Kings Crescent

Steering Group Jan 2022
2022-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting
held on 27th January 2022 via Google Meet

Those Present:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
4 residents:
EP, PD, KM, KH
(resident’s names removed for public version)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM)
Menekse Saitoglu
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

Apologies were received from residents JWM & AA.
Kathy was welcomed to the RSG; she has recently moved [to Kings Crescent].

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 17th November and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1
Minutes were agreed.

2.2
BB noted that he did write to Judith Morrison, Head of Leasehold Services to ask her to organise another meeting with northside blocks leaseholders re bills etc. TRA to let him know if dates are not agreed.

TRA

3.0
Phase 3&4 update

3.1
RG reported that on 10th January, 3 pieces of correspondence had gone out:
i) a letter to all residents to inform them that Durkan were the preferred bidder,
ii) letters to Durkan informing them of this and to Mulalleys informing them that they were unsuccessful; and
iii) the S20 stage 2 Notice to all southside leaseholders.

Next steps are now to finalise the contract negotiations and enter into a contract by mid March. There may be some visible signs of works starting by the end of March, e.g. bore holes to discharge planning conditions, investigate possible adverse ground conditions before foundations start. At the same time, Durkan will start to generate a Construction Management Plan.

3.2
RG presented 4 key aspects of the bid.
1. Pre-contract works. These will take approx. 5 months, including developing detailed designs (M&E, kitchen and bathroom details), investigating soil and ground for asbestos, concrete, ordering materials – in particular the pre cast concrete panels, organising parking suspensions, party wall agreements, erecting site facilities (which will be in front of Datchworth Ct on the Queens Drive/Green Lanes side), respite facilities, dismantling the community centre, erecting hoarding, stripping out the Weston Court garages and part of the podium.
2. Construction and phasing. The whole contract is scheduled for 140 weeks. Refurbishments will take place first, starting at Bramfield Court and working round to Theobalds, Datchworth and Weston Courts. Each block’s works will start within 3 months of each other, 10 months per block, 12 months for Weston Court. The refurbishment will be completed well in advance of the new build.
The respite centre will be situated within the estate. Durkan will explain their reasoning for this at Meet the Contractor events. (Residents and LBH originally preferred these facilities to be sited outside the estate on Queens Drive).
EP asked for an explanation of the reference to the Weston Court podium. RG described how the podium will be cut back slightly to make space for the work space underneath, but there will still be a walkway outside front doors. EP also asked for confirmation of the location of the respite centre. RG confirmed, illustrated with a presentation slide where the facilities will be located along with a temporary ball court and storage.
RG – works will start with hoarding off areas and starting to take down garden fences and sheds in order to provide access for plant to install balconies.
PD asked if the respite centre will have computers. RG – that is the intention, based on lessons learnt from phase 1&2. He also queried removal of sheds from rear gardens. JM noted that the installation of balconies will be very disruptive but that gardens will be reinstated in full.
PD – where will the columns go that will support the balconies? There are cables etc that run up the wall that need to be preserved. WO – there will be a full inspection of the gardens and individual issues before works start. PD also has a soakaway in his rear garden that he will not want to be damaged when scaffolding is installed. RG reassured that full surveys and individual consultations will take place before works start. BB emphasised the extent of disruption to gardens.
RG continued with construction plans for the new build. This will commence within 4-6 months of start of refurbishment works and will proceed west to east, i.e. DZ4, DZ5N, DZ5S, DZ6N, DZ6W, DZ6S. 219 new homes will be built, 4 retail units, workspace, community facilities and 3 courtyards.
KM asked if the design of the public spaces had been completely worked up yet. RG replied that there will be an element of detailed design still to complete. Residents have requested a review of phase 1&2 play equipment, so a workshop will be organised to discuss details of phase 3&4 landscaping etc.
3. Community Engagement. Durkan are keen to follow up initial discussions with the TRA and Hackney Showroom. They have noted the need to bring the north and south sides of the estate together, to produce engaging communications in a variety of formats and to have discussions around the fit out of the new community centre. They plan a series of workshops and wish to produce a Residents Charter. There is a desire to learn from phase 1&2. They will attend RSG, TRA meetings and also organise dedicated communications meetings. One offer from them is regular site visits for residents to see first hand progress of the construction work.
4. Training & Employment. Durkan will promote site-based roles for local residents and provide funding, to be agreed with the TRA and HS. They will have contractual apprenticeship and local labour targets.

3.3
Section 20 process. RG reported that stage 2 consultation ends on 11th Feb. 3 households attended the surgeries on 24/1. Questions at these centred on timescales, the discount eligibility and scope of works. RG announced that, following representations from leaseholders, the decision on the 5 year discount period has now been signed off and this will now start from 1/4/22 for all southside leaseholders.
The 3rd stage of the S20 process will start once the contract is signed at which point leaseholders will receive a detailed breakdown of costs applicable to them as individuals. EP asked for confirmation that contracts will be signed by the time that the stage 3 notice goes out. RG confirmed this will be the case.

4.0
TRA update

4.1
EP reported back. The community-focussed meeting before Christmas was combined with a Winter Market which was successful. However, the meeting itself was less well attended, leading the TRA to look at different ways of engaging with residents. An ideas sheet is up on the wall at HS rear room for people to leave comments and suggestions. The Kings Feast was split between a children’s event and an adult one. The adult event was cancelled due to the covid concerns before Christmas as was a proposed theatre outing for elders and other events throughout January. TRA and HS are planning to get things back up and running in February with the resumption of the homework club (now transitioning into a youth club) and the Friday lunch club.
BB asked about the Community Centre Working Group. WO noted that there is a meeting arranged for 4th Feb to discuss possible visits to other centres and progressing the brief for the fit out.

5.0
ITLA update

5.1
CS reported that Source’s time recently has been spent supporting leaseholders during the S20 process and helping to facilitate surgeries/meetings. We have also spoken about the imminent decommissioning of the community centre. We plan to establish a regular time to be available at HS to raise awareness of Durkan’s emerging proposed approach to the building works and community engagement.

6.0
Any urgent business

6.1
KH raised the ongoing issues for northside leaseholders with EWS forms and the cladding on the blocks. BB reported that a comprehensive briefing had been provided by officers but it is confidential. His view is that the problem lies 100% with the lenders and councillors have been reassured that the other issues are relatively minor. There may be another meeting with offices on this in 2-3 weeks time.
KH emphasised that he and fellow leaseholders want the regeneration to work and that the community is brought together. But many are concerned that the blocks contain the Kingspan cladding that was present at Grenfell. If the EWS rating was compliant then there wouldn’t be a problem. There is dissatisfaction that LBH are not taking their responsibilities seriously and just laying all the blame on the lenders. BB re-emphasised his point about lenders and that the buildings were compliant when the products were installed. However, LBH do want to resolve these issues. If elements do need to be removed then a capital works programme will need to be agreed across the borough. He acknowledged that the letter that went out just before Christmas was poorly expressed.
KM added that it is important that people can work together on this and that it is sad that a problem like this threatens the good will that exists.
KH noted that many leaseholders will be stuck with existing mortgages as lenders won’t now lend on the properties and LBH cannot just step away from this. BB denied the Council were stepping away. CP added assurances that officers are working on this as a priority and that everyone’s ‘eyes are still on the ball.’
KH – Clare Williams’ explanations at the last TRA meeting didn’t leave leaseholders satisfied. Who else can we contact? RG explained that the Resident Safety Team are the people who are dealing with this. This team is led by Mikel Jankowski. He also reminded the meeting that this is a national issue – not just a local, Hackney problem. A Building Safety Act is imminent and there is an onus on LBH to have a resident engagement strategy in place.
BB – Steve Waddington as Director of Housing is an officer further up the hierarchy if residents are not satisfied with responses to date.
KH raised the Government’s Building Safety Fund; if the view is that LBH don’t need it now, if they decide later they do, will the fund be exhausted? BB – if we’re eligible for funding, we will apply for it. CP added that this point is taken and will raise it with Michal.

BB

8.0
Date of next meeting

28th February 2022, 7.00.

Deep Rest Meditation
2022-01-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

ETRA meeting January 2022
2022-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October.
MINUTES:

Residents: 22 attended

David B (DB)
TRA committee member & meeting Chair

Emley P (EP)
TRA Chair and minute taker

(Other resident names removed for web version)

Staff members:

Annette Reid
Will Owen
Jackie Eastham
John Morris
Claire Williams (CW)
Clare Potter
Housing Officer LBH
Regeneration Team LBH
LBH Digital inclusion
Source Partnership
Building Safety Manager LBH
Councillor Brownswood Ward

Apologies: 2 residents

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

● Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (October 2021)

Minutes taken by JWM in Oct 2021 and checked by EP
Approved in this meeting by Phil M
Seconded by David B

David B
(Resident & Meeting Chair)

2
Housing Management Update
Annette Reid (LBH)

● Digital skills update (late addition to agenda)

Jackie Eastham – Hackney Digital inclusion run a buddy service for support with tech needs e.g. installing software, aps etc. Can go to 2 Hackney libraries for support. Would like to have option available for people come to community centres once per month to help residents if we are interested.
Also training courses available for residents to help getting involved with the online world. Various services available.
Could also train people to be digital buddies – would get free DBS check. Need to volunteer 2hrs per week.
There is also a referral services for devices e.g. if isolating.
Training sessions a couple of hours at service centre
Can do IT courses and English and Maths courses too.

EP stated the TRA would be interested to have this available on Kings Crescent, will follow up

Additional update from Annette regarding pharaoh ants in Bramfield & Theobalds courts – residents will get a letter to inform that housing services will be coming w/c 17 Feb to arrange treatment

● Fire Safety

Annette – when doing fire safety inspections, around the estate officers have been finding items stored in meter intake cupboards, flammable, ignitable, combustible materials being found. Store things inside property. Don’t store items on balconies and winter gardens. Some residents blocking access to intake cupboards e.g. with bikes. Anything being stored needs to be inside.
Gas pipes affected in Therfield. 7-day notices will be given then bikes will be removed. Weston bike locked against banister in stairwell. Items will be removed.

● Motorised vehicles

Wallington Court had a motorbike in cycle storage area. Fire hazard with petrol and tyres. Will usually remove in 24 hours, this time took a bit longer.

● Estate inspections update

Inspection every month, looking for any issues regarding cleaning, lifts, blocked drains, rubbish shoots, signage, lighting. Annette takes photos of issues to follow up.
● Designated cycle storage units

Bikes need to be securely locked. Should only be used for bikes. Some have rusty frames, kids bikes etc. Helps if any residents using them ensure the store is kept tidy. If looks abandoned, unused will remove (will put notices on them)

Additional points from Annette:
If anyone from 1-5 floors of Therfield require a secure internal storage cupboard, please contact annette.reid@hackney.gov.uk

Window cleaning – would you be happy with external clean of all windows every year ? – New blocks only, would be included on service charges. Contact Annette.

Emley to follow up with Jackie regarding digital skills options for KC residents

3
Source Partnership Update

● Update on phases 3&4 of Kings Crescent regeneration

Durkan has been appointed as the new contractor for the upcoming refurbishment of Southern blocks and next phase of new builds. Requested Durkan have some early conversations and TRA to see what community support is available. From March there will be some works starting in the hoarded area as need to have started before March to get the GLA grant for the planned social housing. However, in general Durkan will start on refurb first as promised.
There will be some ‘meet the contractor’ events, drop in style to chat to the Durkan team to discuss work programme.
Source have requested a refresh from MUF of the plans for the landscaping area for residents to get an updated view of what the plans are. It would also be a chance for residents to have a say in things that may not work, not practical etc.

● Update on ‘Section 20’ (relevant to Southside leaseholders only)

Leaseholders have just been sent the second stage notice to inform of the refurbishment costs for the block. There were delays in the post, but EP confirmed receipt today.
Source helping leaseholders to coordinate concerns and representations regarding costs and 5-year clawback.

DB asked for clarification regarding the contract. John confirmed that it is all part of the same package of works – Durkan will be doing the refurbishment of Southside blocks and building the new blocks. Will happen in a phased way with the refurbishments of Southside blocks happening as a priority. For more details, please attend the events with the contractor to discuss their plans.

John Morris (Source Partnership)

4
Service Charges (relevant to all leaseholders)

Phil questioned if Will has been able to discuss our situation with Judith and ask her to attend the meeting. Will has not been able to do that and is not in a position to compel them to attend or respond unfortunately.

Management fee is expensive – not sure what this is for.
● Annual increases are now becoming unmanageable for residents and are higher than most managed buildings in London! Explanation is needed as to why

In 3 years they have increased by 21% (Phil ‘specifically but others similar). Average increase 10% per year. Frustrating when residents feel they are issues.

● Irregularities in individual line items of service charge estimations

Block electricity £75, actual £20, estimate £85, actual £120, estimate £20, actual really high etc etc. Residents don’t understand how this could be, and don’t trust the system. Many line items just don’t make sense. Judith did explain some last year and promised to come back with further answers but never did and no longer responds to emails from Phil or TRA Chair.

● Update/response to the increases in service charges, mistakes, lack of service provided for what leaseholders are being charged for etc

Last year there was a huge over charge due to human error but very little in the way of apology.

Will offered to email Judith tomorrow to request she attend the next meeting. Phil would prefer a separate meeting focused on Service Charges. Emley agreed that a separate meeting would be better. Will to help achieve this.

Phil M (resident)
Judith Morrison (LBH) was invited but did not attend

Will Owen to follow up with Leasehold team to arrange a Service Charges meeting and for the team to respond to all of the previous resident questions regarding service charges

5
EWS1 form and update on cladding (relevant to newer blocks only)

Issues to discuss:
● 21st – Dec letter. Explanation
● Fire safety issue
● Re-mortgage / selling issues
● Who will be liable to pay for future work? More clarification

Claire Williams (building safety manager) in attendance

Karsten has seen EWS1 report – B2 rating. No leaseholders in affected new blocks can re-mortgage or sell flats at this point. Fire safety of cladding and timber on balcony was judged by inspector as being unsafe. Recent letter – next step is to get an independent opinion in order to reassure residents.
KH feels disappointment that Hackney has not acknowledged the direct link between EWS1 and fire safety. Unclear what will happen if the independent person says it is safe to reassure people, but leaseholders still stuck with B2 rating and unable to re-mortgage/sell.

