Agenda item

Queen's Park Café - Engagement and Consultation Exercise

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Minutes:

Members considered and approved a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath providing Members with an update concerning the Queen’s Park Café Engagement and Consultation Exercise.

 

The Chairman voiced gratitude to Hoxton Beach who were currently managing the Highgate Wood Pavilion Café following the termination of Urban Leisure Group’s lease and whilst the City Corporation carried out consultation. 

 

Members were advised that the user feedback during consultation had been beneficial and a revised timeline for the delivery of the project and the tendering of the Highgate Wood Pavilion Café and the Queen’s Park Café had been approved. Consultation with the Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Consultative Groups would follow.

 

A Member queried why the tendering could not be moved forward to take place before February 2020 and ensure a new operator was in place before Easter. Members were informed that the Act allowed for leases much longer than three years and time was needed to ensure the right trader was selected.

 

A Member recommended that as part of the negotiations, it was preferable to offer a reduced rent during the establishment phase rather than a rent-free period.

 

RESOLVED That:-

 

·         Members note the outcomes of the public engagement and consultation undertaken by Groundwork London (Appendix 1);

 

·         Members agree the revised timeline for the tendering of the Queen’s Park Café and the Highgate Wood Pavilion Café (Para 12);

 

·         Members agree that further consultation is carried out with the Queen’s Park Consultative Group and the Highgate Wood Consultative Group regarding the development of tender documentation supporting the tender process of both cafés (Para 13).

Supporting documents: