Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Property Investment and Regeneration

Please not the appendix is exempt in accordance with Paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A as it contains commercially sensitive information.

RESOLVED –

1.         that the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP business plan 2021/22 for Riverwell appended to the report is endorsed.

2.         that the progress made at Watford Riverwell to date in the delivery of key sites is noted.

3.         that the progress West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust (WHHT) has made with regard to the redevelopment of the Watford General Hospital campus is noted.

Cabinet received a report of the Head of Property Investment and Regeneration which provided an update on the progress regarding the regeneration of Watford Riverwell and the latest Business Plan for endorsement by the executive.

Councillor Johnson introduced the report.  He commented that this project was delivering the council’s ambition, including building on a brownfield site, keeping the hospital in Watford and bringing an income to the council.  The report before the committee provided an update on progress to the scheme, including the multi-storey car park, housing development, which would incorporate social housing, and the development zones.  He noted that the housing was under construction and the social housing element had been brought forward into the first phase of the scheme.

The Head of Property Investment and Regeneration informed members that the business plan was produced on an annual basis and set out the plans for the year. It covered the multi-storey car park, family housing, industrial zone and the West Herts Hospitals Trust’s programme.  The first phase of family housing was under construction and expected completion was August 2022.  This phase of housing would include 23 affordable housing units.   Discussions had started with a third party about the development of the industrial zone.  In addition discussions were continuing with the Trust about timings and delivery. 

Councillor Bell questioned whether some of the statements regarding equity in the report would be achievable.  He welcomed the delivery of the affordable housing and that the social housing element had been brought forward.  In reference to the multi-storey car park, he hoped that local residents would be able to use the car park, particularly at quieter times for the hospital.

The Mayor noted that residents’ use of the multi-storey car park had been discussed at Major Projects Forum. 

Councillor Johnson responded to the questions about equity and whether they would be achievable.  He advised this was the aspiration for the Local Asset Backed Vehicle (LABV).  If the LABV was unable to achieve the equity within the report and business plan then an update report would be presented to Cabinet to explain. 

The Head of Property Investment and Regeneration added that the LABV was beholden to market conditions.  These were the LABV’s targets.

Councillor Bell then referred to the legal implications in paragraph 11.2 and spoke about the repayment of £2 million by the Hospitals Trust to the council.

The Head of Property Investment and Regeneration assured members that an agreement was in place for its repayment to the council. 

RESOLVED –

1.         that the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP business plan 2021/22 for Riverwell appended to the report is endorsed.

2.         that the progress made at Watford Riverwell to date in the delivery of key sites is noted.

3.         that the progress West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust (WHHT) has made with regard to the redevelopment of the Watford General Hospital campus is noted.