Claire Williams: EWS1 B2 rating triggers a fire risk assessment. External façade within walls and balconies but fire safety also looks at risk management, fire escape etc.

With Kings Crescent, construction identified flammable cladding in cavity walls. If kept separate from a fuel/fire source then it is not such a high risk. Need further clarification of assessment to see if remedial works need doing. Is it something that can be done by usual contractor or is it a more complex specialist job. Need detail to know how to risk manage the programme of works and know what is needed.

Karsten – EWS1 report for Wallington Court confirmed B2 rating due to – Kingspan K15 – was material used in Grenfell. There was a recommendation change in Nov 2017 that this should not be used. Company contested this. But later proven as dangerous in buildings above 18 meters. (Post meeting correction: BBA certificate change on 24-Nov-2020, and not Nov-2017 as stated in the meeting)

CW – the K15 layer of cladding is surrounded by non-combustible materials (brick and concrete). The cladding is sealed in cavities. Building control signed off in 2013. Most construction was completed by 2017. It was after that that Grenfell happened and the issues raised about the materials.

Karsten – But understands that after Grenfell happened in
Jun-2017, fire safety was revisited before the Wallington
Court completion in the following months. Conclusion was
that the Grenfell material K15 was still safe to use and
Wallington Court completion proceeded.

Johannes – Can Claire confirm the exact date that Wallington
Court and other phase 1 and 2 buildings passed the fire safety
checks?

CW – does not know the specific dates of the fire safety sign-
offs.

Karsten – if remediation is needed will Hackney apply for government funding to cover this? Claire – yes, would apply. Gove’s government wants to make developers pay for the remediation costs. If it is defined as a latent defect, it can be pursued that way. Hackney aim not to pass costs of any remediation works onto leaseholders. No timelines available at this point.

KH – does the council acknowledge the dilemma leaseholders are in?! Firstly, residents need to be able to live in a safe building plus they need to be able to re-mortgage/sell properties.
Claire – Hackney does acknowledge the difficult position leaseholders and shared owners are in. Can’t make any comment regarding accepting responsibility for that.

Johannes – In the report it shows a photo of the metal sheet over the balcony – that is also an issue. States that there is an exposure of K15 insulation. Claire – the insulation is not exposed within the flat where a fire may occur.

Sarah was under the impression that the B2 rating was related to the balcony and not the external wall issue.
CW confirmed that the vertical run of balconies are the issue and caused the B2 rating, and not the external walls. Therefore, potentially, if the remedial work was done to the balconies then the rating could go up.

Sarah – the assessments and certificates only have been done on a couple of blocks but do they apply to all blocks? Claire confirmed that the certificates do apply to all blocks as they are similar construction.

Clare’s email address is in the letter sent to residents
Karsten H (resident)
Annette/ Will (LBH)

Claire Williams (CW)
EWS1 task force of residents to set a list of questions to send to Clare Williams

6
Heating costs and complaints (relevant to newer blocks only)

● This issue has been raised in ETRA meetings since March 2020, still unresolved.

● Wael D has been trying to obtain an explanation about the energy providers raising costs since April 2021
New tariff application, was supposed to switch in July. No updates and still not on the new tariff.

Will – acknowledged the letter that went out to residents from Donna Bryce. Hackney are waiting for all the ADSL lines to be transferred from Higgins to Hackney, turned out to be more complex than expected. Only one outstanding now so should be getting accurate data imminently. New letter will be coming out about new charge and refund.

Issues with meters overcharging. Discussed with energy team – will put credit on meters. If residents have been significantly overcharged then Hackney are pushing that residents be given a cash refund by bank transfer refund. Awaiting final data then will send letters out.

● Wael was told that heating prices are competitive and that experts confirmed that statement. He then asked for expert sources and figures to assess the statement and he has never been given any answers to his request

Told by Hackney that energy prices are the competitive. Experts claim they are competitive, if not happy then complain – so he did.

Paying management fees and concerns dismissed. No one is responding.

● He was told by Donna Bryce to raise a complaint if he was still dissatisfied by her answers (or the absence of answers)

● He has been trying to raise a complaint since September 2021 (ref: 1986845). Chased on 3 Sept, 13 Sept, 27 Sept, 4 Oct, 26 Nov and 6 Dec, and there has been no answer
Will – the matter is being dealt with by the top complaints manager at Hackney

David – the latest chase to ask Hackney for a response was on Monday.

EP affirmed that this energy issue was first raised in an ETRA meeting in March 2020 and that the TRA have not had any response from the energy team despite several emails to explain the situation of the residents of the newer blocks. The energy team have also been invited to attend these ETRA meetings multiple times but never come. Judith Morrison (Leasehold team) tried to follow up with the energy team on our behalf but didn’t get any further progress.

Will will chase the complaint. Can’t respond on behalf of the energy team.

Will regarding the overcharge – Lines went out a year ago. New charge came in in April. Then work has taken a long time to activate the new lines. Once gets data from the new lines being put in Hackney will be able to see the actual charges/costs vs what is actually being used, so can detect overcharges. Once the data is in and scrutinised refunds can be issued. Hackney are working on this and will write to residents as soon as they are able to.

Wael (resident)

Annette/Will/ Energy team (LBH)
Will to chase response to Wael’s complaint

Will to update David and Emley is there are going to be any further delays with the energy cost analysis and refunds

7
Lack of hot water / heating (relevant to newer blocks only)

Issues to discuss:
● It seems to happen every year, when the cold season starts
● Why is it not treated as an emergency by repairs team (babies, senior citizens)? Who, on behalf of the tenants & residents, agreed on such arrangement? Who decides on our behalf what is an emergency?

Annette:
If report 9-5pm it comes to main team. Otherwise out of hours it is an external contractor. If no heating hot/water it is within 24hrs. If report during day it is a 2 hour response. It is treated as an emergency.

Service standard is there within the council and within external contractor. Can’t speak to individual responses. Information on ‘repairs timescales’ here: https://hackney.gov.uk/repairs

EP asked if there is an acknowledgement within Hackney that there are hundreds of properties affected by an outage, rather than just a flat with a broken boiler.
Phil confirmed that this is an issue – when outages are reported residents are told that more than 10 residents need to report it for it to be taken seriously. Once on a Sunday evening residents were told to contact New Build as they would have to deal with it on Monday, but New Build were no longer involved in managing the blocks. This is frustrating for residents.

Annette will get a response from the relevant team before the next meeting

Cllr Potter – is there learning that Hackney needs to do to ensure teams are aware of the heating system in Kings Crescent?
Generally yes.
David (resident)

Will/Annette (LBH)

Annette to establish process and response time for dealing with heating system outage

8
Any other business
Will – there will be a technical post occupancy survey done in Spring to look at how the buildings are working compared to the expectations when it was commissioned.
Learning exercise and it will be fed back to this group.
Cll Potter – want to continue improving from an environmental perspective

Karsten to Cllr Potter – 100+ members in leaseholder FB group. What is your response to the fire safety issue as emails have been sent to the Cllrs about this?
Cllr Potter – Cllr Bell took up that query, Cllr Potter will follow up. Karsten still not received any responses. Waiting for affirmation that costs will be covered by Hackney/contractor.
Leaseholders need to be able to re-mortgage. Not acceptable that Hackney is not supporting leaseholders.

Residents feeling outraged that new flats are going to be built when the first round of new builds are still not okay and more issues coming to light.

Cllr Potter will look into it. Bearing in mind it is a national issue. If the council didn’t think it was safe they would not have let people move in.

Karsten – leaseholder group will look to take further action if
Hackney/Higgins do not take full responsibility. It does not
seem right that Wallington Court and other buildings were
completed after the Grenfell disaster in Jun-2017 with a
material that was part of Grenfell and that was subsequently
deemed to be unsafe in buildings above 18 metres.

David to follow up with other residents regarding EW1S, fire safety and Judith.
David B

Cllr Potter to follow up with Cllr Bell and respond to the leaseholders email.

David to follow up with other residents regarding EW1S, fire safety and Judith.

9
Dates of next meetings
● Community TRA meeting 9 March 2022 7pm
● ETRA 20 April 2022 7pm

Close
David B

The zoom link for this meeting was emailed to all who requested it (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com)

AGENDA

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

● Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (October 2021)
5 mins
David B
(Resident & Meeting Chair)

2
Housing Management Update
15 mins
Annette Reid (LBH)

● Fire Safety
● Motorised vehicles
● Estate inspections
● Designated cycle storage units

3
Source Partnership Update

● Update on phases 3&4 of Kings Crescent regeneration
● Update on ‘Section 20’ (relevant to Southside leaseholders only)
10 mins
John Morris (Source Partnership)

4
Service Charges (relevant to all leaseholders)

● Service charges annual increases
● Irregularities in individual line items of service charge estimations, billing mistakes, lack of service and accountability
15 mins
Phil M (resident)
Judith Morrison (LBH)

5
ESW1 form and update on cladding (relevant to newer blocks only)

● 21st– Dec letter
● Fire safety issue
● Re-mortgage/selling issues
● Who will be liable to pay for future work?
15 mins
Karsten (resident)
Annette/Will (LBH)

6
Heating costs and complaints (relevant to newer blocks only)

● Wael D has been trying to obtain an explanation about the energy providers raising costs since April 2021

15 mins
Wael (resident)

Annette/Will/ Energy team (LBH)

7
Lack of hot water / heating (relevant to newer blocks only)

● Issue happened again this year
● Why is it not treated as an emergency (babies, senior citizens)? Who agreed on our behalf agreed on not treating it as an emergency?

10 mins
David (resident)

Will/Annette (LBH)

8
Any other business
2.5 mins
David

9
Dates of next meetings
● Community TRA meeting 9 March 2022 7pm
● ETRA 20 April 2022 7pm
Close
2.5 mins
David

Kings Feast Winter Extravaganza
2021-12-11 17:00 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Shout it from the balcony, the winter holidays are almost here. And there’s no better time than the holiday season for a party. Hackney Showroom and Kings Crescent TRA invite you to celebrate the end of 2021 with an evening of food, music, games, prizes and of course, tonnes of fun.
5-7pm
A fabulous evening for residents aged under 15 and their families. DJ Emilia Harmony will be in charge of getting The first part of the evening kicks off with a winter ball for kids and their families. Hosted by Disco Loco ‘s MC Chu-i & Dj Emilia Harmony, get your glad rags on, get those party feet moving and join us for an on an evening of festive magic, music, pizza, dancing, craft and dance floor shenanigans.
7-9pm
Hackney Showroom’s Sam Curtis Lindsay will be your host for a night of good (veggie friendly) food Courtesy of Otantic, classic games, silly prizes and lots of laughs, followed by a knees up.
Please book individual tickets for each person coming and let us know which part(s) of the party you will be attending

Winter Market & Community meeting December 2021
2021-12-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
TRA Community Meeting Minutes

Tuesday 07 December 2021 7pm-7.40pm
(Short official meeting during the ‘Winter Market’ event 6-9pm)
Meeting Held in Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN

Agenda Item
Action

1
Welcome and Introductions
In attendance:
Residents:
7 residents (names removed for web version)
Non-residents
John Morris (Source Partnership),
Nina (Hackney Showroom),
Apologies:
4 TRA committee members (names removed for web version)

Approve minutes from September 2021
Emley proposed, Jill seconded

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
Planned events & activities
Tricky to do a lot with covid. Every year can make funding apps. We made a few and have done projects. These have included:
Art project
Hackney Showroom youth magazine
Online quiz
Have funding for gardening project and done a few events. have a gardening plan including for inherited allotment plots, put together by Hackney Herbal. There is a gardening group.

Community Development Fund
Have just reconciled projects from last financial year, so now eligible to claim for this financial year which finishes in March. Things we are spending on:
BLM film by resident film maker (already commissioned with £600 allocated).
Other plans:
Other gardening events (we have a plan from Hackney Herbal)
King’s Feast party (quarterly)
Homework club is now going to become a youth club on Thursdays with quiet time then activity, looking for people in community with skills to share
Older people’s theatre trip
Hackney Showroom will be doing another brochure with upcoming events
Emley looking for any ideas and how we can spend money

3
Hackney Showroom Update
Have been fundraising for next year and fitting out new space. Events space is nearly finished – has curtains sound proofing…. is suitable for theatre, live events, parties.

They are building a programme of regular activities:
There is a lunch club on Fridays 12 – 2 for older people but under 60s welcome!
Children’s library evey week on Tuesdays
Futureheads 8 – 11years – holiday programmes
Wednesdays disco, soft play for under 5s

Now also starting to take bookings from practitioners like yoga
In Jan will be starting to do youth work including 8 weeks of detached youth work (2 workers outside every Friday for 8 weeks)
First theatre show will be in Feb

Hackney Showroom hires out space with different rates depending on community benefit etc. Jill says prices are really reasonable for residents! The smaller side is prioritised for community use.

4
Update from Source Partnership
SP are coordinating a small working group to propose design ideas for the new community centre (currently incudes Emley, Andrew and Remi). Getting early ideas and looking for more people to join in!

Community centre will be a shell but SP facilitating early conversation with residents so we can get a proper brief together in time for constructors to fit out properly when they carry out the work. E.g. kitchen facilities. What use we want, how the space will be subdivided.

Council are also keen to look at different models of management, e.g. similar arrangement to the one we have with Hackney Showroom, e.g.. occupied by social enterprises/ locally based organisation that run activities,

Won’t be open for 2 or 3 years but decisions about what to be sone needs to be done by late summer 2022. Looking at other community centres locally to visit, e.g. Woodberry Down.

Contract recommendation should have been approved for new contractor last night at council cabinet meeting, so notices should be issued to leaseholders early Jan

Kathy suggested using some of the CDF towards something to make things a bit better while the works are going on.
Suggestion of hoardings as an art project. Ron has already talked about getting Andrew involved with this. Suggestion that could be used for local people telling their stories.

