Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
Chrysalis Programme 2025/26 - Capital Release Report (Release No 2)
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Democratic Services
Location: Phase II
DDI: 01895 250692
CMD No: 1517
To: COUNCILLOR MARTIN GODDARD
CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE &
TRANSFORMATION
COUNCILLOR EDDIE LAVERY
CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY &
ENVIRONMENT
c.c. All Members of th e Residents’ Services Select
Committee
c.c. Karrie Whelan, Corporate Director of Place
c.c. Neil O’Connor, Place Directorate
Date: 04 September 2025
Non-Key Decision request Form D
Capital Release Report (August 2025)
DEPARTMENT: RESIDENTS’ SERVICES
SERVICE AREA / PROGRAMME: CHRYSALIS PROGRAMME
2025/26
RELEASE NO: 2
Dear Cabinet Members,
Attached is a report requesting that a decision be made by you as an individual Cabinet
Member. Democratic Services confirm that this is not a key decision, as such, the Local
Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England)
Regulations 2012 notice period does not apply.
You should take a decision on or after Friday 12 September 2025 in order to meet
Constitutional requirements about publication of decisions that are to be made. You may
wish to discuss the report with the Corporate Director before it is made. Please indicate your
decision on the duplicate memo supplied and return it to me when you have made your
decision. I will then arrange for the formal notice of decision to be published.
Anisha Teji
Democratic Services
Title of Report: CHRYSALIS PROGRAMME 2025/26 RELEASE NO: 2
Decision made:
Reasons for your decision: (e.g. as stated in report)
Alternatives considered and rejected: (e.g. as stated in report)
Signed ……………………………………………………… Date……………………..
Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation / Cabinet Member for Community &
Environment
Cabinet Member Report – 4 September 2025
Part 1 Public
Capital Release Report (August 2025)
DEPARTMENT: RESIDENTS’ SERVICES
SERVICE AREA / PROGRAMME: CHRYSALIS PROGRAMME 2025/26
RELEASE NO: 2
Cabinet Member &
Portfolio
Councillor Eddie Lavery - Cabinet Member for Community and
Environment
Councillor Martin Goddard - Cabinet Member for Finance and
Transformation
Responsible Officer Karrie Whelan, Place Directorate
Report Author &
Directorate
Neil O’Connor, Place Directorate
Papers with report Appendix A with capital release requests for approval
HEADLINES
Summary
To seek Cabinet Member approval for the allocation and release of
capital funds for five projects outlined within this report through the
Chrysalis Programme 2025/26.
Putting our
Residents First
Delivering on the
Council Strategy
2022-2026
This report supports our ambition for residents / the Council to:
Enjoy access to green spaces, leisure activities, culture and arts
This report supports our commitments to residents of:
A Green and Sustainable Borough
Financial Cost This report seeks the allocation and release of £401k from the
Chrysalis Programme 2025 /26 budget. The works will commence
upon release of the funds and are due for completion by the end of
March 2026.
Select Committee Residents’ Services Select Committee
Ward(s) Colham and Cowley, Hillingdon East, Ruislip, Ruislip Manor,
Yeading
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Cabinet Member for Community & Environment:
Cabinet Member Report – 4 September 2025
Part 1 Public
1. Approve the five new projects detailed within the body of this report as part of the
asset enhancement programme for 2025/26 and the total allocation of £401k Chrysalis
funding for this;
That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Community & Environment:
2. Agree to the capital release request of £401k from the 2025/26 Chrysalis Programme
budget to fund the five projects detailed within the body of the report (Appendix A).
3. To approve the raising of CPA’s ( Contract Purchase Agreements) on the Oracle
finance system so that orders can be raised for the five projects detailed within the
body of the report (Appendix A).
Reasons for recommendations
Hillingdon Council is striving to be the greenest London Borough, to protect and enhance the
environment, and to provide a brighter prospect for future generations. Chrysalis, the Council’s
asset enhancement initiative, funds projects ranging in scale from £5,000 to £100,000 for local
initiatives that matter to residents.
Residents are encouraged to make suggestions for Chrysalis funding as the most effective way
for local people to identify environmental and community safety projects and demonstrating how
all residents can play an active part in decisions, making them proud to live in Hillingdon.
