Agenda item

Joint report of the Ponds Project Director and the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Committee received an update from the Ponds Project Director on the on-going works and habitat restoration at the Heath. It was detailed that the construction part of the project was in its final stages, with the work on track to be completed in October.

The following points were noted:

·         About 4.5% of the area of the Heath was directly affected by the works

·         The contractor had been considerate to the needs of residents and Heath users, and understood the importance of habitat restoration. The involvement of the contractor at an early stage of the project had proven useful to furthering these and all other project aims.

·         The decision not to use Millfield Lane for construction had proven to be beneficial

·         The water quality of the Ladies Pond had seen an improvement since the works

·         The hot weather had contributed to the silt-drying process.

·         The habitat restoration and landscaping works that will follow the construction part of the project is of great importance.

The Ponds Project Director confirmed that he would keep the Committee updated on a claim for additional payment made by the contractor which revolved around the ownership of risk. In response to a question from a Member it was confirmed that a thorough post-implementation review would be conducted upon completion of the Project.

RESOLVED - That approval be granted for the reallocation of landscaping costs to be carried out by the Open Spaces team.