Timings 30-day consultation period before contractor signatures (likely in March)
Ron will be running workshops
John thinks it’s possible a compromise the council may agree to is 5-year clock starting on a specific date that’s applicable to everyone, possibly the start on site date (relating to Section 20 notice for leaseholders in South Blocks)

5
Open Conversation
Didn’t have formal open conversation but talked about the effect works will have on the estate and had an ideas board for the £3k community development fund. Ideas written on so far include:
Britannia Leisure Centre Swim trip
Youth Projects
Museum Trip
Sewing/knitting group
Parties
Beach trip
Sports day
Vegetarian and vegan community meal
Electrical repair workshop
Wellbeing classes; yoga, pilates, meditation, Zumba
Board to remain in place for upcoming party to get more resident feedback.

Dates of next meetings & close
ETRA 12 Jan 2022
Next community meeting Wednesday 9 March 2022

Additional information:

Please note that this meeting is focused on community building. The next meeting for discussing estate related issues with Hackney is at the ETRA meeting 12 January 2022.
See https:/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings.
To get in touch with the committee: Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com call/text/WhatsApp 07925668497 Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4
Please complete this form to be added to our (e)mailing list: http://eepurl.com/g-NGbD

Below images show the resident feedback gathered both at this meeting and also at the Kings Feast event a few days later:

Previous information:

KINGS CRESCENT WINTER MARKET
6-9pm | Tuesday 7 December | FREE

Whether you’re a local maker, a trader or just have jumble to sell… or you’re looking for that perfect present or something interesting to buy, please join us on 7 December for a festive indoor market. We’ll have everything from the finest crafts to novelty items, cakes and some good old brik-a-brak.

PLUS from 7-7.40pm you can pop into the Studio for the Kings Crescent Tenants & Residents Association meeting. The community meeting is an opportunity to find out the latest and for you input your ideas and suggestions. Mulled-wine and mince pies on the house!

If you would like to have a stall at the market it will be £5 and we’ll provide a tabletop stall.
Book your stall here
The community meeting (7-7.40pm) is hosted by the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) committee aims to celebrate the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and look for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas!
KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com
Featuring:

Updates from the TRA committee
Updates from Hackney Showroom
An opportunity to share your opinion and ideas

Please note these community focused meetings take place in March, June, September and December each year.
There are separate meetings to discuss estate related issues (with Hackney representatives attending) in January, April, July, October.

TRA Community Meeting Agenda
Tuesday 07 December 2021 7pm-7.40pm
(Short official meeting during the ‘Winter Market’ event 6-9pm)
Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN
TRA committee members will be in the Studio space from 6-9pm during the ‘Winter Market’ to chat to residents, get feedback, listen to ideas, answer questions etc.

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
· Approve minutes from September 2021
5 mins

Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
· Planed events & activities
· Suggestions for what to spend funding on
10 mins

Emley

3
Hackney Showroom Update
10 mins
H.S

· Update on existing community programme and what is coming up next year

4
Open Conversation
10 mins
Residents

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent. (Conversations can be continued informally after the meeting closes)

5
Update from Source Partnership
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & close
5mins
John/Carol
Emley

Additional information:

Please note that this meeting is focused on community building. The next meeting for discussing estate related issues with Hackney is at the ETRA meeting 12 January 2022.
See https:/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings.
To get in touch with the committee: Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com call/text/WhatsApp 07925668497 Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4
Please complete this form to be added to our (e)mailing list: http://eepurl.com/g-NGbD

December Coffee Hour
2021-12-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Chama’s Coffee Hour, Thur 2 Dec, 1-2pm

Hi Kings Crescent Neighbours, we want to hear from you!

Hackney Showroom’s Communication & Engagement Manager Chama and Emley, Chair of the Kings Crescent Resident’s group (TRA) will be in the Hackney Showroom space on the first Thursday of every month from 1-2pm.

Come along to share your opinions, let us know what projects you would like to see from us, how we can better serve you or just come along for a cuppa and find out what we are up to.

All welcome!

Safer neighbourhoods meeting 30 Nov
2021-11-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Community meeting run in conjunction with Ward Councillor, Bianca Rembrandt (Lead Community Safety Officer) and the Brownswood Safer Neighbourhood Team for residents in Brownswood to air their community safety issues. The meeting is also chaired by Kings Crescent resident Paul Cushion.

All welcome to come along to hear an update and speak to the local police and safety teams

Family Fun Morning Nov 2022
2021-11-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This event is run by residents on the last Saturday of every month 10am-1pm.
This is an opportunity to meet your neighbours and for the kids to have some fun together.
We have sports equipment, giant board games, colouring, kinetic sand, etc.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone. If you can, please bring some refreshments to contribute e.g. box of juice, some fruit, a cake, packet of biscuits etc. (Don’t worry if you can’t though or if you forget!!)
If anyone has any ideas for kids activities or wants to volunteer please come along.
All Welcome!!!
Please note that parents/carers will need to supervise their children during the event, thank you.
***There will be no fun morning at the end of December, we will resume on 29 January 2022***

Steering Group Nov 2021
2021-11-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting
held on 17th November 2021 via Google Meet

Those Present:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
6 residents (names removed for public version)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM)
Menekse Saitoglu

LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

No apologies were received.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 22nd September and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

One correction was noted from 5.1. The minute should have read: ‘MUF to be invited to a meeting specific to the design intent for the landscaping and play facilities.’ Subsequent to the September meeting, MUF have met with WO and colleagues on site.

3.0
Phase 3&4 update

3.1

Indicative timetable for contractor selection
RG thanked all for participating in the selection process and for their patience during such a long procurement period. A preferred bidder has now been identified and approved at the internal approval panel, the Gateway that comprises all relevant senior managers. Tender levels were approved and risks (e.g. sales element, future management and maintenance commitments) all noted. The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee (CPIC) will consider the recommendation on 6/12. The report will be publicly available on 26/11 but with the identity of the recommended contractor and commercially sensitive information in a confidential section. The publicly accessible section of the report will include descriptions of the S20 process, design changes, risks considered, sustainability and how the tenders were evaluated and scored. It will be possible to watch the CPIC meeting on 6/12, in person or via livestream but the public parts will be short, with discussion about the confidential parts of the report exempt from public viewing. Questions can be submitted to the meeting from members of the public but because of the notice needed, they will need to be submitted at the same time as the report becomes public. However, in exceptional circumstance, the Chair may allow a late submission for consideration. If approved, the Council’s Chief Executive will have delegated authority to enter into a contract with the successful bidder, subject to the S20 process.

3.2

S20 process
RG reported that the aim is to issue Stage 2 Notices on 10/1/22 with the statutory consultation period ending on 11/2/22. Surgeries for leaseholders will be set up in the 3rd or 4th week of January. The Q&A section from Stage 1 will be amended, with a likely change being the timing of the start of the 5 year discount period to a date, to be decided, that will be the agreed start on site date for the refurbishment works rather than the practical completion dates of the different blocks. The aim is to respond to all leaseholder observations will be by the end of February so that contracts can be signed in March.

EP asked if any more information will be given to leaseholders before January. RG replied that all information will go into the Stage 2 Notice and accompanying letter and FAQs in January, so, no.

EP – many leaseholders are still very unhappy and it seems their ability to influence further decisions will now be taken away because the CPIC will have approved the appointment of the tenderer and the costs by the time of the Stage 2 Notice. RG replied that the recommendation to cabinet is subject to completion of the S20 process and there will be due regard paid to submissions as part of this process. BB added that objections would have to be quite fundamental and valid to change the approach. RG emphasised the amount of time and effort that has gone into making sure the quality and price of the contractors’ tenders has met very tight criteria. He also confirmed that the whole package of works, refurbishment and new build will be let as one contract and has been the subject of one planning permission, although acknowledges that they form two different elements.

EP is still concerned about the huge financial impact on non-resident leaseholders. BB felt that this has been answered at length and that leaseholders who rent out their properties have made this decision to become landlords and it is reasonable for them to not qualify for the discount. CP reiterated this point. RG added that individual leaseholders will be able to talk to the Leasehold Team about personal circumstances and cases of financial hardship will be considered.

3.3

Indicative timescales and other issues with phase 3&4
RG noted that after contract signing, mobilisation works will include surveys to ascertain presence of asbestos, underground obstructions and issues around drainage of the site. Other activities will include planning submissions for the design changes and site set up including erection of hoardings, site facilities etc. Preparatory works could include strip out of Weston garages.

There will also be initial events organised by the contractor around their construction management plan, communications, resident liaison, attendance at RSG, workshops on lessons learnt from phase 1&2, investigation on connecting up to the existing CHP, drainage, decommissioning of the current community centre and support for community activities. BB emphasised that the drainage under and around Weston Court is a key issue that he has expressed concern about.

Party Wall Notices
WO is leading on this. Potentially at the same time as the Section 20 consultation, Party Wall Notices will be sent to all leaseholders so that where works take place, e.g. construction of balconies, that will affect the existing building structure, there are surveyors appointed to ensure that the previous condition is reinstated. Notices will go out before contracts are signed so there is time for the process to be conducted properly. EP asked if leaseholders will have to pay if they wish to appoint their own surveyor. WO – no, but surveyors will need to be approved by LBH and need to be RICS certified.

Fire safety and cladding
KH raised the issue of phase 1&2 new blocks no longer being compliant with current fire safety regulations. He was concerned about his own and neighbours’ circumstances but also asked how LBH will address this for phase 3&4. RG replied that this is one reason why the tender process was prolonged; this formed an extra section that tenderers had to address in the Best and Final Offer. The contractor will be obliged to provide EWS1 forms. LBH has made every effort to anticipate as best they can what fire regs. will be in the future, and ensure full compliance. Another element of the tender process was the implementation of a record of building components for the new blocks for reference if issues arise in the future. Building materials will be different from those used in phase 1&2 but LBH can only comply with whatever legislation is in place at the time of construction.

KH emphasised that leaseholders are trapped with many mortgage providers now not lending because of the materials used in the phase 1&2 construction. RG acknowledged this as a nationwide problem. KH asked what plans LBH have to remediate the situation. AA added that information is produced in plenty of time, so LBH must have had notice that an approach to this problem was needed. BB and CP offered to take up this issue as Councillors.

4.0
Feedback from Community Centre Working Group

4.1
The working group met this morning (17th November) and consisted of Emley, Andrew Mitchelson, Remi Murrain, RG, WO and JM. Good progress was made with a discussion about possible uses and management of the new CC and consequently, what sort of fit out will be needed. It will be important that the group can meet the contractor asap for early discussions. A wider resident consultation will take place in January with an update at the next RSG.

5.0
TRA update

5.1
EP reported that the family fun mornings are still happening monthly. The half term art project was successful. BB noted that the contractor’s hoardings will need artwork. CP suggested making sure that Andrew Mitchelson is involved in this.
Chama, Hackney Showroom’s Engagement worker has started monthly drop ins on the first Thursday of each month for anyone to visit HS with ideas, to volunteer or just to find out what HS are doing.
The TRA meeting scheduled for 7th December will be preceded by a winter market and the meeting itself will be informal to encourage people to get involved.
Hackney Showroom are organising another Kings Feast on 11th December with family entertainment between 5 and 7 pm, then adults 7 to 9 pm.
BB noted that Annette Reid, KC Housing Officer is off on sick leave. Her manager, Andrea Scott is providing an ad hoc management service with existing resources.

6.0
ITLA update

6.1
CS gave an update. Source Partnership’s contract is currently on an extension. Source are keen to get back working on site and we will be discussing with Hackney Showroom possibly using their facilities once the Vince Murrain Centre is decommissioned. There is Source equipment and furniture in the VM Centre which can be recycled for use elsewhere within KC.

We are working with Chama (HS) to introduce him to vulnerable and/or elderly residents who might be interested in the Friday lunch club or might benefit from some support for e.g. shopping or just more regular contact.

7.0
Any urgent business

7.1
KH wished to voice dissatisfaction about the continued repair issues in the northside blocks. Lifts were out of order again at Wallington Court and bike thieves are at work again. Video evidence of the latter was sent to LBH but with no response.

WO gave advice to use the repairs email box and the webchat function to report repairs. He added that it is best to not email several LBH officers at once as this results in no one taking responsibility to respond; it’s sometimes unclear who’s job it is to reply in these instances.

EP noted that there are still many phase 1&2 issues unresolved. Service Charges are now the big issue with many leaseholders experiencing significant increases. Leaseholders have asked for another meeting with Judith Morrison but so far she has not responded. BB offered to help contact her.

BB

7.2
AA asked if the cyber attack had compromised residents’ personal data. BB stated that the main problem was not so much the leakage of data, rather that the attack rendered older computer systems useless. CP reported that a minor breach of data did occur and people affected have been contacted. CP added that the attack had been a serious issue for some services e.g. children’s services and officers have spent considerable time resolving these. There is information on the LBH website and an email to contact if further follow up is required.

7.3
JM offered apologies to Federica (residemt) who joined this meeting for the first time and who wasn’t introduced at the start of the meeting.

8.0
Date of next meeting

27th January 2022, 7.00.

Mindful Meditation
2021-11-07 11:45 - 12:45 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
More details from Aimee:

Hey there wonderful friend,
I wanted to let you know I’m back in London (N4 – my old neighbourhood) for an in-person meditation session this coming Sunday 7th November!
For those of you who haven’t meditated with me before, you can expect meditation that is really uplifting, easy for beginners, and fully guided.
I’m so excited to be back at Hackney Showroom & the Kings Crescent Estate Community Centre just by Clissold Park. We had a few group meditations here before the pandemic closed everything down.
We always start with some mindful body awareness techniques and breathwork. Bringing awareness to the body is a simple and effective way to ‘get out’ of the busyness of our minds and begin to enjoy a more relaxed state.
There has been more and more research into how using the breath with deeper awareness and certain simple techniques can increase well-being, decrease stress, improve the immune system and regulate the nervous system. Sound good?
The final third of the session will be Energy-Lift meditation, I have found through my own experience and practice that participants leave the sessions feeling lighter, uplifted, relaxed and deeply peaceful.
Bringing community connection is at the heart of all my work, whether that is doula work supporting families or facilitating groups. The last 18 months have been really disruptive to the way we connect with each other.
Community is vital for our personal and collective well-being and health, we are inextricably interconnected to each other. I am so pleased to be back together with you!
The session is run on a sliding scale for contribution £4 – £12 – bring cash or you can paypal me at srilaxmi.shanti@gmail.com
With that in mind please note that we encourage you to lateral flow test before you come, and do not come if you feel unwell. We will provide handwashing and sanitising facilities.
If you would like to make meditation part of your weekly self-care let me know and I can send you the details to join the Monday Meditation group on zoom (7.15pm to 8.45pm also by donation)
I really am looking forward to seeing you! Everyone is welcome and please invite your friends to come along.
Lots of love Aimee Sri Laxmi

Coffee hour
2021-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Chama’s Coffee Hour, Thur 4 Nov, 1-2pm

Hi Kings Crescent Neighbours, we want to hear from you!

