Agenda item

Report HPR2023/010

Due to a number of factors, mainly problems with the current buildings, the future of the outreach service currently provided by two community resource centre facilities at Cotmandene (CCRC) and Mottingham (MCLS) had been under review. A number of alternative locations had been explored for relocation with the views of users and non-users captured.

The report asked the Executive to agree to the relocation of the service into two Libraries within the borough under the expected management of Greenwich Leisure Limited.

The report had been scrutinised by the Renewal, Recreation and Housing PDS Committee at its meeting on 23 January 2023 and the Committee had supported the recommendations and made an additional recommendation:

2.2 (ii) To note the need for the Mottingham Resource Centre to be situated in close proximity to the existing location on the Mottingham estate (an area of social and economic deprivation) and continue to search for an alternative site during the 6/12 months trial in case the library site does not prove suitable. Furthermore, that Officers consider the implications and feasibility of extending the time available at St. Edward’s Church, during the trial period, from one day to two days per week, if required, to provide increased local availability of facilities and resources to the elderly, disabled and vulnerable who reside on the Mottingham estate.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The permanent relocation of the outreach services at Cotmandene Resource Centre to St Paul’s Cray Library, including the transfer of management services to GLL by way of a Change Control Note to GLL’s overarching contract and the secondment and/or TUPE of staff depending on the consultation outcome be agreed.

2.  The temporary relocation of the outreach services at Mottingham Learning Shop to Mottingham Library, with one day a week session at St Edward’s Church, be agreed subject to a twelve month trial, to be reviewed after 6 months. These services are to be transferred to the management of GLL rather than the Council by way of a Change Control Note to GLL’s overarching contract and will include the secondment and/or TUPE of staff.

3.  The need for the Mottingham Resource Centre to be situated in close proximity to the existing location on the Mottingham estate (an area of social and economic deprivation) and continue to search for an alternative site during the 6/12 months trial in case the library site does not prove suitable be noted. Furthermore, that Officers consider the implications and feasibility of extending the time available at St. Edward’s Church, during the trial period, from one day to two days per week, if required, to provide increased local availability of facilities and resources to the elderly, disabled and vulnerable who reside on the Mottingham estate.

4.  Any further decisions on the transfer to GLL be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services and Governance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing.

5.  The disposal of the Cotmandene building for sale or rent be agreed subject to a further report from Property.

6.  It be noted that the expected capital cost of the move is £594k, which is within the OPR allowances for the two library sites, and that the budget is approved as part of the OPR process with a requirement for this project to report to the OPR board until completion.