Issue - meetings

Resolved: that the report be noted. It was agreed that the Committee would receive an update on progress with a memorandum requested by the Audit Panel on the relationship between CRPL and the Council. It was also agreed that the Committee would refer its views to the Sustainable Development Select Committee, as follows:

·         The Public Accounts Select Committee has concerns about the financing for the regeneration of the Catford town centre. It recommends that the Sustainable Development Select Committee should seek further clarification about: the timing of work to enable the redevelopment; plans and contingencies for financing the scheme; the extent of the work already carried out by the programme team to redevelop 17-18 Catford Broadway and the Catford Constitutional Club.

5.1    Kplom Lotsu (SGM Capital Programmes) provided a short introduction to the report.

5.2    Kplom Lotsu and David Austin responded to questions from the Committee, the following key points were noted:

·         The Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL) business plan and budget had to be agreed by Mayor and Cabinet as well as the full Council on an annual basis.

·         Regarding the section in the report on residential leases and renewals (3.13) – an external audit picked up some administrative issues – including the lapsing of some contracts for professional services. This was a legacy issue from the previous owners of the centre. These issues had now been resolved, new contracts had been issued and systems were in place to prevent similar lapses from happening in future.

·         The appointment of a new director for CRPL had been agreed by Mayor and Cabinet. The position was an executive appointment – so a decision was awaited from Mayor and Cabinet.

·         As the masterplan for the town centre progressed, CRPL’s shareholder reserved matters would need to be reviewed. This would be a decision for Mayor and Cabinet and Council. The company as is was constituted could not carry out the regeneration.

·         CRPL paid a charge to the Council for support services. This was charged at full cost.

·         The increased level of certainty about the masterplan for Catford meant that CRPL was able to offer businesses in the town centre more certainty regarding the tenure of their leases, which improved rates of occupancy.

·         The target date for the regeneration to commence was 2021/22 with the TfL road realignment.

·         Officers regularly considered the range of businesses in the town centre and they tried to ensure that the mixture was complimentary.

·         Rent reviews were carried out in accordance with the lease terms.

·         Advice had been sought from specialists and planners about works required to restore the Catford Constitutional Club. It had been reported that some parts of the building were beyond repair and would need to be rebuilt. This would take place in conjunction with the emerging masterplan.

·         17 and 18 Catford Broadway were outside of the scope of the redevelopment of the shopping centre.

·         The masterplan for the town centre would have links to a business plan that would provide options for financing the regeneration.

5.3    In Committee discussions, the following key points were also noted:

·         The Committee urged that the appointment of the new director for CRPL should take place before the summer.

·         Members were concerned whether consideration had been given to financing for the regeneration.

·         Some members highlighted their concerns about decisions that had already been taken to redevelop 17 and 18 Catford Broadway and the Catford Constitutional Club.

5.4    Resolved: that the report be noted. It was agreed that the Committee would receive an update on progress with a memorandum requested by the Audit Panel on the relationship between CRPL and the Council. It was also agreed that the Committee would refer its views to the Sustainable Development Select Committee, as follows:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5