The Cabinet Member Signing meeting was scheduled to discuss the award of a contract for landscape works at The Paddock, Tottenham Hale. This significant project aims to transform the area into a Local Nature Reserve with enhanced facilities and ecological improvements.

Award of Contract for Landscape Works at The Paddock, Tottenham Hale

The meeting was scheduled to consider the award of a contract for landscape works at The Paddock, a Community Nature Park in Tottenham Hale. This project is a key part of the Council's placemaking objectives for the area, aiming to enhance green and open spaces and contribute to residents' health and wellbeing. The Paddock Enhancement Programme is intended to transform the site into the borough's first new Local Nature Reserve in over a decade, serving as an exemplar for biodiversity and ecology.

The report pack indicated that the proposed works would include:

• Enhanced arrival spaces.
• A new and improved network of primary and secondary paths designed for accessibility.
• Enhanced planting and landscaping.
• New wetland areas.
• A wildlife-viewing hide.
• Signage and interpretation panels.
• Benches and bins.
• Facilities for educational activities to be delivered by partners, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).

The estimated value of these landscape works is £1,069,938.58. Funding for the project is to come from the Council's capital programme (Capital Scheme 401: Tottenham Hale Green and Open Spaces Strategy) and a Section 106 contribution of £576,144 secured from the Hale Wharf development.

The report recommended approving the award of a contract to Bidder 1 for these landscape works. This contractor was identified as the highest scoring bidder across quality, social value, and price, and is noted for their expertise in working in sensitive ecological environments. The report highlighted that not awarding the contract would risk jeopardising the progress made and the long-term partnership with TCV, and would prevent the delivery of planned accessibility improvements and enhanced educational facilities.

The Paddock Enhancement Programme has been developed with input from local communities and stakeholders, including Thames Water, Canal & River Trust, Lee Valley Park, London Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Paddock, and residents' representatives. TCV has been involved in the site's management and community engagement since 2020, and a 21-year Management Plan is in place. The Council is also negotiating a 125-year lease with Thames Water for their land holdings around the riverine edges of the site, which would create an additional 1.9 acres of publicly accessible open space.

The report also detailed the procurement process, which involved inviting suppliers from the London Construction Programme Minor Works framework to tender. Two bids were received, with Bidder 1 scoring 86.23% overall. Key risks identified included the control of land from Thames Water, external factors such as public perception, cost risks, potential programme slippage, and environmental considerations. The project is expected to contribute to the Council's Corporate Delivery Plan by enhancing green canopy, promoting community participation, improving mental wellbeing, increasing safety, and supporting placemaking.

The meeting was also scheduled to consider an exempt report regarding the award of the contract, which contained information relating to financial or business affairs.