Hackney Showroom’s Communication & Engagement Manager Chama and Emley from the Kings Crescent Resident’s group (TRA) will be in the Hackney Showroom space on the first Thursday of every month from 1-2pm.

Come along to share your opinions, let us know what projects you would like to see from us, how we can better serve you or just come along for a cuppa and find out what we are up to.

All welcome!

October Family Fun Morning
2021-10-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This event is run by residents on the last Saturday of every month 10am-1pm.
This is an opportunity to meet your neighbours and for the kids to have some fun.
We have sports equipment, giant board games, colouring, kinetic sand, etc.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone. If you can, please bring some refreshments to contribute e.g. box of juice, some fruit, a cake, packet of biscuits etc. (Don’t worry if you can’t though or if you forget!!)
If anyone has any ideas for kids activities or wants to volunteer please come along.
This event will feature an informal presentation of art work created by 12 young artists! ‘Gentleness of a Little Giant‘ has been running on the mornings of half term and local children have had the opportunity to work with Brazillian artist Gustavo Ciriaco and local artist Andrew Mitchelson with support from Emley (TRA Chair). They have exploring landscapes & stories and creating shadow imagary. Their work will be on shown in one of the spaces during the fun morning from 12-1pm.
(The art project was supported by Hackney Showroom with funding provided by Hackney)
All Welcome!!!
Please note that parents/carers will need to supervise their children during the event, thank you.

Charity Fundraiser/Small Business Event
2021-10-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Fundraiser organised by Kings Crescent resident Remi Bevis to raise money for breast cancer research.
All welcome!
We will be holding a raffle, selling tea, coffee, cakes etc, to raise money for charity.
There will be a variety of stalls including:

Cakes
Sweets
Fruit Kebabs & Smoothie
Waffles
Hackney Herbal stall with tea bag making activity (details below)

We will also have some small business owners selling their products with part of the proceeds going to charity:

Personalised gifts and clothing
Resin Art
Holistic Massage
Wrapping paper, cards & illustrations

Big Raffle on the day with a variety of prizes donated by local business and community!
Donate to Breast Cancer Research via Georgina’s JustGiving Page linked to this event

Hackney Herbal Stall
Join Hackney Herbal to learn about the health benefits of a range of culinary, medicinal and wild herbs.
You’ll be able to have a go at making your own herbal tea bags to take home.
We will also be sharing our top tips for growing herbs successfully. (Invited by KC TRA gardening group).

ETRA meeting October 2021
2021-10-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October
Minutes

In attendance:
William Owen (WO)
Project Officer Regeneration (LBHackney)

John Morris
Consultant at Source Partnership/ Independent Resident Advisor

Clare Potter (CP)
Councillor Brownswood Ward

Deborah Noel (DN)
ASB Manager for the North of Hackney

10 residents

Apologies:
Bianca Rembrandt (BR)
Community Safety & Principal Enforcement Officer

Annette Reid (AR)

3 residents
Housing Officer for Kings Crescent Estate (LBHackney)

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (July 2021)
Approved by: Emilie
Seconded by: David

Emley (TRA Chair)

2
General Estate Concerns

· ASB & CCTV – DB – has accumulated issues through FB one of the issues that was raised was about the CCTV, Residents having issues getting access to CCTV footage. He feels that as we pay for this service we should be able to have access to it. Bikes stolen was captured on CCTV – DB has spoken directly to Bianca Rembrandt (LBH) she will deal with non-residents, the ASB department (Deborah Noel) will deal with resident ASB. Housing Officer Annette Reid will deal with some ASB. Details again given on who to contact within these teams. Cllr Potter (CP) – explained that CCTV team do have many queries which can make it difficult to get answers. Will Owen has offered to break down list of contacts.
· Waste management – bin collection, size of waste areas – DB has picked up some complaints about waste management, he explained a problem in Wallington/Kimpton rubbish bins are becoming full of the course of the week and are only cleared once a week. Rubbish collectors are leaving rubbish on floors and are not clearing up. JWM raised an issue with flies in her property, other residents are having the same issue -Estate Wide problem. WO explained because the issues raised are various it will involve several teams involved. HC asked if bins can be cleared more regularly, WO has stated that this would not happen. Menekse raised issue with cleaning of bin chambers. WO take issues back to HC Cleanining Estate Dept.
· Bollard issues & no entry signs for play street – missing bollard will be replaced on play street. No entry signs a temp solution is being looked at, finding a long term solution
· Hackney Digital skills update – no Update

Various Hackney Representatives

Will Owen to compile list of key contacts to share with TRA

WO/EP to share information about Hackney waste collection & recycling with residents

WO to find out about how often bin chambers are cleaned

3
Kings Crescent South

Blocks: Bramfield, Theobalds, Datchworth, Weston Court and general estate management
· Update on action points from last meeting
· Ants in Bramfield/Theobalds – No update
(Annette was not available for the meeting today so no updates given)
Annette Reid Housing Officer

4
Kings Crescent North

Blocks: Lemsford, Sandon, Kimpton, Wallington, Radwell, Therfield, Barley, Chipping, Redbourn, Kelshall, Ardeley, Rushden, Widford
· Update on list of all defects handed over from Higgins to LBH
o Broken main doors – New hinges have been installed. Ardleley court door still broken.
o Slippery patches of courtyard remain unresolved – Still unresolved. Higgins came and resealed, but it hasn’t been as successful as LBH hoped. There will be a walk-around on 14.09.21. to find a long term solution. Resident in Lemsford Crt has complained about water dripping outside her property, from properties above her.
o Bikes/scooters still getting stolen – Residents to contact police, CCTV and ASB teams
o Update on lift issues – overheating issues still continue. New lift contractors have made progress but work ongoing.
o Smoke vent lights – No update
o Cracks in windows, windows slam shut in wind, balcony doors affected by wind – TRA to ask residents if they have had any more issues with cracks in window panes……..
o Ventilation system issues (in flats) – Council tenants (LBH) are responsible. If leaseholder, they need to do a survey and report to Higgins who are responsible.
o Update on heating system, faulty meters, new pricing – AM asked has there been a survey across the social housing stock to find out if this is a wider issue. Energy efficiency – Subcontractor DAVLOs will be coming to survey. Pricing issues have been delayed but should be resolved soon.
· Discuss best way to proceed with resolving issues – suggested need for group of affected leaseholders to collaborate with social tenants to gather data on what the issues are to present to Higgins. LBH are responsible for social tenants flat so can support with those but not with individual leasehold properties.
· Allotment Courtyard – new suggestion to remove metal structures from ‘fruit maze’ area but leave plants in place – LBH due to have a meeting – no response. No update. EP re-raised the issues that were spoken about at previous ETRA.

Will Owen Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

Energy Team

DB to follow up with WO to get updates.

DB to continue to collate data on issues in new blocks

WO to update on results of monitoring heating systems

EP to follow up on allotment courtyard ‘fruit maze’ plans

5
Service Charges Update

· Actuals show increase from estimate despite concerns with residents not getting what they pay for – No update or statement. JM to be contacted directly regarding this issue. MR has suggested that we need to look at how we can minimise the costs. Concerns that if things that aren’t repaired in the first instance this will then become recharged back to the leaseholders and residents.

Will to present statement from Judith Morrison
WO/EP/DB to follow up with Judith Morrison

6
Update from Source Partnership

· Update from John/Carol – Steering group requires a refresh- source are going to try and recruit new residents. JR suggested that issues that have arisen from phase 1 & 2 could be brought to the table as a lessons learnt item as this would be valuable.
Source Partnership

7
Any other business? N/A
Emley (TRA Chair)

8
Dates of next meetings & close –
· 24th October raising monies for Breast Cancer.
· 26th Oct – Africa 54:60 Theatre show about a man’s journey on visiting every country in Africa
· Last Saturday of month Family Fun Morning
· Community Meeting on 11th December
· ETRA 12.01.22.
· Half-Term art project for children – Run by Andrew – Gentleness the little Giant – continuation of project piloted during lockdown.
Emley (TRA Chair)

Previous information
These meetings will be resuming in person – Hackney Showroom Space 4 Murrain Road N4 2BN
(We will attempt to have remote access but technology is not guarenteed to work!! Zoom link to attend remotely can be requested by emailing kingscrescentn4@gmail.com before 6.45pm on the day)

AGENDA

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing

Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (July 2021)

2
General Estate Concerns

· ASB & CCTV
· Waste management – bin collection, size of waste areas
· Bollard issues & no entry signs for play street
· Hackney Digital skills update

20 mins
Various Hackney Representatives

3
Kings Crescent South

Blocks: Bramfield, Theobalds, Datchworth, Weston Court and general estate management
· Update on action points from last meeting
· Ants in Bramfield/Theobalds

10 mins
Annette Reid Housing Officer

4
Kings Crescent North

Blocks: Lemsford, Sandon, Kimpton, Wallington, Radwell, Therfield, Barley, Chipping, Redbourn, Kelshall, Ardeley, Rushden, Widford
· Update on list of all defects handed over from Higgins to LBH
o Broken main doors
o Slippery patches of courtyard remain unresolved
o Bikes/scooters still getting stolen
o Update on lift issues
o Smoke vent lights
o Cracks in windows, windows slam shut in wind, balcony doors affected by wind
o Ventilation system issues (in flats)
o Update on heating system, faulty meters, new pricing
· Discuss best way to proceed with resolving issues
· Allotment Courtyard – new suggestion to remove metal structures from ‘fruit maze’ area but leave plants in place

30 mins
Will Owen Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

Energy Team

5
Service Charges Update

· Actuals show increase from estimate despite concerns with residents not getting what they pay for

5 mins
Will to present statement from Judith Morrison

6
Update from Source Partnership

· Update from John/Carol
5 mins
Source Partnership

7
Any other business?

5mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

8
Dates of next meetings & close

5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

To add items to the agenda please email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com by midday on Tuesday 5 October

Tastes from Africa
2021-10-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Hackney Showroom & Elufowoju jr Ensemble invite you to share with us your sounds, your looks and your tastes from Africa at a big celebration of all 54 African nations.
Are you Kings and Queens of kizomba, a dab hand with a tahtib or simply melodic on the mbira? Is your family vitumbua or jollof recipe unmatched? Perhaps you’d like our DJ to dust off those High Life records, or you want to show us your most stunning chitenge or kente…
Whether you’re bringing something from your heritage or from a memorable holiday or just coming for the vibes, please join us for an afternoon of food, music and community. And let’s see how many countries we can gather together!
Book your free tickets here: https://www.hackneyshowroom.com/tastes-from-africa/

September Family Fun Morning
2021-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
We are re-launching our monthly family fun morning!!!
This event is run by residents on the last Saturday of every month 10am-1pm.
This is an opportunity to meet your neighbours and for the kids to have some fun.
We have sports equipment, giant board games, colouring, kinetic sand, etc.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone. If you can, please bring some refreshments to contribute e.g. box of juice, some fruit, a cake, packet of biscuits etc. (Don’t worry if you can’t though or if you forget!!)
If anyone has any ideas for kids activities or wants to volunteer please come along.
All Welcome!!!
Please note that parents/carers will need to supervise their children during the event, thank you.

Steering Group Sept 2021
2021-09-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting
held on 22nd September 2021 via Google Meet

Those Present:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
3 residents:
EP, ES, PD

(resident names removed in public version)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
John Morris (JM)
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1
Apologies were received from residents HC (who asked for her intention to step down from the RSG to be noted), KH, JWM, PA, AA, Carol Squires (Source)

2.0
Peter Sim

2.1
Councillor Bell and Councillor Potter shared some memories of Peter Sim who died on 23rd August. Peter was the longest standing RSG member and a tenacious advocate for Kings Crescent residents and for the progression of the estate’s improvement and redevelopment. A minutes silence was observed.

3.0
Notes of previous meeting held 27th July 2021 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

3.1
The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate. All matters arising to be discussed on the agenda.

4.0
Phase 3&4 update

4.1
Contractor procurement update
RG reported that negotiations with the 2 bidding contractors are now complete but the deadline for submission of their Best & Final Offers has now been extended to 30th September. This is in response to the recent holiday period and the requirement for them to provide additional detailed information for LBH that was recently requested to establish a comprehensive Building Information Modelling system. This provides a detailed record of all components of new buildings once built. This is particularly important for setting in place a fire safety record. ES confirmed that this comprises 3D modelling and is now becoming standard across the industry.
RG stressed that although this means more delays, LBH are working to achieve the best quality scheme possible. Post Grenfell, there are more safety requirements to deal with. CP acknowledged the frustration this will undoubtedly cause for residents but it is important that the Council meets all these obligations.
RG reported that the programme is now aiming for a Cabinet approval for the successful tenderer on 6th December, with contract signing January 2022. There will be 3 – 6 months set up before start on site in Spring/early Summer 2022.

4.2
Southside leaseholders S20
RG reported that the Stage 2 Notices will now be sent out in January to avoid arriving with leaseholders just before Christmas. They cannot be sent out before the Cabinet approval as the identity of the contractor has to be included as well as cost estimates, total costs broken down by block and component. The specification will also be available on request. There will be surgeries organised for individual owners to discuss personal circumstances and to get clarity on the Notice and payment options. These will be held approx. half way through the statutory 30 day consultation period.
EP raised the issue of the stress this has been causing leaseholders who have no way of planning for the future, not knowing when the 5year clawback of charges period will start. She asked that LBH seriously consider setting a start date for the 5 years now rather than leaving it as the practical completion date. This could be from now, contract signing date or start on site date. RG indicated that internally, this has been raised and a response to the project slippage is being considered. The S20 letter will contain information on any changes to the current arrangements. CP asked that her and Cllr Bell’s weight be added to the representations being made to senior management for this review.