In January 2025, the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services reviewed all applications for
Chrysalis funding received from residents, community groups and Ward Councillors and
informally agreed projects that would greatly improve community assets and resources across
the Borough, as well as informally agreeing to fund the improvement of the infrastructure within
six parks and open spaces.
Alternative options considered
The Cabinet Members could decide not to accept the recommendations and therefore either some
or none of the five new projects would be able to proceed. Improvements which have been
requested by residents and Ward Councillors cannot then be realised.
If the release of capital funds is not approved, the Chrysalis 202 5/26 programme cannot be
effectively and efficiently progressed as planned and the Chrysalis contribution towards delivery
of the Council Strategy 2022 - 2026 may not be achieved.
Select Committee comments
None at this stage.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Little Britain improvements
Cabinet Member Report – 4 September 2025
Part 1 Public
Situated between the River Colne and Frays River is an attractive lake, which is called ‘Little
Britain’ because of its broadly similar shape to that of the British Isles. The lake covers
approximately 14 acres and was formed as the result of gravel extraction in the early 1930s. The
site is very popular amongst walkers and anglers and is home to a great number of flora and
fauna. The proposal is to make the site a more pleasant experience for those visiting by creating
a new entrance height barrier, which will incorporate the site name and improve security, improve
accessibility, refurbish the toilet block and replace the interpretation sign.
The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates and by obtaining quotations,
including from specialist suppliers.
Item Cost (£)
Path works 13,644
Toilet refurbishment 12,254
Entrance height barrier with name plate installation 10,000
Replacement interpretation board plus installation 1,100
Contingency 3,700
Internal Fees 3,700
Total £48,098
Pole Hill Open Space improvements
Pole Hill Open Space is predominantly a collection of playing fields and a woodland that form one
site; the fields being segregated by mature hedgerows. The site incorporates several features
into its mainly recreational setting, including football and rugby pitches, a car park, a playground,
a ball court, a skate park and an outdoor gym. Pole Hill Open Space is also home to the one and
only remote control car racing track in the borough, managed by the West London Racing Centre,
and a Japanese Peace Garden. A nursery/Scout hut can also be found on site The proposal is to
make the site a more pleasant experience for those visiting, by improving the entrance and the
car park, improving safety and accessibility throughout, and refurbishing fencing and barriers, and
improving the Japanese Pease Garden.
The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates and by obtaining quotations,
including from specialist suppliers:
Item Cost (£)
Path and car park improvements 35,372
Japanese peace Garden refurbishment 9,442
Gating and fencing refurbishment 58,454
Internal Fees 10% 10,327
Total £113,595
Ruislip Lido improvements
Ruislip Lido is a 60- acre lake surrounded by a tarmac and crushed stone path. Along with the
sandy beach there is a children’s playground, outdoor gym, onsite café and toilets, and a narrow
Cabinet Member Report – 4 September 2025
Part 1 Public
gauge railway. Surrounded by Ruislip Woods, the sits is a conservation haven. Throughout the
year the site is visited by many who travel from far and wide. The proposal is to make the site a
more pleasant experience for its users by improving the entrance, improving accessibility
throughout, and refurbishing and making safe infrastructure such as signage, fencing, bin stores
and enhanced seating areas.
The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates.
Item Cost (£)
Path works 15,202
Entrance and infrastructure improvements 54,752
Internal Fees 10% 6,995
Total £76,949
Shenley Park improvements
Shenley Park is a welcoming park immediately adjacent to the bustling Ruislip Manor High Street
(Victoria Road). The park has been owned by the local authority since 1937 and has a strong
community feel. It features a children’s playground, and an outdoor gym, as well as a circular path
which is popular with walkers. The proposal is to make the site a more pleasant experience for
those visiting by improving accessibility, and refurbishing the infrastructure, including installing a
new seated planter and replacing the well-used but worn goal post.
