Bridge Close Business Liaison Mee1ng 24 April 2018
Format of this evening Introduc1ons Background Current posi1on and our commitment Next steps and one-to-one mee1ngs Listen to views and ques1ons Available aHer the mee1ng
Background As a reminder and for those new to Bridge Close: Bridge Close iden1fied for development in 2008 Romford Area Ac1on Plan Council’s Cabinet decided to proceed with the development in June 2016 Romford awarded Housing Zone status by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in 2016 with funding allocated for Bridge Close FBBCR (a partnership between First Base Ltd and Savills Investment Management) approached the Council proposing a Joint Venture
Current posi1on Council’s Cabinet in November 2017 agreed to establish the Joint Venture subject to finalising the agreements The Council and the GLA signed the Housing Zone legal agreement in January 2018 – funding to support affordable housing at Bridge Close Council and FBBCR signed the legal agreements to establish the Joint Venture in April 2018. The Joint Venture is now able to move forward including nego1a1ons with the owners and occupiers of all proper1es affected (business premises and houses)
The new development 1,000 + new homes - at least 30% affordable 3 form entry primary school Health centre Employment space Community facili1es Pedestrian bridge across the river to the Sta1on and improvements to the river Built in phases commencing 2021
Our responsibility and commitment We want to understand the needs and requirements of each business We want businesses to con1nue trading and to find suitable premises We will pay for businesses obtain independent advice (fee proposals must be agreed in advance) We will improve our communica1on with businesses and residents We will meet all of our legal responsibili1es
Next steps
We will contact freeholders and leaseholders soon to arrange a mee1ng at your property during May/June to: • make sure the informa1on we have is up to date • understand your future inten1ons and requirements • explain in detail the process, forms of compensa1on and support, and next steps as they relate to your business or organisa1on We will value each property and interest and you will be provided with a wrifen valua1on report. The JV has appointed Mass & Co to search for replacement premises based on your requirements and en1tlements. You will obviously be able to undertaken your own search
Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) The Council will seek to adopt CPO powers – the process has not started The Secretary of State (a Government Minister) has to approve
However we hope not to use a CPO – successful nego1a1on is the best outcome Current key dates • Submit planning applica1on January 2019 • Planning permission obtained July 2019 • Cabinet approves a CPO and applica1on made to the Secretary of State Summer 2019 • first phase start-on-site April 2021
In summary The Council has decided to proceed with the Bridge Close development and to form a Joint Venture with FBBCR We want to (and by law must) act fairly and support all freeholders and leaseholders. There will be more communica1on from now on One-to-one mee1ngs are very important as each business is different
Ques&ons
bridge.close@havering.gov.uk