4.3
Pre start on site engagement
RG noted an important piece of work will be around the fit out of the new community facility in DZ5N. The programming of the new build is not known but early decisions on how the space can be fitted out to match the community’s needs and aspirations will ensure it is fit for purpose when completed. The space, at 195 sq m is slightly smaller than the Vince Murrain centre and roughly the same as Unit C. There is a fit out budget. Some LBH officers are looking at options for the future management of the new centre and using Woodberry Down as an example of how social businesses can be involved.
RG would like a clear brief agreed with residents involved in the decision-making, via the RSG, TRA and Hackney Showroom. An example would be whether a commercial kitchen is required. Many at the Ladderswood visit in Enfield liked the size of the community centre there but felt that the size and facilities in the kitchen were unnecessary. However, EP pointed out that a kitchen similar in size to the one in Vince Murrain made it possible to run small cooking classes and to make simple hot meals, while the kitchen in the Hackney Showroom facility is not big enough or well enough equipped to do this.
CP – a commercial kitchen is more about the facilities and standard of the equipment rather than the size of the room.
There was discussion around the need for a business case for a particular approach to the CC fit out. However, there has been consultation through surveys on what residents would like to see in a community facility and EP added that through the activities now running at Unit C, the TRA are able to judge demand and interest from users that can inform decisions on the new space.
It was agreed to set up a Working Group to explore options and produce a brief. EP to canvass interest among residents to join this, RG to identify relevant Council officers to participate and JM to help facilitate.
Action – the Working Group to be constituted by the next RSG meeting on 17/11/21.

RG, EP, JM

5.0
Phase 1 & 2 update

5.1
WO reported back.
· Still waiting for Higgins to produce a programme for venting the lift mechanisms. As soon as this is available, a letter will be sent to all affected residents telling them when their lift will be taken out of service for the work to be carried out.
· Work is still progressing on reconciling energy bills with use. A consultant has been commissioned to inspect the energy centre and they will use a monitoring system that individual residents can use to check their usage against what the energy centre is saying is produced. WO asked for volunteers to have a small piece of equipment fitted. This will produce anonymised data on energy usage. ES volunteered. EP also offered to ask other residents through the TRA facebook site. She also suggested targeting residents who have experienced problems with billing. WO agreed with this.
WO also reported that the relevant section of the LBH IT system is now able to process refunds and the new charges from April 2021 and an update will be available for the ETRA meeting on 12th Oct.
· ES raised an issue with weeds in the Radwell courtyard and who is responsible for keeping this area tidy. WO is on site before the end of the week and will take photos.
· There was discussion about responsibilities for the maintenance of the courtyards, play equipment and the plants, shrubs and fruit bushes. EP asked who to get permission from if the TRA wanted to remove the metal structures that were supposed to be the frames for a fruit maze in one of the courtyards. These are in the shade and haven’t grown. The metal frames are now just a hazard. WO stated that ultimately it is Housing Services who will give the go ahead. He added that he had seen emails between Annette Reid and Eray Taylor on this issue.
This discussion led to a wider one around a lack of clarity on how decisions are made to change designs and layouts and in some cases to remove items that were installed as part of the original development.
ES thought that the original designers should be consulted first before changes to their structures are made and are leaseholders paying for these alterations?

RG agreed that MUF should explain the rationale behind their design. It is important that design intent can be explained and lessons learnt when these are later contradicted by H&S considerations.
ES noted that this is a common tension but that if designers can justify their ideas, H&S should be satisfied.
It was agreed that MUF should be invited to an RSG meeting to talk through these issues.

EP

6.0
TRA update

6.1
EP reported that the AGM took place on 15th Sept. There was a delay to starting the meeting while waiting for a quorum but this was achieved and a new committee was elected with EP still Chair.
Activities are now restarting with the homework club, Family Fun mornings and many other events being run by Hackney Showroom. It is proposed to make the Kings Feast a regular occasion, with the next one in December then again in March 2022.

7.0
ITLA update

There were no updates from Source.

8.0
Any urgent business

None

9.0
Date of next meeting

17th November, 7.00.

Estate Walkabout
2021-09-17 09:15 - 09:45 | Vince Murrrain Community Centre, N4 2GD
The residents annual walkabout will be on Friday 17 September at 9.15am – meeting point outside Vince Murrain Community Hall.

In attendance, Housing Officer, Resident Participation Officer, Ward Councillors and the Communal Works Officer.

The invitation is open to all residents living on Kings Crescent.

The purpose of the walkabout is to improve communal areas on the estate and look at non-urgent communal repairs and improvements.

Regards

Annette Reid
Housing Officer
Kings Crescent – Estate Regeneration & New Build Developments

Tel: 0208 356 3330
Email: neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk

Community meeting & AGM September 2021
2021-09-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Community Meeting & AGM
Minutes

Agenda Item
Action

1
Welcome and Introductions
Emley Pine (Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Apologies: 6 residents (names removed), Annette Reid (LBH).
Emley explained that the TRA was officially formed 2 years ago, by AGM. No AGM was held last year due to the pandemic.

Formal Kings Crescent Tenants & Residents Association AGM
Attending:
17 Residents – names removed
(Non-residents): Oliur Rahman (LBH), Sasha Khan (LBH), John Morris (Source Partnership), Nina (Hackney Showroom), Councillor Clare Potter
Approval of minutes from last AGM
The minutes were approved by AM and AH
Chair’s report (Emley Pine)
Emley gave a report of the past 2 years including the following points (see Chair’s report for more detail):
– explained the origins of the committee, before transitioning to an official TRA in September 2019;
– set out the objectives of the TRA;
– set out the TRA’s achievements over the past 2 years, including design of a logo; holding of separate community meetings and ETRA meetings (8 in total per year); set up of bank account; phone for residents to contact; social media presence; ensured signs of community during lockdown; running family fun mornings; parties; crowdfunding campaign raising over £18,000 to fit out Unit C as a shared community space with Hackney Showroom (HS); homework club; continued liaison with Hackney Council (LBH) and other community organisations; attending training relevant to the TRA; taking over management of the allotments from LBH;
– Acknowledged the community work done on the estate in the past, including by Vince Murrain, Jill Walker-Murrain, Patricia Sim, Roy Watkin, Peter Akhurst, Alison, Liz & Mukturam, Alfred Fiorentini, Edie & Alan, and Barbara & Bob Curtis, and said that the new TRA are building on their work;
– Thanked all committee members for their contribution, including those who had stood down during the 2 years, or were standing down now.
Treasurer’s report (Alice H)
The accounts for 2020 have been signed off by LBH.
Current balance at end of 2020 was substantial (£15,470) but mainly ring-fenced for certain projects (including the Unit C spacehive money, and homework club money).
The Treasurer noted that the TRA and particularly Emley have worked very hard to obtain this funding.
As at the end of 2020 not all the funding for Spacehive had been received (though this has now).
Expenses were low in 2020 (mainly due to the pandemic) but this is expected to reverse in 2021 when outgoings will be higher.
As a new committee we are continuing to work on how we manage our financial processes well.
The accounts for 2020 were approved by the members of the TRA.
Election of TRA Committee members (chaired by Oliur)
Oliur congratulated the TRA on the work they had done since being formed.
The current members of the TRA stood down.
Nominations for the new committee were as follows (nominator and seconder in brackets):
– Chair – Emley Pine (Emley, Jill)
– Vice chair – Sarah H (Sarah, Alice)
– Treasurer – Alice H (Jill, Emley)
– Secretary – Ellie V (Emley, Jill)
– Jenn F (safeguarding lead) (Emley, Andrew)

Other nominated members:
– Jill WM (ward panel rep)
– Tom S (gardening sub-committee)
– Andrew M
– Christine E
– Patricia S
– David B
– Ashley M
– Azucena A
– Remi BM
– Hana C
All of the above 15 people were voted for, and now form the new TRA committee.
AOB related to AGM
Emley proposed that there should be a gardening sub-committee. Alice noted that we would need to be clear whether the sub-committee would manage their own finances – that would be decided afterwards. John mentioned that the sub-committee would also need a process for decision-making and which decisions would need to be fed through to the main committee. Oliur agreed his team could support the TRA in setting up the arrangements for the gardening committee.
The TRA voted to set up a gardening sub-committee.
Close of AGM
Emley officially closed the AGM.

Resident Participation team to work with the TRA on the sub-committee arrangements

2
Community meeting
Minutes of the last community meeting
The minutes were approved by Jill and Menekse.
Funding from the community development fund (CDF) from 2020/21 has now been spent on the Kings Feast party in September 2021. Other funding was spent on the Disco Loco megazine, and £750 for an art project for kids will now be taking place in October half term. £600 for gardening has been partially spent on equipment. Further events are being planned to spend the remainder of the funding we received.
By the end of October the money from the 2020/21 CDF will therefore be used. This means we can then apply for sums from the 2021/22 CDF.
The 2021/22 CDF is providing funding towards a film (£600) therefore there is still £2,400 to claim for this financial year.

3
Hackney Showroom Update (Nina Lyndon)

Nina gave an update on the recent work of HS:
The magazine was delivered to children on the estate, and the remainder went to other local communities and schools.
HS has run some successful events. The Young Actors training programme – 12 young actors have just graduated from the programmes – 2 have already been signed by agents and 3 have places at drama school.
Street Party was successful with live artists, play equipment for children.
37 children attended Future Heads summer camp – the theme was ‘protest’, involving art, poetry and drama as well as fun activities.

Free weekly activities have now begun – including a library for primary school age kids which is an asset for the community; easy rollers (pre school); lunch club for over 60s (though others are invited to come along!); a Turkish-speaking duty manager has been recruited who is here on Fridays; the Hackney Showroom space is now available to hire by residents
In October half-term: a theatre company will be sharing a new show that’s being developed; there will also be a ‘taste of Africa’ evening for former residents of African countries to share stories etc; African singing workshop

Next ‘Kings Feast’ communal meal (and possibly bingo) will be held 11 December.

FutureHeads club is now starting weekly on Saturdays 4-6pm (for 8 – 11 year olds).

4
Open Conversation

Emley sought ideas from residents. The following were suggested:
– Regular quiz night? This may attract a range of residents of different ages.
– Kings Feast could potentially be a quarterly event
– Classes – e.g. yoga, pilates, Zumba?
– Singing class / choir
– Language classes (e.g. Spanish lesson, or cultural event)
– English / Turkish language exchange
– ESOL classes (these were run previously by Hackney, paid for by Higgins as part of Phase 1, and well attended)
– Youth activities (HS have some funding to some detached youth work for a period from January – and also 4 week ‘tasters’ of various activities). HS suggested the TRA may be able to fund raise for these tasters (cost approx. £800)
– Creative classes, such as art or creative writing.

Opportunities to celebrate the diverse cultures of residents of KC (King’s Feast could also do this).
Emley encouraged people at the meeting to seek feedback from other neighbours as to what events / activities they would like. This is particularly important as the new contractor will soon be appointed and will be contributing significant community funding for the estate.
Oliur’s team will share opportunities for pots of funding external to the Council which we may be able to tap into.
CDF monies should be spent within the FY it is claimed for (and if it isn’t, it is difficult to claim from the subsequent year’s CDF). Andrew noted that we should be applying for funding for the activities planned for the remainder of this FY (such as further Kings Feast events).
Oliur noted that he would be happy for the TRA to have the film crew money paid into our account. Oliur and Emley / Alice to discuss.

TRA to contact previous pilates instructor
Oliur to advise if there is any funding that might work for fitness classes
Oliur to contact LBH colleagues to explore ESOL classes

Oliur to share funding information.

TRA to discuss car park money with Oliur

5
Source Partnership Update by John Morris

The successful contractor will not be approved by LBH until November.
The Resident’s Steering Group is looking for more resident members. It hasn’t been very active whilst the tendering process has been ongoing, but will become more active once the contract is awarded. For example, the TRA could have some input into the design of the new community facility (Ron Greenwood has suggested this).

6
Any other business
Remi is running an event in Unit C to raise money for Cancer Research on 24th October (10 – 2) for everyone to attend.
Hackney are doing a communal walk-about on Friday to look for communal improvements which could be undertaken. Anyone can join them.
Dates of next meetings & close
ETRA – 12th October 2021
Community – 7th December 2021

Previous information:
This community meeting hosted by the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) committee aims to celebrate the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and look for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we have planned and what you want to have happening on Kings Crescent, plus a chance to meet your neighbours etc.
Featuring:

Updates from the TRA committee
Updates from Hackney Showroom, Source Partnership and Hackney’s Resident Participation Team
An opportunity to share your opinion and ideas

This meeting will start with the ‘Annual General Meeting’ (AGM) where the new resident’s group committee will be voted in. If you are interested in joining the committee please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com or call 07926568497
Click here to read the Chair and Finance reports in advance of the AGM
This meeting will take place in the newly fitted out Hackney Showroom space (Covid allowing). However, if you need to attend on Zoom we are hoping to have that option available too, please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com for the link.
Please note these community focused meetings take place in March, June, September and December each year.
There are separate meetings to discuss estate related issues (with Hackney representatives attending) in January, April, July, October.
Childcare will be provided at the meeting. Our lovely homework club volunteers will be on hand to supervise your children if you need to bring them along. We’ll have some colouring and craft activities available and cartoons to watch.
Refreshments provided too!

AGENDA
Kings Crescent Tenants & Residents Association
2021 AGM &
Community Meeting Agenda
15 September 2021 7.00-8:30pm
Venue: Hackney Showroom space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN
This meeting can also be accessed on Zoom if needed – email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com for the link

Agenda Item

Suggested timing
Lead

1
Welcome

Welcome & Introductions, including apologies for absence
5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

2
Formal Kings Crescent Tenants & Residents Association AGM

a. Approval of minutes from the last AGM (Sept 2019)
b. Chair’s report (including overview of achievements since the TRA formed 2 years ago)
c. Treasurer’s Report
d. Election of New TRA Committee members
e. Any other business related to AGM
f. Close of AGM
30-40 mins (depending on questions)
Emley (TRA Chair)
&
Treasurer for 2020 (Alice)

3
Community Meeting

· Approve minutes from last community meeting (June 2021)
· Update on CDF spend so far and money available for community activities
5 mins
TRA Chair

4
Hackney Showroom Update

Planned events and activities
15 mins
Hackney Showroom

5
Open Conversation

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for activities and events on Kings Crescent:
· What have you enjoyed about previous events/activities?
· What else would you like to see happening?
20-30mins
Residents

6
Any other business
5 mins
TRA Chair

7
Dates of next meetings & Events
Close
5 mins
TRA Chair

Please note that this meeting is focused on community. The next meeting for discussing estate related issues with Hackney is the ETRA meeting in October 2021.

