The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, approved an increase in funding for the refurbishment of Canning Crescent and a variation to the construction works contract. The meeting was held at Alexandra House, Station Road, N22 7TY.

Canning Crescent Refurbishment Works

Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and Deputy Leader of the Council, approved an increase in the project budget for the refurbishment works at Canning Crescent, located at 176 High Road, Wood Green, N22 8JT, by £498,689. This brings the total project budget to £6,417,494. A variation to the construction works contract with Kind Diamond Consortium (KDC) was also approved, increasing the contract value by £461,640, from £1,904,529 to £2,366,169. Additionally, a client contingency of £44,485 was approved.

The report presented to Councillor Williams outlined that the original contract, agreed in June 2024, had encountered significant delays and unforeseen issues. These included a design fault with the Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), requiring the replacement of three pumps, and problems with fire dampers fitted by a previous contractor, necessitating their replacement across the building. The original completion date was 15th January 2025, with a revised date of 21st February 2025 after an extension for fire compartmentalisation works. However, the building was not handed over by this date, leading to a non-completion certificate being issued.

The additional costs are attributed to the replacement of fire dampers and associated works (£392,885), the additional cost for replacement water pumps (£27,053), and additional works requested by Facilities Management Services (£34,266), including the provision of hand driers and hot and cold ZIP taps. A 10% contingency of £44,485 was also included in the projected additional costs.

The report highlighted that the original project objective was to create a new Adult Mental Health facility with respite units, a recovery college, and a cafe for use by Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey (BEH) Mental Health NHS Trust. Alternative options considered included ending the contract with KDC and appointing a new contractor, which was deemed to impact warranties and ongoing liability, or undertaking the work in-house, for which the council currently lacks the necessary resources and expertise.

The decision to approve the increased funding and contract variation was made to ensure the completion of the refurbishment, which is crucial for addressing significant mental health needs in the borough. Haringey has a higher rate of serious mental illness than the London and England averages. The upgraded facility aims to provide inclusive, culturally sensitive, and accessible mental health services. The works are expected to improve accessibility and amenities for staff and service users, including those with protected characteristics, and will comply with current DDA requirements.

The meeting also noted that the contractor, KDC, remains on site and the council is awaiting a formal assessment of an extension of time. The projected completion date for the works is now 24th July 2025.

The report was presented as a Key Decision and was authorised by Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and Deputy Leader of the Council. The decision was made in accordance with Contract Standing Orders, with legal and finance officers consulted. The report is available in the Public reports pack 28th-May-2025 11.00 Cabinet Member Signing. The detailed request for additional funding is outlined in the Canning Crescent Member Request for Additional Funding Part A 160525V5. The minutes of the meeting can be found in the Printed minutes 28th-May-2025 11.00 Cabinet Member Signing. The agenda for the meeting is available in the Agenda frontsheet 28th-May-2025 11.00 Cabinet Member Signing.