Decision details

Upon receiving advice from the Head of Business & Committee and the Legal

representative, the Mayor and Cabinet Contracts Committee resolved to

consider this item in open session.

The written comments of the Overview & Scrutiny Business Panel were

presented by the Chair, Councillor Alan Hall. The Mayor responded to each

comment as shown below.

Catford Regeneration Masterplan

The Mayor confirmed Mayor & Cabinet would be involved in the appointment

of an architect.

Social Impact Bonds

The Mayor accepted the request that the planned evaluation of the project be considered at Mayor and Cabinet.

Beckenham Place Park landscaping works restoration contract award

The Mayor said he was slightly puzzled by the Business Panel using their

scrutiny of a landscaping contract to encompass a call for a general review of

the Beckenham Place Park development. He stated it was highly problematic

to ask for a new course to be steered with only a couple of weeks left in an

administration.

Councillor Rachel Onikosi advised the Mayor that the entire project had been

predicated on resident consultation and engagement. She was aware of a

determined critical lobby that had lobbied against the closure of the golf

course and she reported they were still being engaged at Park User Group

and other meetings. She stated the regeneration was a huge project involving

the attraction of massive Heritage Lottery Fund grants which required

continuous project review. She advised the Mayor not to pursue the option

required by the Business Panel.

The Mayor observed that use of the park had significantly increased since golf

usage had ended and he concluded that he should note the referral but not

agree a root and branch strategic review was necessary, adding that it would

not be appropriate for an outgoing Mayor to order such a review.

RESOLVED that the Mayoral responses be reported to the Overview &

Scrutiny Business Panel.