Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
Chrysalis Programme 2025/26 - Capital Release Report (Release No 3)
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Democratic Services Location: Phase II Ext: 0692 DDI: 01895 250692 CMD No: 1542 To: COUNCILLOR EDDIE LAVERY CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENT COUNCILLOR MARTIN GODDARD CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE & TRANSFORMATION c.c. All Members of th e Residents’ Services Select Committee c.c. Dan Kennedy , Corporate Director of Residents Services c.c. Neil O’Connor, Residents Services Directorate Date: 10 October 2025 Non-Key Decision request Form D Capital Release Report (October 2025) DEPARTMENT: RESIDENTS’ SERVICES SERVICE AREA/ PROGRAMME: CHRYSALIS PROGRAMME 2025/26 RELEASE NO: 3 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 Monday 20 October 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. Ryan Dell Democratic Services Title of Report: Chrysalis Programme 2025/26, RELEASE NO: 3 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 Community & Environment / Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 1 Part I – Public Capital Release Report (October 2025) DEPARTMENT: RESIDENTS’ SERVICES SERVICE AREA/ PROGRAMME: CHRYSALIS PROGRAMME 2025/26 RELEASE NO: 3 Cabinet Member & Portfolio Councillor Eddie Lavery – Cabinet Member for Community & Environment Councillor Martin Goddard – Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation Responsible Officer Daniel Kennedy, Corporate Director, Residents Services Report Author & Directorate Neil O’Connor, Residents Services 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 six 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 £260k 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) N/A RECOMMENDATIONS That the Cabinet Member for Community & Environment: 1. Approve the six new projects, detailed within the body of this report as part of the asset enhancement programme for 2025/26 and the total allocation of £260k Chrysalis funding for this. That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community & Environment: Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 2 Part I – Public 2. Agree to the capital release request of £260k from the 2025/26 Chrysalis Programme budget to fund the six 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 reviewed all applications for Chrysalis funding received from residents, community groups and Ward Councillors and informally agreed p rojects 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 six 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 Park Improvement P rogramme bulb planting: Ruislip Lido, Pole Hill Open Space, Willow Tree Open Space and Shenley Park Bulbs require minimal maintenance yet greatly improve the aesthetics of any park or garden and will continue to flower for many years. The proposal is to plant swath es of bulbs throughout the four sites mentioned above as part of the Parks Improvement Programme. Not only will this raise levels of pride and wellbeing amongst those visiting the parks, but it will also increase biodiversity and improve the aesthetics of the open spaces for years to come. The cost plan has been obtained through a tender exercise, with Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs) Ltd winning the tender. Item Cost Bulb supply and planting £20,482 Contingency £2,048 Fees £2,048 Total £24,578 Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 3 Part I – Public Yeading Community Centre heating system Yeading Community Centre is a vibrant and well used facility used by a varied array of groups and for a number of events. The old heating system, which was no longer cost or energy efficient has now stopped working, putting the future of the community centre in jeopardy. The proposal is to replace the heating system with a modern, efficient one, bringing the new system in line with heating systems being installed in other Council properties. The cost plan has been calculated through the Council’s Facilities Management team by obtaining quotations from their suppliers. Item Cost New heating system £61,776 Contingency £6,178 Fees £6,178 Total £74,132 Barnhill Community Centre heating system Barnhill Community Centre is a busy and vibrant community centre hosting a wide range of events throughout the year. The heating system is dated, inefficient, costly to run and not environmentally friendly, and is close to being condemned. The proposal is to replace the heating system with a modern, efficient one, bringing the new system in line with heating systems being installed in other Council properties. The cost plan has been calculated through the Council’s Facilities Management team by obtaining quotations from their suppliers. Item Cost New Heating System £70,774 Contingency £7,077 Fees £7,077 Total £84,928 Little Britain improvements 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 carry out work to the trees to improve the health and wellbeing of the lake and the flora and fauna situate on and around the lake, as well as improve accessibility and make it safer for site visitors The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates. Item Cost Tree vegetation improvement work £42,550 Contingency £4,250 Fees £4,250 Total £51,050 Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 4 Part I – Public Chrysalis plaques and installation As part of the 60th anniversary of the borough’s formation, the proposal is to purchase and install plaques at sites where Chrysalis projects have been completed this year to highlight the improvements carried out and to promote the Chrysalis programme. The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates. Item Cost Plaques and installation £5,000 Contingency £500 Fees £500 Total £6,000 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 gauge railway. It is s urrounded by Ruislip Woods, a conservation haven. Throughout the year , the site is visited by many who travel from far and wide. Included within the play area is a giant wooden pirate ship and smaller boats , these being unique and extremely popular play item s situated next to the lake . The proposal is to refurbish the pirate ship and boats, ensuring their longevity for many years to come. The cost plan has been calculated using term contractor rates. Item Cost Playground equipment refurbishment £16,000 Contingency £1,600 Internal Fees 10% £1,600 Total £19,200 Financial Implications Chrysalis Budget £3,000k, Previously Released £1,474k, Capital Release Requested £260k – 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 £260k is allocated and released from the 2025/26 Chrysalis Programme budget for the six projects detailed in the body of the report. 