Councillor Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy, approved the award of a contract for façade and shopfront improvements to St Mark's Methodist Church (SMMC) and the entering into of a Funding and Works Agreement. The meeting also noted that it was a Cabinet Member signing in line with Contract Standing Orders.

St Mark's Methodist Church Improvements

Councillor Ruth Gordon approved the award of a contract to Bidder 3 for façade and shopfront improvement works to St Mark's Methodist Church (SMMC) for a total maximum value of £749,932.25. This includes a 15% contingency provision. A Letter of Intent was also approved, pending the execution of the formal contract, for £74,993.23, which is 10% of the maximum contract value.

Furthermore, Councillor Gordon approved the Council entering into a Funding and Works Agreement (FWA) with the managing trustees of SMMC. This agreement will facilitate a grant of £682,014.00 to SMMC, which represents 80% of the total project costs. In return, SMMC will contribute £180,000 towards the project costs and grant the Council a licence to carry out the works.

The decision to proceed with these improvements is part of the wider Tottenham High Street Heritage Action Zone (HS HAZ) regeneration scheme, a partnership between Historic England and Haringey Council. The aim is to boost the local economy by investing in heritage assets in Bruce Grove. The project is time-sensitive due to a funding deadline of March 2024 set by Historic England, which could result in the withdrawal of grant funding if not met.

SMMC is a key priority within the HS HAZ programme, described as a flagship scheme. The building is a locally listed heritage asset at the heart of Bruce Grove, housing five local businesses, a congregation of over 300 people, and providing community services, including support for the homeless. The project aims to address decades of under-investment and enhance the building's façade and shopfronts.

The Council considered two alternative options:

• 'Do nothing': This would have prevented the Council from delivering a key project within the HS HAZ programme, limiting investment in the local economy and support for the community.
• In-house delivery: This option was discounted as there is currently no in-house resource with the necessary experience and expertise to undertake works on the heritage fabric of the building.

The project aligns with Haringey Council's Corporate Delivery Plan 2022-2024, contributing to themes such as resident experience, climate resilience, children and young people, adult health and welfare, a safer borough, a culturally rich borough, and placemaking. Specifically, it aims to improve the local economy, support local businesses, enhance heritage assets, and foster community cohesion. The improvements include replacing old Crittal steel windows with double-glazed versions to improve thermal performance, incorporating flood mitigation measures and greenery, and encouraging sustainable transport through cycle racks.

The procurement process involved a competitive tender exercise, with six bids received. Bidder 3 was selected as the most economically advantageous bid, scoring 82.5% overall. The project is funded through a combination of Haringey Council borrowing, Historic England grant, SCIL, and the Greater London Authority (GLA). The total project budget is £862,014.

The decision was made by Councillor Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Council House building, Placemaking, and Local Economy, in line with Contract Standing Orders. The meeting noted that there were no apologies for absence, no urgent business, and no declarations of interest. The press and public were excluded from part of the meeting due to exempt information relating to financial or business affairs.