Here is a summary of the key items scheduled for discussion at the Westminster Council Cabinet meeting on 23 June 2025. The Cabinet will be considering the acquisition of the Beethoven Centre, as well as the acquisition of several properties for use as temporary accommodation. Also included in the agenda is the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting.

Acquisition of the Beethoven Centre

The Cabinet will be considering a report about the proposed acquisition of the Beethoven Centre, located in Queen's Park, from A2 Dominion Homes.

The report states that the acquisition of the Beethoven Centre aims to secure the future of a facility that addresses local needs for affordable space and improve service co-ordination for various services.

The report notes that Queen's Park ward is one of the most deprived areas in Westminster, and that local community groups and services face a shortage of affordable, bookable space. The report claims that the acquisition of the Beethoven Centre would:

• Safeguard a valued community asset that is currently underused, privately owned, and at risk of commercialisation or disposal.
• Provide an opportunity to improve co-ordinated delivery of local services by bringing voluntary organisations, health partners, advice services, and housing support under one roof.
• Address unmet demand for affordable space across North Westminster, especially in Queen's Park.
• Align with the Council's Fairer Westminster priorities by embedding the Centre within a growing citywide network of community facilities and spaces, delivering joined-up, locally tailored services.

The report notes that the centre has a large main hall and several meeting rooms, as well as office space. It also notes that the acquisition of the centre may be subject to [TUPE¹] regulations.

Acquisition of Properties for Temporary Accommodation

The Cabinet will be considering several reports relating to the acquisition of properties for use as temporary accommodation. These include properties in SE16, N14 and W2.

The reports note that the council has a statutory obligation under the Housing Act 1996 to house people in need, and that there is increasing demand for temporary accommodation in the borough.

The reports state that the council has a strategy in place to deal with these challenges, which involves a significant expansion of the current temporary accommodation estate. This is being delivered through a combination of property leasing and acquisition.

The report relating to the property in Bayswater W2 states that the council will be considering a three-year lease of a property comprising 122 self-contained flats. The report notes that homelessness and temporary accommodation remains a significant pressure across the council.

The reports relating to the properties in SE16 and N14 state that the council will be considering the acquisition of freehold properties for use as temporary accommodation. The report relating to the property in N14 notes that it comprises 18 residential units across three blocks, with 17 off-street car-parking spaces to the rear.

The reports state that the increasing demand for temporary accommodation in the borough represents a significant budget risk for the council.

Approval of Minutes

The Cabinet will be asked to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 May 2025.