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 and contingencies at 10% each of the main works. The remaining £1,266k of the Chrysalis Programme 2025 /26 budget is subject to the allocation and capital release process. Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 5 Part I – Public 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 Chrysalis 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. 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 responsible for, or otherwise empowered to carry out, this function pursuant to various statutory provisions, including: Section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 and sections 10 and 12 of the Open Spaces Act 1906 in respect of Park Improvement Programme bulb planting , tree vegetation improvements around ‘Little Britain’ lake , and plaques at sites of Chrysalis projects , refurbishment of playground equipment at Ruislip Lido Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 in respect of Park Improvement Programme bulb planting Section 19 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in respect of new heating systems at Yeading Community Centre and Barnhill Community Centre Thus, there are no legal impediments to following the recommendations set out in this report provided that any contractual action by the Council (for example, with the works contractors for the various projects) complies with the Council’s Procurement Standing Orders. This report indicates that various routes to procurement have been used, including term contracts, obtaining competitive quotes, and, for the Park Improvements Programme bulb planting project, a competitive tender exercise, which was won by the recommended contractor for that project, Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs) Ltd. Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 6 Part I – Public BACKGROUND PAPERS NIL. APPENDICES Appendix A – Capital Release Request Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 7 Part I – Public APPENDIX A – CAPITAL RELEASE REQUEST Chrysalis Programme 2025/26 - Release No 3 Location Project/ Expenditure Title Information Funds Release Sought £000s Approve Hold More Information Required Ruislip Lido, Pole Hill Open Space, Willow Tree open Space and Shenley Park. Spring bulb planting To plant bulbs in the four sites as part of the Parks Improvement Programme 25 Yeading Community Centre Replacing the heating system To replace the defunct heating system, bringing the new one in line with heating systems in other Council facilities 74 Barnhill Community Centre Replacing the heating system To replace the defunct heating system, bringing the new one in line with heating systems in other Council facilities 85 Little Britain Lake Tree vegetation improvements Carrying out vegetation work to improve the health and wellbeing of the flora and fauna and make the site safer for accessibility 51 Borough wide 60 th anniversary plaques To purchase and install plaques as part of the 60th anniversary of the formation of Hillingdon 6 Ruislip Lido Improvements Improvement works to the pirate ship and smaller boats play equipment 19 Cabinet Member Report – 10 October 2025 Page 8 Part I – Public Total seeking release 260 Previously released 1,474 Budget 3,000 Remaining budget 1,266
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 28 October 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 (October 2025)
DEPARTMENT: RESIDENTS’ SERVICES
SERVICE AREA/ PROGRAMME: CHRYSALIS PROGRAMME
2025/26
RELEASE NO: 3
Reference No. 1542
Date of decision Tuesday 28 October 2025
Call-in expiry date Tuesday 04 November 2025
Relevant Select
Committee
Residents’ Services Select Committee
Relevant Wards All Wards
Decision made
Cabinet Members making
the decision
Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, on behalf of
Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance &
Transformation
Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community &
Environment
Decision Approved
That the Cabinet Member for Community &
Environment:
1. Approved the six new projects, detailed within
the body of the report as part of the asset
enhancement programme for 2025/26 and the
total allocation of £260k Chrysalis funding for
this.
That the Leader of the Council on behalf of the Cabinet
Member for Finance & Transformation, in consultation
with the Cabinet Member for Community &
Environment:
2. Agreed to the capital release request of £260k
from the 2025/26 Chrysalis Programme budget to
fund the six projects detailed within the body of
the report (Appendix A of the associated report).
Reason for decision In January 2025, the Cabinet Member reviewed all
applications for Chrysalis funding received from residents,
community groups and Ward Councillors and informally
Executive Decision Notice – 28 October 2025
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
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 and rejected
The Cabinet Members could decide not to accept the
recommendations and therefore either some or none of the
six 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 I – 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
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 Tuesday 04 November 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)
Executive Decision Notice – 28 October 2025
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
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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