The Executive Decision meeting of Waltham Forest Council on Thursday 25 January 2024 was scheduled to discuss the letting of nursery units within the Coronation Square regeneration scheme. The primary focus was on the proposed agreement with Nappy Gang Day Nursery Limited for units 103 & 104.

Coronation Square Nursery Letting

The meeting was scheduled to consider the letting of nursery units 103 & 104 at Coronation Square, Oliver Road, Leyton, London E10. This is part of a major regeneration scheme that aims to deliver 750 new homes, 50% of which will be affordable, alongside new sports, leisure, health, nursery, community, and commercial facilities. The project is being delivered through a Development Agreement between the Council and its partner, Taylor Wimpey.

The report pack indicated that Nappy Gang Day Nursery Limited, the current nursery provider on the site, is proposed to occupy the new nursery units. The recommendation was for Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), to approve the Council entering into an agreement for lease and/or lease with Nappy Gang Day Nursery Ltd. The report also stated that the heads of terms with Nappy Gang Day Nursery Ltd had been agreed.

The report detailed that the Coronation Square development involves the demolition of the existing Score Centre and its adjoining Children's Nursery facility, which is currently operated by Nappy Gang Day Nursery Limited. The proposed letting terms were stated to represent current market value and Best Consideration ¹ in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. The report suggested that this transaction would not impact the main construction programme and was part of wider commercial discussions.

The report also outlined the Council's strategic priorities that the redevelopment supports, including policies from the Core Strategy such as CS2 (Improving Housing Quality and Choice), CS3 (Providing physical and social Infrastructure), and CS15 (Well Designed Buildings, Places and Spaces). It also referenced the policy document Building for the Future: Delivering Housing for Everyone in Waltham Forest and highlighted opportunities for construction training, apprenticeships, and jobs secured via a Section 106 agreement.

The report pack also touched upon implications for finance, value for money, and risk, noting that the lease to Nappy Gang is an improvement on their current rental value and aligns with the original business case. Legal implications were discussed in relation to the Council's power under the Localism Act 2011 and the requirement to demonstrate Best Consideration under the LGA 1972. Equalities and diversity considerations were also mentioned, with the report stating that the project has significant positive impacts, including the provision of new homes and facilities, and that the continuation of early years provision at the site would have a positive impact on parents and families. Sustainability aspects included the delivery of a District Heating Network, improved walking and cycling connections, and the planting of 200 trees. The scheme is also expected to deliver enhanced Council infrastructure through the reprovision of a new leisure centre, health hub, nursery, and public realm.