Kings Feast Event
2021-09-11 17:00 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Book your FREE tickets here: https://www.hackneyshowroom.com/kings-feast/
(Children welcome before 7pm)

Police community contact session
2021-09-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Outside Sainsburys, 255-259 Green Lanes, London, N4 2UX, United Kingdom
The Brownswood Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team are holding a community contact session.
Go along to meet them outside Sainsburys if you want to meet the team, ask questions or just have a chat!

You can contact the team via:
Mobile: 07843291140
Email:Brownswood.SNT@met.police.uk
You can also follow your local team on Twitter:
@MPSBrownswood
Met Twitter accounts:
@metpoliceuk
@MPSHackney

Kings Crescent Street Party
2021-08-14 12:00 - 18:00 | Play Street, 4 murrain road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Hackney Showroom are hosting a Street Party on the Play Street
with live bands and DJs, soft play outside, food stalls,
a bar, dancing and loads of fun!
Neighbours, loved ones and friends, the time to get out and celebrate is here. And we are bringing the party right to your doorstep!
Join your neighbours for a day full of music with DJs and live acts TALIABLE, MARIA UZOR and NOON GARDEN.
We have Caribbean food courtesy of BICKLES OF BRIXTON, ice cream, a bar and all round good vibes.
This event is FREE and is for Kings Crescent residents and surrounding neighbours.
Simply register for yourself and/or your household to let us know you’re coming

The TRA will be hosing a jumble sale during the party(12-3pm)
with all proceeds going to a local food bank & soup kitchen (St JohnsN4)
Please help with:

Donations of books, home items, kids clothing, toys etc (to sell at the jumble sale)
Clothing & food (to donate directly to St Johns food bank and clothing bank – see details below)
Cakes to be judged ‘bake off’ style at 12.30pm then sold. Prizes will be given to the adult and child winners!
Volunteers to help at the event

The TRA committee will be around on the day to answer questions and let you know how to get involved.
Please do find us and let us know your thoughts and ideas about the activities and events you’d like to see happening on Kings Crescent.
Further details of what is needed by St John’s food bank:
Non-Perishable Foods:

UHT/ Long Life Milk
Fruit juice
Breakfast Cereal
Soup
Rice
Pasta / Instant noodles / Spaghetti hoops
Tinned Tomatoes / Tinned Vegetables
Pasta / Curry sauces
Lentils, beans, and peas (pulses)
Tinned Meat / Tinned Fish
Tinned Fruit / Custard / Rice Pudding
Peanut Butter
Honey/ Jam
Biscuits
Tea / Instant Coffee

Those and their families turning to the Food Bank for help would also appreciate the following

Non-food items: 🧻🧼🧴

Toiletries – deodorant, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand wipes
Sanitary products – sanitary towels/tampons (urgently needed at the moment!!)
Household items – toilet paper, washing up liquid, laundry powder/ tabs

Plus, Pet Food: For cats & dogs
Plus, any clean Carrier Bags are always gratefully received.
Any of this along with clothing donations for the clothing bank can be collected at the Jumble Sale. Clothes need to be washed and in good condition (adult clothes only please but any childrens items can be sold at the jumble sale)
If you are not able to attend but would like to support the food bank you can donate directly here: www.bankuet.co.uk/stjohns.

Gardeners Gathering
2021-08-01 11:45 - 13:45 | Allotment Courtyard, Between Therfield, Barley, Chipping & Redbourn Courts

Steering group Meeting July 2021
2021-07-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting
held on 27th July 2021 via Google Meet

Those Present:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
7 residents:
EP, JWM, KH, PA, PD, HC, TD
(Names removed for public version)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM)
Menekse Saitoglu
Sam Curtis Lindsay (SCL)
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Hackney Showroom

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1
Apologies were received from residents ES and RA

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 26th May 2021 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1
The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate. All matters arising to be discussed on the agenda.

It was noted that the sewer behind the Vince Murrain Community Centre has finally been repaired with a permanent cover.

3.0
Hackney Showroom update

3.1
Sam updated the meeting with the planned events over the coming months organised by HS:
· 14/8 – street party 12 noon to 6.00 pm to launch the refitted HS/TRA space.
· Everyone on the estate should have received a brochure listing activities for the rest of 2021.
· 16/8 for 2 weeks Futureheads for 8-11 year olds. On line sign up. All activities are free for KC residents.
· From 3/9, every Friday an over 60s lunch club, 12 -2. In parallel with this, HS are also launching a befriending service.
· The TRA is restarting the homework club in the HS space from 6/9.
· Disco Loco library on Tuesdays 4-6 with reading and activities
· Easy Rollers – soft play and music for under 1s between 10 and 11 am, under 5s 11 to 12.
· Kings Feast – a meal and quiz, kids before 7.00, adults 7.00 to 9.00
· 15/9 TRA AGM
· TRA family fun mornings once a month from 7/10 – coffee and drop in to chat to Chama, HS Community Co-ordinator.
· The space will also be open for hirers.
· Once open, HS will be at Murrain Rd 10-6 Monday to Friday.
CP asked what the arrangements will be for local residents to run activities.
SCL confirmed that for events run by HS there will be no charge for KC residents but if someone is running an activity for which they charge, a small subsidised charge will be levied on their use of the space.
JMW to send SCL details of someone she knows who is interested in running seated exercise classes.

JMW

4.0
Unit C update

4.1
WO reported that there are a few snags to sort out before hand over. He showed some photos of the internal fit out.

5.0
Phase 3&4 update

5.1
RG reported that the 6th and final negotiation meeting is due to be held next week. A total of 12 weeks of negotiations. He was encouraged by the attention to detail and the involvement of senior directors, demonstrating a keenness to win the work.
Issues that have been challenging or been the subject of value engineering include:
· Uncertainty about pricing and availability of pre cast concrete such that part of the ground floor flank elevation to the main courtyard on DZ5N has been changed to brick
· Alternative lift supplier being discussed with the LBH lifts team for sales flats
Savings on refurbishment have been considered in the light of a desire to maintain design parity with the new build blocks.
· RG presented proposals to retain brickwork to walkways facing inwards to the estate. EP, PA and JWM were in favour of this as long as existing metal work and other retained elements are cleaned up. JWM asked if the balcony walkways would be resurfaced. RG confirmed they will.
The view is that the external changes may require a planning application as a material amendment to existing permission.
Further value engineering proposals will result in:
· Not replacing Weston Court roof. The condition survey indicates that the roof has a 15 year life. The view is that preserving the roof is more sustainable than its replacement with a green one. RG acknowledged that this will put Weston Court out of synch with the other blocks in terms of future roof replacement programmes. PA agrees with this.
KH asked if brick is not considered a better option visually. RG – specifying pre cast concrete does fit with fashion but there is an aspiration to specify a mix of pcc and brick.
CP asked if these reductions will result in a lower charge for leaseholders. RG replied that inevitably, the less is spent on the refurbishment, the lower the leaseholder recharge will be.
HC queried the rationale for changing roofs given the release of carbon when carrying out building works. RG agreed with the principle that it is more sustainable not to change the roof.
CP asked if, when the Weston Ct roof does need replacing it will be replaced with a green roof. RG assumed that this would be the case unless there has been further technological developments when this time comes.
· Omission of external resident stores from spec. is another potential saving. JWM strongly opposed to this; they are used extensively, though she acknowledged they can attract ASB. RG suggested the option of identifying alternative storage facilities. Fire safety is also a consideration in removing stores where they are currently situated. BB asked what is proposed for the areas where the stores will have been removed. RG replied that there are no plans at the moment; it could be worked through with residents and the contractors.
CP asked if data could be brought to the next meeting demonstrating how well used the stores are at the moment. WO to compile a report for the next RSG.

BB asked for an updated timetable. RG reported:

o Final negotiation meeting 6/8/21
o Best and final offer to be submitted by 23/8/21
o S20 stage 2 to be issued once the result of the tender is known – Sept.
o A surgery for leaseholder queries will be organised mid Oct.
o End of October completion of S20 process.
o Cabinet approval on 6/10/21.
o Contract signed in November.
o 3rd stage S20 notice is more by way of information and can be issued after contract entered into.
o Spring 2022 start on site.

EP raised the timescale of the S20 process: if cabinet has given the go ahead early in October, there will not have been the opportunity for leaseholders to put concerns via S20 consultation before the cabinet approval. RG stated that the issues are well known and there will be a delegated authority to deal with ongoing concerns at Director level.

BB emphasised that leaseholders can only be charged a maximum of what they have been notified in the S20 notices. It looks likely that there will now be reductions for all blocks.

EP asked for an update on leaseholder buy backs. RG reported that they have continued and that 2 or 3 more are being processed at the moment.

WO

5.2
There was a site visit to [one of the potential contractor’s] sites this morning. BB asked for feedback.

PA found it interesting. The finishes and the show flats seemed well designed, despite a few small issues with cupboards and doors. The community centre was an impressive size and similar to the size of the planned CC at Kings Crescent.

PD thought common areas were a generous size and again, finishes looked good.

BB noted the balconies that looked out over a very busy road and the underground car park apparently flooded.

WO ran through photos and videos he took on the visit.

RG noted that one area of discussion arose around the desire to start the conversation about the fit out of our community centre early.

6.0
Phase 1 & 2 update

6.1
WO reported that many defects have now been resolved. An external consultant went round the energy centre and has asked to speak to a few residents about monitoring their energy use over a period of time.

LBH are still waiting for a response from Higgins on resolving the problem with venting the lift shafts. WO will let residents know when remedial works are starting.

KH reported that the Wallington lift is very noisy. WO to note and pass onto the lift consultant. He also noted that a new lift contractor is now in place for LBH – Apex.

BB asked that this is kept on the agenda for future meetings.

WO

WO

7.0
TRA update

7.1
EP reported that the TRA had their quarterly community-focused meeting on 10/6. An event around the allotments was organised on 20th June; there is another one this Sunday.

The homework club is switching to HS in September.

The TRA secured a grant so that HS’s Futureheads programme can be extended into a second week.

TRA AGM is on 15th Sept. Nominations for new committee members are welcome.

8.0
ITLA update

8.1
JM gave an update: Source have resumed a presence at the CC office on Mondays and Wednesdays but there have been very few visitors. We will take a break over August and review in September.

We have been dealing with leaseholder buyback requests and anticipate more work when the next stage of S20 Notices go out.

9.0
Any urgent business

None

10.0
Date of next meeting

22nd September 2021, 7.00. We will seek advice nearer the date if it will be possible to meet in person.

Agenda:

Agenda item
Lead

1

Introductions and Apologies

Cllr Bell (Chair)

2
Notes of previous meeting held 26th May 2021 and any matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda

Cllr Bell (Chair)

3
Hackney Showroom – update and future activities

Nina, Sam (HS)

4

Unit C update

Will (LBH)

5
Phase 3 & 4
a) Update on progress with contractor procurement
b) Site visits – Ladderswood Estate 27th July

Ron (LBH)
Ron (LBH) / John (Source)

6
Phase 1 & 2

Will (LBH)

7
TRA update

Emley (TRA Chair)

8

ITLA update
Source

9

Any urgent business

Cllr Bell (Chair)

10
Date of next meeting

Cllr Bell (Chair)

ETRA meeting July 2021
2021-07-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October
Minutes
Chair of the meeting: Emley Pine, Chair of the TRA & Minutes taken by Emilie Leclerc
Attended by 9 residents plus:

In attendance:
Bernard Thomas (BT)
Estate Cleaning

John Morris
Consultant at Source Partnership/ Independent Resident Advisor

William Owen
Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

Clare Potter
Councillor Brownswood Ward

Annette Reid (AR)
Housing Officer for Kings Crescent Estate (Hackney)

Donna Bryce
Head of Resident Safety and Interim Head of New Build

Apologies:
Bianca Rembrandt, Community Safety and Principal Enforcement Officer
Deborah Noel, ASB Manager for the North of Hackney

Bronwen Thomas, Project Officer Regeneration
Lynn Humphrey from Digital Skills Team

Agenda Item
Action and Owner

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

Sarah H proposes to approve the minutes from the last ETRA in April 2021, Alice H seconds. (Confirmed via WhatsApp post meeting)

2
Update on Kings Crescent South & Wider Estate

Annette gives the following updates:

Blocks in ‘Kings Crescent South’: Bramfield, Theobalds, Datchworth & Weston Courts plus Annette to report on general estate management
· Clarification on estate management – Kings Crescent is split into two sides. The newer blocks were handed from the new build team over to “business as usual” on 20 December(?) 2019. Annette is part of “business as usual” and she does pretty much anything. Regardless of your tenure, you can email neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk and Annette’s team will filter the request and get the answer from the relevant department.
· Ants in Bramfield/Theobalds – A survey was done; Annette will chase the environmental services to know what was the outcome.
· Hackney Digital skills update – Lynn gave her apologies.

AR to chase environmental services and update the residents about the outcome of the ants survey

3
Service Charges

Phil McKee gives a summary of the recent Service Charges meeting with Judith Morrison (Head of Leasehold & Right to Buy Services):
Residents prepared 10 questions for Judith who kindly prepared and answered these questions.
Residents asked why there was such a large increase in electricity for some buildings. Judith agreed to look into it.
Questions were also raised about why about 50 residents have been overcharged for their electricity. Judith also agreed to ask the questions to the energy team. Residents raised the issue of people being charged the wrong amount for the service charges and Judith explained that since the cyber-attack services charges were being calculated and managed manually with Excel spreadsheet which was shocking for many residents.
Another point was that many lines from our service charges do not actually happen such as gardening or estate management. Judith explained that even if those items were in the estimates, they should not be charged in the actuals if the service had not been delivered.

