Agenda item

N.B: Appendix 8 to this report is non-public.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment which provided an outline options appraisal in respect of the Aldgate Highway Changes and Public Realm Improvements Project.

Members received a presentation from the Assistant Director, Environmental Enhancement regarding the project.

Members welcomed the report and during discussion, made reference to the use of Sustainable Drainage System’s (SuDS), the connection with International House, the importance of providing public spaces and improving what was currently there and provision of public conveniences.

Members referred specifically to Appendix 3, page 81 of the report.  Members were informed that as part of the project, funding would be identified and a report would be submitted with appropriate considerations.

RESOLVED – That,

i)                 All options continue to be developed to G4 to ensure that the optimum highway layout was presented;

ii)                Delegated authority be granted to the Director of the Built Environment and Head of Finance to adjust the project budget between staff costs and fees if above the recommended variance providing the overall budget was not exceeded;

iii)              Transport for London funding of £429k be included into the project budget;

iv)              Approval be granted to use the underspend from the delivery of the project to G3 to be used to deliver G4 (approximately £44k at the time of writing);

v)               Approval be granted to utilise the St Botolph House S106 contribution for the “New Public Square” development, if required, to reach G4.  (It is anticipated that was likely to be between £2k and £20k); and

vi)              The appointment of WSAtkins be approved for a sum in the region of £100k (see Appendix 8) to develop the urban design for the scheme (included within the £475k estimate of expenditure).