Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025

Purpose: 1.1             To seek Cabinet approval to instruct Inner Circle Consulting (ICC) to undertake the work identified in their proposal titled “Borehamwood Regeneration – Culture & Leisure Destination Feasibility and Business Case” (October 2025, Version 1.0). To approve the fee proposal of £99,000 from the Strategic Asset Investment Catalyst Fund

Content: RESOLVED that the Cabinet a)           Approved the appointment of the consultant set out in 2.1 of this report to carry out the deliverables laid down in the proposal in Appendix A. b)           Approved the budget and funding source as set out in 2.2 c)           Authorised the Director of Place Transformation, Head of Asset Management & Engineering Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, to finalise contractual terms and issue formal instructions. d)           Agreed that, in the event that the feasibility study gave rise to a live project, the Strategic Asset Investment Catalyst Fund would be replenished for the full cost of the study.   Reasons for decision 1.     ICC had already successfully delivered the Council’s Strategic and Outline Business Cases for Borehamwood Regeneration, ensuring continuity of expertise and alignment with the emerging masterplan. 2.     ICC brought a multi-disciplinary team, including Haworth Tompkins Architects and Otium Real Estate, with specialist experience in cultural and leisure-led mixed-use development. 3.     Commissioning ICC immediately would allow the Council to progress the feasibility and business case work in time to inform future investment decisions and funding bids. 4.     Commissioning the work immediately would the outcomes to be incorporated into the Development Framework being prepared to inform the emerging Local Plan.   Alternative Options Considered 1.     Do nothing: This would delay delivery of the regeneration objectives and prevent the Council from advancing a key catalyst project. 2.     Re-procure via open competition: This would extend the timetable by several months and could incur additional cost. Given ICC’s prior involvement and unique understanding of the Borehamwood Regeneration Framework, this is not recommended.