with delivery of a Council Access Point and new housing accepting that a separate healthcare facility is no longer possible;

(b)  That Langley Library be incorporated into the Council Access Point and officers explore alternative uses for the existing library accommodation;

(c)  That a flexible healthcare/consultation space be provided within the new CAP for use by NHS and Public Health partners;

(d)  That Slough Borough Council enter into a Pre-Contract Services Agreement with Slough Urban Renewal that will develop the scheme up to and including planning approval;

(e)  That once the viable scheme design is agreed a further report is brought back to Cabinet by December 2020 to report on budget requirements and seek approval to enter into contract for the delivery of the scheme.