Kensington and Chelsea Council is embarking on a significant overhaul of its property estate with the New Council Asset Strategy aims for efficiency and better utilisation.
The strategy, set to run from 2026 to 2030, outlines a plan to manage the Council's property portfolio more efficiently to address funding challenges while safeguarding frontline services.
The strategy proposes a transition towards a smaller, better-utilised estate, with Kensington Town Hall designated as a primary hub. Pembroke Road is earmarked as an operational and Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) hub, and a locality-based model will be implemented for community services.
This initiative was discussed at the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. The committee considered the proposed Council Asset Strategy 2026–2030 and the accompanying VCS Leasing Policy. The Asset Strategy aims to manage the Council's property estate more efficiently to meet funding challenges while protecting frontline services.
The VCS Leasing Policy seeks to provide a fair, transparent, and consistent framework for VCS organisations occupying Council properties. These organisations will be classified as providing Commissioned Services, Community, or Commercial properties, each with defined lease terms and responsibilities.
During the meeting, councillors raised several points regarding the strategy. Councillor Mary Weale questioned the net overall housing provision target if assets were disposed of, and the translation of running costs into disposal targets. Councillor Peter Marshall sought clarity on the criteria for disposal versus retention and upgrade, and the inclusion of social value in financial assessments. Councillor Monica Press raised concerns about the legitimacy and definition of citizens panel
and the potential loss of housing provision if not strategically managed.
Officers responded by confirming that disposals would be subject to consultation and impact assessments, and that the strategy aimed to reflect the reality of potential asset decisions. The Citizens Panel was described as a group of 1,000 residents reflecting the borough's demographics, used to supplement broader consultation. The strategy aims to be financially driven but also to consider social value.
Further discussions touched upon the need for clear criteria for asset prioritisation, the importance of community engagement, and the potential impact on VCS core funding due to lease insecurities. The Council acknowledged the need for greater clarity and assured that all disposals would be consulted upon and have impact assessments. The strategy is intended to be a living document, with further refinements expected before final approval.