4
Update on Kings Crescent North

Blocks in ‘Kings Crescent North’: Lemsford, Sandon, Kimpton, Wallington, Radwell, Therfield, Barley, Chipping, Redbourn, Kelshall, Ardeley, Rushden, Widford (these are all the blocks that were built and refurbished in phases 1&2 of Kings Crescent regeneration)

William gives the following updates:
· Update on list of all defects handed over from Higgins to LBH – No update
· Update with ongoing issues:
o Broken doors & reason for yellow railing instalment – These were installed to deal with the overreaching of the doors. They will be removed this week and hinges changed to stop the overreaching. Handles are also being replaced.
o Slippery patches of courtyard – No update
o CCTV for bike stores – This has been installed.
o Reason for lifts breaking/no signal in lifts/alarm buttons working now? – The emergency lines are working in the lifts. The lift specialist concluded that the other issues came from overheating; Higgins have agreed to install ventilation to all lifts. A new contractor (APEX) is now in charge of managing the lifts. Hackney hopes APEX is more competent than the previous contractor.
o Cracks in windows – All windows defect needs to be reported to the repair team. Hackney needs evidence of repetition of the defects to get it resolved.
o Ventilation system issues – People should report issues with their Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) units to the repair team so they can build a register of issues and decide if this is a defect or not. Though it was noted that leaseholders would be expected to pay for service or repairs themselves, unless there was a proven defect.
o Play street signs – Bronwen is working to get signs designed which would aesthetically go well with the estate.
o Bollards – The retractable bollards will be replaced when a good replacement is found.
o Playing logs – the wooden logs will be replaced by rubber logs.
· Allotment Courtyard – noise, damage to allotments and walls, consultation regarding redesign of ‘fruit maze’ area – EP is proposing to remove the structures and have a grassed area instead. Annette asks what other residents think. Others are worried that a grassed area may turn into a football pitch. Annette explains that 139 residents would need to be consulted and that a majority would need to agree to the proposal for anything to happen. Fund could possibly come from next year’s fund for estate improvement, but Annette needs to check if this is possible.
o It was noted that the noise is a significant inconvenience for some residents.
o The benefit of space for the children to play outside was noted as well as the challenges of an outdoor space which works for all. Though it was highlighted that the noise disturbance was often from balls games & loud screaming/shouting rather than just from play activities.

Donna explains that she is working on coordinating an action plan to deal with all issues raised by residents which have not being solved yet. She has done this for a different estate before and it worked well.

Update from Bernard from the cleaning team.
The cleaners are in charge of cleaning the windows they can reach. Residents from Theobald and Bramfield courts explain that no windows have ever been cleaned in the last 10 years. Bernard will visit all blocks to see if this is true.
Hoovering is taking place as it should. If residents have issues with the cleaning, they can contact Bernard by emailing cleaner.estates@hackney.gov.uk or by phoning 0208 356 2121.
If an issue does not get resolved, Bernard accepts to be emailed directly at: bernard.thomas@hackney.gov.uk

Annette explains how to report repairs:
On 0208 356 3691
or by email to repairsrcc@hackney.gov.uk
or via our chat facility https://hackney.gov.uk/repairs available Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm

A query was raised as to whether this contradicted the statement at the start of the meeting that all issues could be raised with Annette. Annette clarified that residents could cc her into emails when contacting other departments and she will then be able to help chase & also re-direct emails if needed.

Annette explains how to report illegal parking:
Email parking.enforcement@hackney.gov.uk or if your enquiry is urgent, e.g. someone is blocking your driveway, you can request parking enforcement by calling:
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm: 020 8356 8877 / 5pm to 8:45pm: 020 8356 7555 Saturday, 7.30am to 8.30pm: 020 8356 7555
Sunday, 8.15am to 4.30pm: 020 8356 7555
Or online at https://hackney.gov.uk/request-parking-enforcement

Annette is aware that the recycling bin doors outside Therfield Court on Sim Street are broken. She has reported this to Hackney’s repairs department.

AR to help the TRA with the consultation process

BT to visit all blocks to see if windows are getting cleaned

DB to share action plan

5
Heating costs in Newer Blocks

· Competitive?
· Update on broken meters overcharging residents.
· Heat Trust enrolment?
Donna gives the following update:
A meeting will be organised with the different energy teams, the IT services and possibly a third-party specialist before the end of next week to come up with a solution.
While the Committee noted the positive steps, it was highlighted that this was first raised at TRA meetings with Hackney over two years ago (as noted in the minutes from those meetings) and so the speed of a response on this issue is not acceptable.

6
Update from Source Partnership

Update from John:
The Vince Murrain community hall has been opened on Wednesday and Friday afternoons but not many people have visited.
Events may start again towards the end of July.
Two contractors are still tendering for the next phase of works on the estate and the successful tenderer should be revealed in September. Start on site will not start before March next year.
Site visits are being organised to the tendering contractors’ live building sites for residents to see what those contractors are like.
In terms of section 20 notices, they will be shared in August. Those notices will give a better estimate of the likely cost of the works for the individual flat.
A number of residents have raised the questions of the council buying their flat so they can avoid paying for these works. The council has a limited budget for this. It is possible to apply for that. The council’s budget for this year has already been allocated but it includes four or five of the affected leaseholders. Simon Theobald (simon.theobald@hackney.gov.uk) is the head of housing and finance who can organise for a valuer to go and visit flats.

7
Any other business?
JWM asks about the storage available on the estate and how to apply for it.
AR confirms there is storage available.
SH highlights that she spotted young people playing in the out of bounds area where the previous allotments are.
EP and DB explains that fibre broadband is in the process of being installed on the estate, for more details visit: https:/2021/07/10/message-regarding-community-fibre-installation/

8
Dates of next meetings & close
Street Party – 14 August 2021 – Volunteers are required
Community Party – 11 September 2021
Community Meeting (AGM with elections of TRA members) – 15 September 2021
ETRA – 12 October 2021

Previous Information:
Agenda
On Zoom only due to Covid-19 restrictions
The zoom link for this meeting will be emailed to all who request it (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com)

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing

Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (April 2021)

2
Update on Kings Crescent South & Wider Estate

Blocks: Bramfield, Theobalds, Datchworth, Weston Court and general estate management
· Clarification on estate management
· Update on action points from last meeting
· Play Street – 3 no entry signs – update on installation.
· Ants in Bramfield/Theobalds
· Hackney Digital skills update

(Other Hackney departments may also be represented here)
20 mins
Annette Reid Housing Officer

3
Service Charges

· Summary of recent Service Charges meeting with Judith Morrison (Head of Leasehold & Right to Buy Services)

10 mins
Phil McGee
(resident)

4
Update on Kings Crescent North

Blocks: Lemsford, Sandon, Kimpton, Wallington, Radwell, Therfield, Barley, Chipping, Redbourn, Kelshall, Ardeley, Rushden, Widford
· Update on list of all defects handed over from Higgins to LBH
· Update with ongoing issues:
o Broken doors & reason for yellow railing instalment
o Slippery patches of courtyard
o CCTV for bike stores
o Reason for lifts breaking/no signal in lifts/alarm buttons working now?
o Cracks in windows
o Ventilation system issues
· Allotment Courtyard – noise, damage to allotments and walls, consultation regarding redesign of ‘fruit maze’ area

30 mins
Will Owen Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)
Donna Bryce New Build Team

5
Heating costs in Newer Blocks

· Competitive?
· Update on broken meters overcharging residents.
· Heat Trust enrolment?
10 mins
Energy team Or Hackney Representative

6
Update from Source Partnership

· Update from John/Carol
5 mins
Source Partnership

7
Any other business?

5mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

8
Dates of next meetings & close

5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

**Please note that this meeting will only deal with estate related issues**
We will have another community focused resident meeting in September 2021 to discuss plans and ideas for events and activities etc. This will also be our AGM and we will be electing the new committee. We are looking for new committee members!
Feel free to email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions for community building or to find out more about how to get involved!

Jumble Trail on the Play Street
2021-07-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Play Street, 4 murrain road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Kings Crescent will be participating in Grazebrook’s ‘Jumble Trail’!
If you would like to host a stall (£10) see here for more information: https://www.grazebrookpsa.com/grazebrook-summer-jumble-trail
Otherwise if you have unwanted toys, clothes etc that you would like to donate please bring them on the day (all proceeds will go to support Grazebrook Primary School).
Hackney Showroom will be there providing music and entertainment for the kids!

Service Charges Meeting
2021-06-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Judith Morrision (Head of Hackney Leasehold & RTB Services), who joined the last ETRA meeting back in April has agreed to have a separate meeting to take residents’ questions on service charges. (This meeting is likely only relevant to leaseholders).

Phil McKee (leaseholder) will chair this meeting and collate questions to send to Judith at least 1 week before the meeting. So if you have a specific question that you’d like to ask then please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com and we will pass the questions to Phil.
Please keep to one question if possible and they need to be relating to service charges in general and not individual dwellings.

The meeting will take place on Zoom, please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com if you would like the link to attend.

AGENDA & Questions for JM

Questions to Judith Morrison for 30th June Service Charge Meeting with residents of King’s Crescent Estate, N4
(Main focus of questions relate to newer buildings)
Proposed Agenda:

Intros
Judith Morrison
Response to questions
Any other business
Close

Resident Questions related to Service Charges

Can you explain how the service charges actual vs estimation works? For example, how can you provide estimations for the upcoming year before you have provided residents with the actuals for the year just passed? 10 minutes

Why does the charge vary so greatly year on year? The charge has doubled since we moved in 3 years ago with no evident improvement in services. For example, one resident has seen their charges increase 40% in 3.5 years – from £160/month in 2017 to £220/month in 2021. 10 minutes

Please fully explain the recent mishaps in service charge direct debits. It is not a coincidence that there was system failure two months in a row and this can’t be related to the cyber attack. What happened and who was responsible? 10 minutes

Tender process – at no point has it ever been explained how HC looks for value. All we’ve been told is that you just pay bills and pass them on to us. This is why we’ve had really high electricity bills year on year. Can we get more transparency on the vendor selection process? For each support contract per year? 5 minutes

Will we be reimbursed for the services not received last year, e.g. gardening and maintenance? But the most obvious one is window cleaning. We pay for window cleaning and you try and get unqualified cleaners to do this job. And cleaning itself is a big issue – mainly because you require the cleaning staff do so much in so little time, with little equipment to do the job properly. 10 minutes

How much money is in the reserve fund and when is the time that we can stop paying into it? Is it comparable to other private housing in London and can you provide evidence? We are legally obligated to see evidence of this as it is a protected fund and they are not allowed to dip into it. 5 minutes

No one at HC has ever responded to residents’ requests on excessive electric charges in Kimpton Court. 5 minutes

Specific question on early overcharge issue:

I obtained the details from Ewalina Sorbjan of all charges for both the estate and our block, Sandon Court, for the period April 2017 to March 2018. Note that the block was completed in late November 2017 and thus only became habitable then.

Of the 68 work orders paid for during this period, 32 of them have a recorded date of payment of 1/4/17, and six of them have a recorded date of payment of 6/4/17, for work which presumably and sometimes explicitly took place in the previous financial year (e.g., work order 01599070 Capital Roads & Footways 2016-2017 Phase 1, payment dated 6/4/17 and costing £9166.26). The recording of the payments on these dates was convenient for Hackney Council because Hackney Council apparently believed it meant that the tenants who moved in during the financial year 1/4/17 – 31/3/18 became liable for the cost (I presume the recording of the 6/4/17 dates of payment was performed by someone who thought that Hackney Council’s financial year is the same as the usual one, which in itself is extremely suspicious).

It seems that Hackney Council have deliberately recorded these dates of payment (or waited until these dates to make the payment) in order to pass the costs on to new residents, in order to exploit the Agreed Terms of the lease, Clause 3, Payment of Management Charges to the Lessor (A). Perhaps somewhat fortunately for us, our block was completed eight months late, so we only incurred a third of these charges.

However, in order for this clause of the lease to apply, the costs and expenses must have been incurred within that financial year: given that invoices are generally submitted after work is complete, and given that my previous request for the dates of the completed works was never responded to, I can only presume that these dates are incorrect and were entered for the purpose of overcharging new residents – 38 out of 68 falling on these essential days would be an uncanny coincidence. To counter this accusation, Hackney Council should provide the previously requested evidence, should it exist, for all 32 payments that fall on 1/4/17 and for all six that fall on 6/4/17. Hackney Council may argue that this clause of the Agreed Terms allows costs from a previous year to be carried over to the following year if the amount remains unpaid. However, since in the year 2016/17 the lease did not exist, such charges cannot remain unpaid, since they were not the responsibility of new residents. This is likely why Hackney Council recorded the payment dates as they did.

Furthermore, all 20 block-specific charges were paid on 1/4/17 (besides cleaning, which is not dated but remains far too high for three hours work per week). The block was only certified as habitable in late November 2017, so any payments made simply can not form part of the management charges as these were activities (if they are real) that would have been covered by Higgins during the building of the block. Residents can not be expected to pay for the preparation and completion of a building for which they each paid over half a million pound to move into as new.

What does Ms Morrison have to say about the legitimacy of these charges and why was the requested evidence never supplied, despite several requests? 15 minutes

Seed swap event in allotment courtyard
2021-06-20 11:30 - 13:30 | Allotments area, In courtyard between Therfield, Barley, Chipping and Redbourne Courts
We have just bought some seeds, tools and compost and planning to have an informal ‘seed swap’ event on Sunday 20th June from 11.30am. Come along to the allotment courtyard to meet fellow gardeners, discuss gardening tips, and take some seeds to plant – either in your allotment plot or in pots to take home and grow! This is an outdoor event but please maintain social distancing to reduce the risk of Covid-19.
The TRA has recently taken over management of the allotments from Hackney’s New Build team so we will be reallocating the unused plots as well as the allocating 6 of the new plots to those who have been on the waiting list for a long time.
In addition we will keep a few community plots to use for gardening events and to create a communal herb garden.
We have been awarded £600 of Hackney’s ‘Community Development fund’ to spend on gardening related equipment and events. These events are intended to build community around gardening and are open to anyone, not just residents with allotment plots.