The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates and by obtaining quotations,
including from specialist suppliers:
Item Cost (£)
Path works 72,250
Infrastructure improvements 17,419
New goal post 1,600
Fees 10% 9,126
Total £100,395
Willow Tree Open Space improvements
Situated next to the Grand Union Canal in Yeading, and surrounded by residential areas, Willow
Tree Open space is a large open space in Yeading, alongside the Grand Union Canal. On site
there is a children’s playground, sports pitches, wildflower meadows, woodlands and a wildlife
pond, and circular footpaths. The proposal is to make the site a more pleasant experience for
those visiting, by improving the entrance, improving accessibility throughout the open space, and
refurbishing key features such as the wildlife pond, which plays an important nature conservation
role in such a built up urban area, and the cricket wicket.
The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates and by obtaining quotations,
including from specialist suppliers:
Cabinet Member Report – 4 September 2025
Part 1 Public
Item Cost (£)
Path works 24,847
Entrance improvement 10,000
Pond refurbishment 11,406
Refurbishing the cricket wicket 10,000
Fees 10% 5,625
Total £61,878
Financial Implications
Chrysalis Budget £3,000k, Previously Released £1,073k, Capital Release Requested £401k
– Appendix A
The 202 5/26 capital programme, approved by Cabinet and Council in February 2025 , has a
budget of £3,000k for the Chrysalis Programme, funded from Council resources.
The report requests that £401k is allocated and released from the 2025/26 Chrysalis Programme
budget for the five projects detailed in the body of the report and that CPA’s are raised to cover
the cost of these projects.
The cost plans for the projects have been calculated from the Council’s term contractor schedule
of rates within the highways and fencing / gating term contracts as well as by obtaining quotations,
including from specialist suppliers. The cost plans include internal fees at 10% and contingencies
where required.
The remaining £1,526k of the Chrysalis Programme 2025 /26 budget is subject to the allocation
and capital release process.
RESIDENT BENEFIT & CONSULTATION
The benefit or impact upon Hillingdon residents, service users and communities
Hillingdon Council is committed to making the Borough a cleaner, greener and safer place.
Chrysalis, the Council’s asset enhancement initiative, funds projects ranging in scale from £5,000
to £100,000 for local initiatives that matter to residents. Residents are encouraged to make
suggestions for Chry salis funding, and this is an effective way for local people to identify
environmental and community safety projects that are on Council land.
The projects detailed within this report will ensure continued access to sporting facilities as well
as social opportunities for residents to enjoy and gain mental and physical health benefits.
Consultation carried out or required
Not applicable.
Cabinet Member Report – 4 September 2025
Part 1 Public
CORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS
Corporate Finance
Corporate finance concurs with the financial implications above, noting that the proposed
schemes will be funded from the 2025/26 Chrysalis Programme budget, partly financed by
neighbourhood CIL.
Legal
Legal Services confirm that the Council is empowered to carry out this function pursuant to section
19 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Any contract that the Council enters into must comply with the Council’s Procurement Standing
Orders. Provided that there is such compliance there are no legal impediments to following the
recommendations within the report.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
NIL.
Cabinet Member Report – 4 September 2025
Part 1 Public
APPENDIX A – CAPITAL RELEASE REQUEST
Chrysalis Programme 2025/26 - Release No 2
Location
Project /
Expenditure
Title
Information
Funds
Release
Sought
£000s
Approve Hold
More
Information
Required
Little Britain
Lake,
Colham and
Cowley
Improvements
to infrastructure
To improve
accessibility and
refurbish
infrastructure
throughout the
park,
48
Pole Hill,
Hillingdon
East
Improvements
to infrastructure
To improve
accessibility and
refurbish
infrastructure
throughout the
park,
114
Ruislip Lido,
Ruislip
Improvements
to infrastructure
To improve
accessibility and
refurbish
infrastructure
throughout the
park,
77
Shenley
Park,
Ruislip
Manor
Improvements
to infrastructure
To improve
accessibility and
refurbish
infrastructure
throughout the
park,
100
Willow Tree
Open
Space,
Yeading
Improvements
to infrastructure
To improve
accessibility and
refurbish
infrastructure
throughout the
park,
62
Total seeking release 401
Previously released 1,073
Budget 3,000
Remaining budget 1,526
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 12 September 2025
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE DECISION NOTICE
PUBLISHED BY DEMOCRATIC SERVICES
Notice is hereby given that the following decision(s) have been made today by
Cabinet Members at the London Borough of Hillingdon:
Title of decision Capital Release Report (August 2025)
DEPARTMENT: RESIDENTS’ SERVICES
SERVICE AREA / PROGRAMME: CHRYSALIS
PROGRAMME 2025/26
RELEASE NO: 2
Reference No. 1517
Date of decision Friday 12 September 2025
Call-in expiry date Friday 19 September 2025
Relevant Select
Committee
Residents’ Services Select Committee
Relevant Wards Colham and Cowley, Hillingdon East, Ruislip, Ruislip Manor,
Yeading
Decision made
Cabinet Members
making the decision
Councillor Eddie Lavery - Cabinet Member for Community and
Environment
Councillor Martin Goddard - Cabinet Member for Finance and
Transformation
Decision Approved
The Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community &
Environment:
1) Approved the five new projects detailed within the
body of this report as part of the asset enhancement
programme for 2025/26 and the total allocation of
£401k Chrysalis funding for this;
2) Agreed to the capital release request of £401k from
the 2025/26 Chrysalis Programme budget to fund
the five projects detailed within the body of the
report.
