Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director of Property and Housing attached.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approved to review the procurement strategy for investment into the Main Hall in Worden Park and that officers report back their recommendations to Cabinet in September 2019.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson presented a report of the Assistant Director for Property and Housing that updated on progress with securing a partner to work with the Council to develop plans to bring the Main Hall (Derby Wing) in Worden Park back to use.

The new Cabinet expressed their concerns at the speed in which the decision to enter into a contract with Leyland Masonic Properties Ltd was being taken, especially in light of the fact that at that time, the previous administration had yet to receive the consultant’s report, authorised to be undertaken at a significant cost to the Council. The results of which, would inform the Council’s Investment Strategy ahead of any investment opportunity.

Now that the Council were in receipt of the completed consultant’s report, the Cabinet thought it prudent to take a step back for further consideration of all the options and to allow greater consultation with residents.

Despite some Members in the audience raising concerns that it was a risk to delay, particularly if no alternative viable option came forward, the Leader reiterated the importance of taking the time to ensure that any decision taken would be the right one for the community and informed that the Investment Strategy would be updated to include a Social Value requirement, adding that it was just as important to get the process right as it was the result.

There was also a strong view that the building needed to be retained a Community Asset and that any organisation that invested, needed to provide an offer that reflects the values of the Council, its residents and is accessible to all.

It was proposed by Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, seconded by Councillor Mick Titherington, and

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet decided to review the procurement strategy for investment into the Main Hall in Worden Park and that officers report back their recommendations to Cabinet in September 2019.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The previous administration had only received on credible bid following the advertisement of a disposal opportunity. Furthermore, as the finalised feasibility study report from Purcell and Amon had now been received that would inform the Investment Strategy for Worden Hall, it was considered prudent to take a step back at this stage to consider all the options available.

Alternative Option Considered and Rejected:

The Council could choose not to develop the Main Hall (Derby Wing). This is not recommended as the Hall has the potential, with investment, to become an attractive asset which is highly valued by the community.