The Corporate and Resources Committee met on Tuesday 19 March 2024, approving a £3.1m funding agreement for a new vocational centre for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at St Philip's School and endorsing a strategy to revitalise Kingston's Ancient Market Place. The committee also noted an update to the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration project's business plan, which includes a significant increase in social rent homes.

Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) - Business Plan Update

The committee received an update on the Phase 1 Business Plan for the Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) regeneration project. A key change noted was the Council's decision in December 2023 to convert 104 homes originally planned for private sale into Council social rent properties. This decision increases the total number of homes for social rent to 871 and reduces the number for private sale to 2,066, as part of a wider regeneration aiming to provide 2,170 new homes in total. The committee resolved to note the updated Phase 1 Business Plan and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place to finalise and sign a Supplemental Agreement with the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) to formalise this change. Councillor Richard Thorpe declared an other registrable interest as a council representative on the Cambridge Road Estate Joint Venture Limited Liability Partnership Board and withdrew from the debate and vote on this item.

Revitalising Kingston's Ancient Market Place

The committee approved the Kingston Ancient Market Place strategy and its guiding principles. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Place to advertise and negotiate a lease and other relevant documents to secure an operator for the management of the street market, Ancient Market Square, and Market House. A further report will be presented to the committee with the outcome of these negotiations before any lease is agreed. The strategy aims to modernise the operation and management of this historic space, which is a cornerstone of Kingston's offer to residents and visitors, and includes the Grade II* Listed Ancient House. The market itself is one of London's oldest, with its first record dating back to 1242. The vision for the Market Place, developed through extensive community engagement, emphasises building on the strength of the street market and using the space to support more cultural and community events. The report highlighted the need for a longer-term role for Market House, which has been largely vacant, and considered the replacement of the market stalls, installed in 2012, which are nearing the end of their operational life.

Funding Agreement for a New 14-19 Vocational Centre at St Philip's School

The committee approved a funding agreement for the Council to contribute £3.1 million from its Department for Education (DfE) allocated High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA) funds towards the St Philip's School Willow Project. This project will establish a vocational centre providing 18 additional specialist school places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The centre aims to equip young people with SEND with vocational skills and qualifications to support their transition into sustained employment. Facilities will also be available for use by other schools, including Chessington School, and community groups. The Council has a statutory duty under Section 14 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure sufficient school places and under Section 14A to consider parental representations. Currently, there is a shortage of specialist places for SEND pupils in Kingston. The development is expected to create a permanent learning space, reducing the need for out-of-borough placements and leading to significant cost avoidance for the Council, estimated at £0.655 million per year in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block expenditure. The cost of a place at St Philip's is approximately £23,600 per year, compared to £30,000 to £90,000 for independent settings. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director, Place, to finalise and execute the funding agreement and any associated legal documentation.

Public Question Time

During public question time, representatives from the North Kingston Neighbourhood Forum raised questions regarding the Canbury Place Car Park and the 12-52 Kingsgate Road Development. Concerns were expressed about ensuring the site delivered new homes. The Council explained that while disposal terms are commercially confidential, steps are being taken to ensure the site is brought forward once planning permission is secured. The site is allocated in the emerging Local Plan and has been identified as suitable for mixed-use, mixed-tenure development. A conditional sale agreement is in place with the purchaser. The Council outlined its commitment to delivering new homes through various programmes, including the small sites programme, the redevelopment of the Cambridge Road Estate, and the purchase of existing homes. Residents also queried the prioritisation of Discounted Market Rent on schemes to alleviate the council home waiting list. The Council responded that the nature, tenure, and timing of affordable housing are assessed through the planning process, but discounted market rent is anticipated for this scheme. The Council typically seeks nomination rights over affordable housing to support those it has a responsibility to accommodate and would encourage key workers to reside in such schemes.