Key information
Executive summary
The Mayor has asked that a review of the strategic direction and current work programme of Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) be undertaken. The focus of the review shall be the implications of the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between OPDC and the Secretary of State for Transport concerning the transfer of Government owned land at Old Oak Common. The review aims to conclude and report its recommendations to the Mayor at the end of July 2016.
Decision
That the Mayor approves:
- A review into the strategic direction and current work programme of OPDC.
- A contingency of £25,000, noting the aim is to support the review using internal staff resource, that the Executive Director of Development, Enterprise and Environment may if necessary draw on to procure consultancy support for the review.
Part 1: Non-confidential facts and advice
OPDC, the second Mayoral Development Corporation, was launched on 1 April 2015 to further secure the benefits of the regeneration and development of Old Oak and Park Royal.
OPDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Secretary of State for Transport for the transfer of public sector and central Government-owned brownfield land around Old Oak to OPDC for redevelopment. (Appendix A) The land surrounds the HS2 and Crossrail station super-hub, which is set to open in 2026.
The Mayor recognises the opportunity that exists at Old Oak and Park Royal to create a thriving new area of London. It is in this context that he is initiating a review to ensure the implications of the MoU with Government are fully understood and to look also, given the proposed land transfer, into the strategic direction, work programme and governance of OPDC.
The purpose of this MD is to initiate said review formally. It further agrees a contingency of £25,000 to support the review. The expectation is that the review will not incur any additional spend and the contingency will be spent only on the authorisation of the Executive Director of Development, Enterprise and Environment and where it is necessary to procure expert consultancy support for the review.
The objectives and expected outcomes of the review are covered in the Terms of Reference at Appendix B. Section (a) of the TofR sets out the specific areas that will be examined.
The review will culminate in a report and recommendations to be presented to the Mayor at or shortly after the end of July 2016.
The review will be coordinated by City Hall officers who will work closely with the OPDC Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer. OPDC Board Members will be asked for their input to inform the review’s findings.
There is not expected to be any negative impact in terms of equality as part of this review; the review will be mindful of all the requirements set out in the Equality Act 2010 and as a result will be of benefit to all Londoners.
Risks and issues
Should this decision not be approved, the Mayor will be less informed in steering the future direction of OPDC.
The main risks associated with the review concern the tight timescales involved.
Links to Mayoral strategies and priorities
The review links directly to the Mayor’s stated commitments to business, prosperity and opportunity and to building more homes for Londoners. The level of affordable housing at OPDC is purposefully and specifically included in the terms of reference.
Impact assessments and consultations.
The views of OPDC Board Members will be sought as part of the review.
Any costs arising from the review will be met from the corporate contingency budget set aside for such purposes, subject to authorisation from the Executive Director of Development, Enterprise and Environment.
No particular legal implications arise from this proposal.
• Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary of State for Transport, March 2016 (Redacted) – Appendix A
• Terms of Reference for the Review – Appendix B
Signed decision document
MD2006 OPDC Review (signed) PDF
Supporting documents
MD2006 Appendix A
MD2006 Appendix B