Minutes:
Ms Louise Wolsey, London South East Colleges informed Members that the planning application for the London Aerospace and Technical College had been submitted on 14th March 2019, with the outcome expected in June 2019. A number of letters of support for the College had come forward, and the visit of the Aviation Minister had emphasised the high level and local impact that the proposals had. Two public consultation events had taken place in September 2018 and February 2019, which had helped shape the designs and location of the final plan, and had been publicised in the News Shopper and Bromley Times over the last couple of weeks. The timescales would be tight, but the College was expected to open in September 2020.
Members were advised that London South East Colleges was the trading name following the incorporation of a number of Colleges across the London Boroughs of Bromley, Bexley and the Royal Borough of Greenwich in summer 2016. At the time, Greenwich College had been struggling in terms of performance, but this deficit had now been turned around. The big project in Bromley was the London Aerospace and Technical College, but there were also other GLA projects that they were delivering, including the Mayor’s Construction Academy scheme. They had received revenue funding to deliver construction training and also achieved the Quality Mark for the scheme. In Bexley and Greenwich, pop-up construction schemes had been installed on live building sites, and further investment may be used to create more pop-up skills centres. A bid had also been made for money to redevelop the Greenwich College campus, re-providing the campus along with residential accommodation and social housing.
In November 2018, London South East Colleges had worked in collaboration with Mytime Active to deliver a ‘Twilight College’, at the campus between 4.00pm-6.00pm. These were intended to help aid a reduction the number of gang incidents and knife crime by keeping pupils on site and providing after school activities. This highlighted how seriously safeguarding was considered, and an article on these sessions had recently featured in The Times Educational Supplement.
Mr Steve Lipscombe, Ronin Marketing advised Members that he lived and worked locally, and his design and marketing business was located on East Street. He hoped to be able to contribute to the group at future meetings.
Mr Alex Henderson, Henderson Biomedical said that the former site on which his business had been located had been redeveloped by Bellway Homes to provided residential accommodation, and the issues of fly-tipping along Kangley Bridge Road was highlighted. Members were advised that Mr Henderson would be working with Thackary Williams to set up a life sciences advisory group.
Ms Lorna Giffin, Bromley Court Hotel informed Members that from last year, the hotel had a new Managing Director, Stephen Allison. Ms Giffin had been in post for around five weeks, and would be working to build connections and support local businesses.
Mr Michael Humphries, Handelsbanken said that business was carrying on as normal and as their offer differed from most High Street banks, they were doing well in both private and business banking.
Mr Dave Freeborn, Proctors advised Members that on the development side there was more uptake – Brexit was affecting everyone, but they were looking to the future.
Mr Matthew Eady, Mytime Active said that the last part of their £2.7m investment into facilities had been completed with the provision of a wellbeing hub at the Spa at Beckenham. Their ‘Arts Train’ project, which introduced Children Looked After to the arts, had been nominated for an award. Mytime Active also managed community programmes such as the London Youth Games. Team Bromley were currently top of the London league, and if they successfully defended their title this year, they would have held it for four years running.
Mr Richard Nudd, QED Consultants informed Members that his company assisted with construction projects in the Borough. They undertook small projects of any size, with the largest being £26m and they did a lot of work with the NHS. It was noted that the sector was currently quiet.
Ms Helen McIntosh, South East London Chamber of Commerce said that the latest issue of their Masthead publication focussed on Lewisham. The June issue would be focussing on Bromley, and Members were encouraged to submit any information that they would like included in it.
Mr Lee Thomas, Fairlight Group informed Members that serviced offices were doing well, and now that Regis had opened up, there was more space available than ever before. There was a good underlying market for small spaces, but larger spaces were still required.
Mr Gary Hillman, Cray Wanderers FC and The Royal Bell advised Members that in relation to Cray Wanderers FC, following planning approval for a new stadium work would soon be starting on the old Flamingo Park site. Engagement was taking place with the local community, and local tradesmen were being asked to provide quotes for their work. For the next two seasons, the club would be playing their home games at Bromley FC, and minibuses to transport their supporters to the ground were being provided. Cray Wanderers FC were currently ten points clear in the league, and were hoping to gain promotion.
Work on The Royal Bell had been challenging, and some legal papers were still currently to be signed. Work had been completed alongside Nick Barclay, Bromley Civic Society in regards to reinstating the ballroom and a celebration event was planned for the following week.
Mr Paul Curran, South London Scaffolding informed Members that the company was located in Swanley but they carried out a lot of business in Orpington and Bromley. They were keen to engage with other local businesses, and work with the Local Authority and local developers.
Ms Tina Powley, Nugent Shopping Park advised Members that Clinton’s would be moving to another unit on the site, and Superdrug would be opening a store shortly. A new small retailer, Bread Shed, would be opening that week, Wednesday to Sunday. Work had been undertaken in regards to antisocial behaviour, which had included engaging with local school with the assistance of Cray Wanderers FC, and educating employers. A Cray Valley Business event would be taking place on 25th April 2019, bringing together both small and large businesses.
RESOLVED that the updates be noted.