Agenda item

There was one question from Mr Fletcher:

“Following a planning application by Guinness Trust to demolish and redevelop their social housing estate on Mansell St there is speculation amongst some residents on the Middlesex St Estate that The City plans to do the same with Middlesex St. Can you confirm that no such plans exist and there is no intention to demolish and redevelop the estate. Can you further confirm that in fact there are detailed plans to invest in and improve the current estate including lifts, decoration of common parts and the shop units?”

Officers said that the City of London had no intention to demolish and redevelop the Middlesex Street Estate.

Members were informed that Officer were working on a business plan for the commercial properties in Middlesex Street which would set out plans for the future maintenance and improvement of the retail units. It was intended that the business plan would be sent to the Grand Committee meeting on 17^th February 2017.

Officers had made provisions in the Major Works Programme for significant improvements to bring homes on Middlesex Street up to the ‘City Standard’. These improvement works, which have been communicated to all residents on the Estate included:

·        The replacement of the communal heating system

·        Electrical rewiring

·        Concrete testing and remedial concrete repair works

·        Refurbishing the passenger lifts

·        Redecoration of external and internal common areas

·        Replacement of balcony doors and windows to Petticoat Towers

·        Replacement of stairway panels to Petticoat Towers

·        Other general works included water tank replacement, gullies and drainage and ventilation works.

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Several of these programmes of work were due to commence later this year with others staggered over a further 3 to 4 year period.