Further to minute 206 (25 September 2008), the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported upon the results of the marketing exercise in relation to expressions of interest from Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) for the refurbishment of Quarry Bank flats, Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead. He commented that the exercise had resulted in two RSL’s submitting a total of five design proposals, which had been evaluated against the original tender brief.

He reported that the preferred scheme scheme was submitted by Venture Housing Association (Option A), which met most closely the requirements of the original design brief, and was also the most economically advantageous to the council. The preferred design brief submitted by Venture Housing Association involved reinstatement and refurbishment of the original twelve self contained flats for general social housing. These units would be allocated through Wirralhomes and contribute to the Councils overall provision of affordable housing. However, similar to most housing schemes, the completion of the scheme was dependant on Venture HA securing National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP) funding with a bid for funding likely to be submitted to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and supported by the Local Authority. He commented also that alongside the process, the Council was currently negotiating termination of the existing lease with Cosmopolitan HA, who had been in occupation of the building since 14 July 2005.

Resolved – That the proposal contained within the report of the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be approved and authority be granted to conclude the necessary documentation.