3) A pproved the raising of CPA’s (Contract Purchase
Agreements) on the Oracle finance system so that
orders can be raised for the five projects detailed
within the body of the report.
Executive Decision Notice – 12 September 2025
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
Reason for decision Hillingdon Council is striving to be the greenest London
Borough, to protect and enhance the environment, and to
provide a brighter prospect for future generations. Chrysalis, the
Council’s asset enhancement initiative, funds projects ranging
in scale from £5,000 to £100,000 for local initiatives that matter
to residents.
Residents are encouraged to make suggestions for Chrysalis
funding as the most effective way for local people to identify
environmental and community safety projects and
demonstrating how all residents can play an active part in
decisions, making them proud to live in Hillingdon.
In January 2025, the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services
reviewed all applications for Chrysalis funding received from
residents, community groups and Ward Councillors and
informally agreed projects that would greatly improve
community assets and resour ces across the Borough, as well
as informally agreeing to fund the improvement of the
infrastructure within six parks and open spaces.
.
Alternative options
considered and
rejected
The Cabinet Members could decide not to accept the
recommendations and therefore either some or none of the five
new projects would be able to proceed. Improvements which
have been requested by residents and Ward Councillors cannot
then be realised.
If the release of capital funds is not approved, the Chrysalis
2025/26 programme cannot be effectively and efficiently
progressed as planned and the Chrysalis contribution towards
delivery of the Council Strategy 2022 - 2026 may not be
achieved.
Classification Part 1 Public
Link to associated
report
Here
Relevant Officer
contact & Directorate
Neil O’Connor, Residents Services Directorate
Any interest declared
by the Cabinet
Member(s) /
dispensation granted
N/A
Executive Decision Notice – 12 September 2025
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
Implementation of decision & scrutiny call-in
[Internal Use only]
When can this
decision be
implemented by
officers?
Officers can implement Cabinet Member decision in this notice only
from the expiry of the scrutiny call-in period which is:
5pm on Friday 19 September 2025
However, this is subject to the decision not being called in by
Councillors on the relevant Select Committee. Upon receipt of a
valid call-in request, Democratic Services will immediately advise
the relevant officer(s) and the decision must then be put on hold.
Councillor scrutiny
call-in of this
decision
Councillors on the relevant Select Committee shown in this notice
may request to call-in this decision. The request must be before the
expiry of the scrutiny call-in period above.
Councillors should use the Scrutiny Call-in App (link below) on their
devices to initiate any call-in request. Further advice can be sought
from Democratic Services if required:
Scrutiny Call-In - Power Apps (secure)
Further information These decisions, where applicable, have been taken under The
Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access
to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.
This is the formal notice by the Council of the above executive
decision, including links to the reports where applicable.
If you would like more information on this decision, please contact
Democratic Services on 01895 250636 or email:
democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk.
Circulation of this decision notice is to a variety of people including
Members of the Council, Corporate Directors, Officers, Group
Secretariats and the Public. Copies are also placed on the
Council’s website.
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