To be moved by
Councillor David Boothroyd and seconded by Councillor Geoff
Barraclough:
This Council acknowledges
the embarrassment caused to Westminster residents by the failed
Marble Arch Mound, its unexpected £6 million pound cost to
local taxpayers, as well as the political and management failures
exposed by the Council’s internal review.
This Council notes the
significant delays in delivering promised improvements to the
Oxford Street District. £20 million has so far been spend on
consultants while little has changed on the ground, even though
this time hasn’t been used to properly consult residents on
important measures such as the Oxford Circus piazzas.
This Council notes the slow
progress in obtaining private sector support for schemes in the
Oxford Street District and the failure to obtain substantial
contributions for other major capital projects such as the
£32m Strand Aldwych scheme.
This Council notes the
protracted discussions around the future of Huguenot House and
concerns over emerging plans to turn it into a £100m
casino.
This Council notes the use
of CIL and Section 106 funding to support the poorly thought-out
vanity projects such as the Sir Simon Milton University Technical
College and the Minerva Free School
This Council believes the
failures of the Marble Arch Mound project have damaged public
confidence in Westminster Council’s ability to deliver major
projects.
This Council believes it is
imperative that public realm schemes which deliver increased
property values for major landowners are properly supported with
substantial financial contributions from those who stand to
benefit, including ensuring the Oxford Street District project
achieves at least matched funding against the Council’s
contribution.
This Council resolves to
commission an independent audit of its major capital projects to
ensure taxpayers get value for money.
This Council further
resolves to cease exploratory work on the conversion of Huguenot
House into a casino.
Share on Social Networks