Decision details

Purpose of Report

To provide an update on progress made with the Hermit Street Regeneration project.

To seek authority to progress the project to RIBA stage 4 and the necessary budget approval. 

Decision

(1)  That approval be given for Option 3 to be progressed to RIBA Stage 4 for the provision of technical design information to achieve planning and building regulations in preparation for progressing the scheme to start on site.

(2)  That a further budget allocation of £150,000 be approved to progress the feasibility of the scheme, to be included in the Housing Investment Programme.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Alternative masterplan options had been explored, which had included a full demolition and rebuild of the existing area to a very scaled back scheme, which included a ‘light touch’ on the existing flats and some new build units.

A revised and enhanced range of options were set out in the report. The options were considered to make best use of the site land available and to assist in maximising potential funding sources. Three options as part of a two-phased project had been identified with full details included in the report, which included:

·         Phase One, Option 1, would deliver nine new build homes;

·         Phase One, Option 2, would deliver ten new build homes; and

·         Phase One, Option 3, would deliver eleven new build homes (preferred option).

Phase Two would be to remodel existing flats at Hermit Street.

Reasons for the Decision

As part of the Council’s ongoing intervention at Sincil Bank, approval had previously been granted for feasibility work to take place under a framework, to carry out works to RIBA stage 2 to redesign an area of the estate, Hermit Street.

Originally an older persons’ housing scheme, but in recent years allocated as general needs housing, Hermit Street comprised of 127 dwellings, 21 of which had been sold through the Right to Buy. Of the dwellings remaining in Council ownership, the mix comprised 88% one-bedroom flats and 11% two-bedroom flats. 

However, owing to its location, design and composition, the estate had suffered from anti-social behaviour and criminal activity over several years. This had included several high-profile incidents. It was also evident that the current scheme was failing to meet local housing need and there was a low demand for flats in this area. 

The re-design sought to provide both new build and to remodel several one-bedroom flats to provide greater numbers of two-bedroom accommodation and provide three-bedroom accommodation to better meet local housing need. In addition, the concept plan sought to design out crime and anti-social behaviour by ‘opening up’ much of the communal space and to prevent unauthorised access into communal stairwells by providing single access points.