Agenda item

Leader – (C-052d-2020-21) – to seek Cabinet approval to continue dialogue with Essex County Council in respect of a potential Service Level Agreement (SLA) and to enable officers to progress discussions with appropriate parties.

1.         In line with proposals outlined in the 2020/21 Budget, that the Cabinet agreed to support the creation of a Community and Cultural Hub in Waltham Abbey as part of phase 1 of the regeneration of the Town Centre. This would be achieved by combining Epping Forest District Museum (39-41 Sun Street) with Waltham Abbey Library (37 Sun Street), subject to Essex County Council contributions and statutory agreements; this would strengthen the community hub approach to service delivery currently being created with the Civic Office at its heart;

2.         The Cabinet noted the bid for £1,540,000 for the 2021/22 budget to undertake the light refurbishment specifications, and that this included a 10% contingency for any unexpected costs.

3.         The Cabinet agreed that officers be authorised to further explore the operational and management model for the hub with Essex County Council and associated service level agreement between EFDC and ECC for operation of the hub; and

4.         That officers undertake further work as to the financing and completion of the project, noting that required resources were included in the current 2021/22 Budget Assumptions to meet any set-up costs and the borrowing costs that support the proposed capital expenditure.

The Housing and Community Services Portfolio Holder, Councillor H Whitbread, introduced this report.

She noted that a feasibility study had been undertaken in line with the 2020/21 Budget, by officers for the creation of a Community and Cultural Hub in Waltham Abbey “the hub”, will see the District Museum combine with Waltham Abbey Library, owned and managed by Essex County Council.

This proposal was seen as a key opportunity to provide improved Council services to local residents in the area and at the same time, provide a mechanism for supporting economic and community regeneration of the town centre through new and additional footfall to Sun Street and provision of a multi-purpose community learning and skills space.

This report sought Cabinet approval to continue dialogue with Essex County Council in respect of a potential Service Level Agreement (SLA) and to enable officers to progress discussions with appropriate parties (including Qualis) in respect of funding capital works.

Councillor S Kane commented that it was important that we did this as it would mirror the hub we would be setting up in Epping. He asked if there was any indication of a timeline. He was told that no timescale had been set as yet, officers had been talking to Essex CC for some time and were awaiting tonight’s Cabinet decision.

Councillor Philip welcomed the scheme but noted that there was a potential cost of about £1.5million and he wondered where we were going to fund this from; and had it been put into the Capital budget for next year? This should made as a recommendation for a bid for Capital support. A regular income had been projected for 2022/23 which was encouraging, with a return of about 13%, a very good return; and we could add to that some savings. But he wanted to make sure that the costs were factored into next year’s budget. Councillor H Whitbread said that this was in line with the 2020/21 budget in investing for the future. However, it was agreed that this would be added as a recommendation.

Councillor Patel welcomed the report and was keen that this type of model went through to the rest of the district and was glad that we were taking the lead on libraries.

Councillor Bedford suggested that officers should also look at having a police/fire presence at the hubs maybe giving home fire safety advice.

Councillor H Whitbread remarked that sustainable hubs across the district was vital and agreed with Councillor Bedford about having a police/fire presence.

Councillor Plummer welcomed the report and asked if there was still the intention to buy the Police Station to use as a community asset. He noted that the arts and creative industries would have a massive economic and social benefit and would like to see something around this brought into a social hub. Councillor H Whitbread was unsure as to where the Council was in its negotiations on the Police Station. She had noted his comments and would take them on board. Mr Dawe said that the Police Station was subject to another offer but that we would continue to register our interest.

Councillor Murray said this was an excellent report. He reminded the meeting that Loughton also existed. It was the biggest town in the district with a struggling parade in the Broadway, and two wards with high levels of social deprivation. Could the concept of cultural hubs be extended towards Loughton and have a library in there and not run by the college. Councillor C Whitbread said that they have had massive investment in the Loughton swimming pool and the investment in Debden Broadway and other investments in Loughton over the years. All done by a conservative administration with no representation in Loughton. No part of the district was forgotten.

Councillor Chris Pond welcomed the report but the space under discussion for the Library was much too small. He thought the idea of including the Police in this was a good one. Councillor H Whitbread noted his point on the provision a good Library for the town.

Decision:

1.         In line with proposals outlined in the 2020/21 Budget, that the Cabinet agreed to support the creation of a Community and Cultural Hub in Waltham Abbey as part of phase 1 of the regeneration of the Town Centre. This would be achieved by combining Epping Forest District Museum (39-41 Sun Street) with Waltham Abbey Library (37 Sun Street), subject to Essex County Council contributions and statutory agreements; this would strengthen the community hub approach to service delivery currently being created with the Civic Office at its heart;

2.         The Cabinet noted the bid for £1,540,000 for the 2021/22 budget to undertake the light refurbishment specifications, and that this included a 10% contingency for any unexpected costs.

3.         The Cabinet agreed that officers be authorised to further explore the operational and management model for the hub with Essex County Council and associated service level agreement between EFDC and ECC for operation of the hub; and

4.         That officers undertook further work as to the financing and completion of the project, noting that required resources were included in the current 2021/22 Budget Assumptions to meet any set-up costs and the borrowing costs that support the proposed capital expenditure.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

The Council has a unique opportunity to improve local services to its residents in Waltham Abbey through the establishment of a Community and Cultural Hub that will extend the community hub model currently being built with the Civic Office at its heart. The Waltham Abbey hub will incorporate Essex County Council Library Services, EFDC Customer Services as well as space for partners (e.g. VAEF and EFCA) and the wider community which can be used for learning and skills, drop-in workspace, activities and events.

This hub will be a catalyst for increasing footfall to the Town Centre and supporting the long-term sustainability of retail and local business.

This proposal therefore brings together the benefits of; strengthening the community, assisting regeneration of the high-street and the approach to using the District’s buildings as community hubs wherever practical.

Other Options for Action:

Not to proceed with the proposal. However, this will prevent the opportunity for the Council to provide much needed Customer Services and learning opportunities in a disadvantaged area of the district, which is significantly limited by public transport services.