Agenda item

(a)  That based on robust and commercial engagement measures in place with contractors, the objective is to procure  a ‘Fixed Price’ for the construction of the Tower & Ashbourne development and  that Cabinet  accept that the recommended method to achieve this objective is via the ‘Restricted Contract Procurement Route’; .

(b)  That the Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Lead Member and with support from Service Lead Housing Development & Contracts,  explore and agree, if he considers appropriate, the option for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA)  to fund the construction of the development work;

(c)  That once construction is sufficiently established,  the development will be refinanced and  an option of ‘Heads of Terms’ be in place allowing for Institutional Funding to re-imburse the HRA to invest in other projects.

(d)  That the Cabinet consent to the principle that the tenancy strategy for  for the development  is to set affordable rents and these are required to be below the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) level, that  the  rents are set at the lowest possible level below LHA as a clear intent that the Development is  is ‘Affordable Housing’ that there be active use of available retained 1-4-1 RTB Receipts and  s106 Housing funding or successful application for Homes England Grant to reduce further the rent levels to lowest possible viable level; and

(e)  That HRA Asset Strategy & Support of Tenancy Strategy is to designate the DI.S.H. RP (Development Initiative Slough Housing RP) to commission services for the management of the completed Development and, to be the designated Building Safety Body, to enable planning requirement for localised letting so as to create active tenant engagement in the management and creation of a sustainable community at the Development.

The Service Lead Housing Development & Contracts introduced a report that updated Lead Members on the design and procurement for construction of the Tower & Ashbourne site development.

The Cabinet noted that a resident and community focused approach had been taken and the scheme had been designed with a full commitment to high quality affordable housing.  It would adopt SMART TECC building technology and an exemplar approach in standards of fire prevention measures.  The scheme was at an advanced stage of detailed design in preparation for procurement.

Lead Members welcomed the high quality design standards adopted.  The provision of car parking was raised and it was noted that the provision was in line with planning policies and there would be access to the car club and increased facilities for electric vehicles.  The Cabinet recognised the importance of ‘future proofing’ Council developments and being ambitious in terms of environmental standards.

At the conclusion of the discussion the recommendations were agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That based on robust and commercial engagement measures in place with contractors, the objective is to procure  a ‘Fixed Price’ for the construction of the Tower & Ashbourne development and  that Cabinet  accept that the recommended method to achieve this objective is via the ‘Restricted Contract Procurement Route’; .

(b)  That the Director of Finance & Resources in consultation with the Lead Member and with support from Service Lead Housing Development & Contracts,  explore and agree, if he considers appropriate, the option for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA)  to fund the construction of the development work;

(c)  That once construction is sufficiently established,  the development will be refinanced and  an option of ‘Heads of Terms’ be in place allowing for Institutional Funding to re-imburse the HRA to invest in other projects.

(d)  That the Cabinet consent to the principle that the tenancy strategy for  for the development  is to set affordable rents and these are required to be below the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) level, that  the  rents are set at the lowest possible level below LHA as a clear intent that the Development is  is ‘Affordable Housing’ that there be active use of available retained 1-4-1 RTB Receipts and  s106 Housing funding or successful application for Homes England Grant to reduce further the rent levels to lowest possible viable level; and

(e)  That HRA Asset Strategy & Support of Tenancy Strategy is to designate the DI.S.H. RP (Development Initiative Slough Housing RP) to commission services for the management of the completed Development and, to be the designated Building Safety Body, to enable planning requirement for localised letting so as to create active tenant engagement in the management and creation of a sustainable community at the Development.