Community meeting June 2021
2021-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This community meeting hosted by the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) committee aims to celebrate the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and look for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas!
This meeting will be held online via Zoom
Please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com to be sent the Zoom link to access the meeting

Minutes:
Chair of meeting: Emley Pine (KCTRA)
Residents of Kings Crescent Estate present: 6
In attendance: From:

Nina Love
Hackney Showroom

John Morris
Source Partnership

Cllr Clare Potter
Brownswood Ward Councillor

Apologies recieved from 6 residents

Agenda Item
Action

1
Welcome and Introductions
· Clare proposes to approve the minutes from March 2021, Emley seconds.

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates by Emley
· Upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Next community meeting is in September, a few members are stepping down so if anyone is interested to join the committee, please come forward. The position of secretary will be vacant but if anyone is interested to any other named roles (being Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer) all current members holding these positions are happy to change role. It would be good to have a hand-over so if anyone wants to join the committee please do come forward soon so that we can start this process. Please contact the committee if you are interested or want to ask any questions about the role (KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com)
· The next “in-person” meetings are likely to still have a Zoom option and perhaps a film being played in the second room of Unit C with a volunteer to look after children for residents who would like to attend the meetings but cannot due to child care responsibilities.
· Work has started at Unit C!
· Homework club is restarting in the Vince Murrain Community Centre. Once Unit C is ready, it will move there. The TRA still has budget from the original grant (for running it last year but it was cancelled due to Covid restrictions) so this can be used this to run the club until December. If the club is popular the TRA will apply for further grants to continue the homework club next year.
· The TRA has now taken control of the allotments located in the middle courtyard. All plot holders have been written to to inform them of the change of management. Hackney has commissioned the construction of eight new plots which are now built. Unattended plots will also be reallocated and so in total about 11 plots will be given to people on the waiting list. Four plots will be retained as communal plots for kids (and adults) to plant seeds during gardening events and for a planting a communal herb garden.
· On 20 June there will be a seeds swap gardening event. The TRA is hoping to instigate a monthly gardening event for every gardener on the estate, not just allotment holders. All information will be on the website.
· The Black Live Matters film project ran by a resident and partly funded by the TRA has started, the trailer will be shared once ready.
· An art event for kids should happen in October half term. Gustavo, an artist from Lisbon will be coming to deliver this with Andrew. Further funding is being applied for to add to the money already allocated from the 20/21 ‘community development fund’.
· Update on Hackney Resident Participation Team – The team is still in the process of restructure and are recruiting for the new positions. Siovhan has now left the team and Emma Harrison is back from maternity leave. To contact their team email: Get.Involved@hackney.gov.uk

3
Hackney Showroom Update by Nina

· Work started at Unit C on 8 June and is going fast. The contractor is very friendly and professional. Work should take 4 to 6 weeks. There will be drilling works but the contractor is aware that residents from that particular building may be sensitive because they have had issues before. Nina will try to let the TRA and Clissold Quarter Facebook group know when that work is planned so residents are aware.
· HS has started a newsletter for Kings Crescent and the wider community and invites the TRA to let them know if they want to advertise any events through that channel.
· There will be a Street Party on 14 August with live bands and DJs, soft play outside, food stalls, a bar. HS is looking for volunteers on the day but also in the days leading to the event for making decorations: anyone with a sewing machine or just willing to do some craft is welcomed to help. HS is also looking for volunteers to come for one hour in the morning for the party to help with putting the decorations up. HS is also looking for volunteers to slow down the traffic on the day, the job would be to stand with a hi-vis and invite motorists to go around the estate or to help them cross the Play Street safely.
· Nina invites the TRA to have a stall on the street during the Street Party to advertise themselves and recruit new committee members.
· There will be a free Disco Loco children’s library run by a volunteer from the estate. Weekly lending book event but also activities relating to literature, this will be officially launched during the Street Party.
· A week of activity for 8- to 11-year-olds will be happening during the summer holidays. Funding is being requested to extend the project to two weeks. Different artists will be entertaining the children and activities such as den-building and canoeing will be taking place.
· In the Autumn will start a weekly lunch club for over 50s on Fridays. HS is recruiting volunteers to help for this lunch club and to join a befriending scheme.
· In September there will be a community meal happening to replace the one that got cancelled last year due to the Covid restrictions: ‘Kings Feast’ with activities such as quiz, bingo, live acts etc. HS hopes to repeat the event in December and March.
· HS is currently raising money to have a youth street worker to get to know the local kids and find out what activities and events they would want to have running here.
· HS has got funding to run 2 sets of activities for teenagers’, with a view to getting more funding to extend this project.
· The young actor’s programme will re-start in autumn.
· HS has also got funding for pre-school Disco Loco on Friday mornings, there will be soft play and a disco. One session for under 1’s and another for 1-5 year olds.
Nina to let the TRA and Clissold Quarter Facebook group know when the drilling work is planned.

4
Open Conversation

Ideas discussed: A leaflet could be done for advertising the TRA during the Street Party, tote bag with the Kings Crescent Estate picture designed by the lady who designed our logo could also be distributed. Jill will ask her daughter if she can arrange this and will come back with prices for different options.
Menekse will ask the Turkish community if there is anything they would like to see happening during this Street Party and will let Emley know.
HS will soon have a Turkish speaking person who can take call and answer emails in Turkish!
Jill to share prices and options from her daughter in regard to KCE branded stuff to hand-out during Street Party.
Menekse to share with the TRA if the Turkish community would like to see anything in particular during Street Party

5
Source Partnership Update by John Morris

Two meetings with contractors tendering for the next phase of the regeneration have taken place. The contractors’ social value team met with Emley and Hackney Showroom who explained to them what we are doing here so that they can come up with a good community plan to submit with their tender. Both contractors are very willing and have lots of good ideas. One contractor should be chosen by the end of the summer but the choice needs to go through internal approval so the contract should be signed in November with works starting in March 2022.
SP is going back to the Vince Murrain Centre on Mondays 1-3pm from 21 June and on Wednesdays 4-6pm until 26 July during a slightly staggered period. A newsletter is going out next week with the details.

6
Any other business
Jill will be doing a charity sky-dive for Mind in August/September and ask if she can share her giving page on the facebook page. Emley agrees. Some of the money will go to Mind Hackney.
Nina mentions that next year HS would like to hold a KC conference for local artists, businesses etc. to discuss dreams and vision for the community. They hope to run this activity every year.
Clare chairs the Finsbury Park Trust who is also running a conference about bringing the Finsbury Park community together. KC may want to engage with this kind of conference. Claire will let the TRA know once more details are available.
Emley is attending an event next week organised by Hackney CVS (#FairerHackney) on emotional health: https://crm.hcvs.org.uk/civicrm/event/info
Dates of next meetings & close
20 June – Gardening Event 11.30am-1.30pm
30 June @ 7pm – Service Charge Meeting (Zoom)
14 July @7pm – ETRA Meeting with Hackney Representatives (Zoom)
14 August – Disco Loco Street Party 12-6pm
11 September – Kings Crescent Feast (indoor)
15 September – TRA Community Meeting and AGM (committee will be elected)
All details of meetings and events can be found here: https:/events-and-meetings/

Additional information:

Please note that the next meeting for discussing estate related issues with Hackney is in July 2021.
See https:/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings.
To get in touch with the committee: Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com call/text/WhatsApp 07925668497 Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4

Previous information:
Featuring:

Updates from the TRA committee
Updates from Hackney Showroom, Source Partnership and Hackney’s Resident Participation Team
An opportunity to share your opinion and ideas

Please note these community focused meetings take place in March, June, September and December each year.
There are separate meetings to discuss estate related issues (with Hackney representatives attending) in January, April, July, October.

AGENDA

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
· Approve minutes from March 2021
5 mins
Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
· Upcoming AGM
· Planed events & activities
· Update on Hackney Resident Participation Team
15 mins
Emley

3
Hackney Showroom Update
15 mins
H.S

· Progress on building work to transform the space
· Planned events and activities

4
Open Conversation
40 mins
Residents

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent.

5
Source Partnership Update
5 mins
S.P

Recent activity and latest plans for phases 3&4 of KC development

6
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & close
10 mins
Emley

Steering group meeting May 2021
2021-05-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting
held on 26th May 2021 via Google Meet

Those Present:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
5 residents:
EP, JWM, KH, PA, PD

(residents names removed for public version)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM)
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1
Apologies were received from residents JG, PS, NJ, TD and AF.
BB asked it to be noted that he would call on Peter Sim and Alfred as they have been unable to attend any meetings since they started to take place remotely.

BB

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 31st March 2021 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1
The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate. All matters arising to be discussed on the agenda.

3.0
Phase 3 & 4

3.1
Update on progress with contractor procurement – RG
Week 4 of negotiations has now started with the 2 remaining tenderers. One tenderer dropped out as they were realistic about their likely inability to meet the budget target. The 2 tenderers are very keen to win the work and have devoted a lot of resources to achieve a deliverable programme within budget. Both MDs have been involved, demonstrating commitment from senior managers within the organisations.
RG expects another two rounds of negotiations before a Best & Final Offer in early July; the whole period of negotiation will have taken approx. 8-9 weeks. One challenge the tenderers are facing at the moment is getting commitments from pre-cast concrete suppliers at the necessary price and scale. This illustrates the issue of achieving savings while retaining the integrity of the design. LBH are also looking at alternative specs for the new build in the areas of structural engineering and M&E, so alternative specs for lifts, lighting etc.
Scheduled for the selection of a contractor in July, with internal approvals (including Cabinet) in September. The 2nd stage of the S20 process would be due to complete at the end of August, with stage 3 completing at the end of October. Contracts would be signed in mid November with start on site March 2022.
BB asked which contractor dropped out. RG informed the meeting that it was United Living.

3.2
Site visits

These have been proposed in order for the tenderers to provide some exemplar projects for RSG members and LBH to visit. [One potential contractor] have offered a visit to Thamesmead to illustrate a project that is completed and one on site. [The landlord] are welcoming the opportunity too. RG acknowledged the distance away from Kings Crescent and will talk to [contractor] about other possible options. [Another contractor] have offered sites in Enfield and Lewisham. JM reported that dates being proposed are in w/c 7th June but week day visits are a problem for some residents. BB suggested looking at Saturdays 12th or 26th. He would prefer the same group to be at all visits for consistent comparison. JWM asked if a photographic or video record of the visits could be taken for those who can’t make the dates. RG agreed.

RG

3.3

Feedback from tenderers’ meetings with TRA and Hackney Showroom
RG thanked Emley, Nina and Sam from Hackney Showroom and JM for participating in the ‘added value’ meetings with the contractors. EP felt that both were very open to hearing about what the TRA and HS are planning and seemed responsive to helping meet their aspirations if successful. EP also emphasised the point she made about wishing for early community involvement in fitting out the new community space to be built as part of the new development.

4.0
Unit C update

4.1
WO gave feedback on the new timescales for the fit out. The building contract has been signed off following resolution of a few queries from London Fire Brigade. Contract will be signed tomorrow (27th May). Start on site scheduled for 7th June with estimated completion in 6 weeks. Building Control will need to sign off at the end of the process. Overall completion now likely to be end July/beginning August.

5.0
Phase 1&2 update

5.1
WO gave feedback on the Post Occupancy Evaluation survey. He noted that there were more responses than expected and they were well thought through and articulate. The single biggest group of responses came from shared ownership properties. There was a wide spread of scores by block and by tenure and the message was similar across all. Highlights of the responses included:
· heating and plumbing issues were a common cause of concern
· winter gardens and balconies were generally welcomed
· problems with front doors and bike sheds were also highlighted. (CCTV in bike sheds is due to be installed very soon).
· in terms of services, repairs received the lowest scores (both for speed of completion and confusion over who to contact)
· increases in energy costs a major concern (the Energy Team in LBH are investigating this)
Actions include:
· the problem with the lifts has been identified as overheating in a key part of the mechanism; ventilation measures are being investigated.
· new door handles have been fitted to Kimpton and Sandon
WO felt that although many of the issues are not new to officers, it has been useful to convey to colleagues in other departments the concerns expressed by residents. BB concurred that the exercise has been helpful and it proves that the issues are widespread – not just a few people complaining loudly.
KH asked if LBH are looking at lift issues in all the blocks. WO replied that the assumption now is that the problems experienced in Kimpton and Sandon are common to all blocks. The mitigation measure of installing some extra ventilation is now about identifying where this should be – in the control panel, in the lobby area?
KH added that the lifts are very noisy and he is surprised that these modern lifts do make so much noise. WO explained that the plan is to solve the overheating problem, isolate that as an issue then look at other factors.
EP expressed concern at the number of people still reporting that the emergency button is not working and are still getting stuck in the lift. It is frustrating that experts apparently confirm that the lifts are ok while residents know there are still problems.
KH mentioned that although signs in lifts say not to call the Fire Brigade in case of emergency, if the lift engineer is e.g. 2 hours away, people will call the FB.

6.0
TRA update

6.1
EP reported on recent meetings. There has been an ETRA meeting since the last RSG. One outcome was a promised separate meeting with Leasehold Services. BB agreed to help chase the leasehold section for a further meeting.
Another major issue that arose was the ongoing concerns over electric meters overcharging. RG stated that problems are made complex by the need to bring together so many departments within the Council. Regen is not necessarily the best team to resolve these. BB acknowledged the time it takes to resolve problems.
There is a community activity-oriented TRA meeting on 10th June and an AGM in September. New committee members would be very welcome.

BB

7.0
ITLA update

7.1
CS reported back. Source had hoped to be able to be back on site; Community Halls Team were slow to respond to our Risk Assessment and request to be allowed back into the Vince Murrain CC office. BB to take this up with Community Halls.
CP asked if the capping off of the sewer pipe was still a problem. JWM said she saw someone around the rear of the centre, so they could have been fixing this. WO to investigate if this work has been carried out.

BB

WO

8.0
Any urgent business

8.1
None

9.0
Date of next meeting

9.1
27th July 2021, 7.00. We will seek advice nearer the date if it will be possible to meet in person.
EP asked if the Stage 2 S20 Notices will have gone out by the time of the next meeting. RG replied that, technically on current timescales, yes but cannot be guaranteed. In any event there will be an update on the process at the meeting.
