Agenda item

(Director of Neighbourhoods) To consider the attached report AMED-002-2016/17.

The Asset Management Consultant presented a report to the Cabinet Committee and updated them on further progress which had been achieved since the publication of the Agenda.

(1)        Epping Forest Shopping Park

There was a separate detailed report on the progress of the development at Agenda Item 8.

(2)        Oakwood Hill Depot

There had been a delay in relocating to the new depot at Oakwood Hill as the VOSA brake testing box had been positioned incorrectly. This had now been moved and the VOSA accreditation for the MOT Service was being carried out on the 16 July 2016. It was anticipated that all services would have fully moved to Oakwood Hill by the end of July 2016.

(3)        Pyrles Lane Nursery

The District Development Management Committee have granted consent for the redevelopment of the Pyrles Lane Nursery site. A report would be presented to the  Cabinet on the 21 July, seeking permission for the marketing strategy for the site.

(4)        St John’s Road

Negotiations on the purchase of the County Council’s interest in the site had been concluded. The final terms were due to be agreed by Cabinet on the 21 July 2016. It was anticipated that, subject to sign off by the Secretary of State, exchange of contracts could be achieved over the summer holiday period.

(5)        North Weald Airfield

Work was being undertaken on the development of the specification of works for an operational partner. This had been delayed due to changes in the European Procurement Rules which would prevent the procurement of a concessionary contract and would likely necessitate a full blown OJEU process.

(6)        Site of former Sir Winston Churchill Public House

The development was proceeding at a pace and was now up to the fifth floor.  Completion was still anticipated in July 2017.  Agents have been appointed for the letting of the retail units on the ground floor with a number of quality prospective tenants expressing interest.

(7)        Ongar Academy

The sale of the land to the Secretary of State for Education was now complete and construction of the new school had commenced.

(8)        Hillhouse Leisure / Community Hub

After the successful community engagement events to assist in Masterplanning the site, an outline application was due to be submitted jointly by the partners in August 2016, with the intention that it was considered by District Development Management Committee at their meeting in November 2016.  Proposals from the tenderers for the new Leisure Management Contract have been received for the construction of the new Swimming Pool on the site. The GP Practice will now not temporarily relocate.

(9)        Former Golden Lion Public House

A revised offer had been received for a lease extension for the site from the developer.  A planning application is anticipated to be submitted in August 2016.

(10)      Town Mead Depot

No suitable alternative use had yet been identified for this site.

Resolved:

To note progress on the Council’s Asset Management and Development Projects.

Reasons for Decision:

To comply with the Cabinet Committee’s previous request to monitor the development of the Council’s property assets on a regular basis.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

None, as this was a monitoring report which was for information not action.