Report of the Director of Economy and Director of Neighbourhoods

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Director – Place, which sought approval to grant a lease for 125 years to the RSPCA to invest in the refurbishment and remodelling of the Hollingworth Lake Visitors Centre to include a Community and Nature Education Hub, Rangers facility, RSPCA Facilities and Community café.

Alternatives considered

To continue with the Visitors Centre in its current form with little investment available to enhance the visitor’s experience.

Resolution

1.    That approval is granted to complete a Development Agreement to be followed by the grant of a Lease of the Hollingworth Lake Visitors Centre, to the RSPCA, for a term of 125 years based on the submitted Letter of Intent On completion of the Development Agreement, it will enable the RSPCA to invest in the refurbishment and remodelling of the Visitors Centre to include a Community and Nature Education Hub, Rangers facility, RSPCA Facilities and community café.

2.    That final agreement to the terms of the Development Agreement and Lease be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, Community & Culture, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development and Housing in consultation with the Director of Resources, Director of Economy and Assistant Director of Resources (Legal, Governance & Workforce)

3.    That any related financial decisions related to the project be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance.

4.    That the Assistant Director of Resources (Legal, Governance & Workforce) be delegated authority to approve legal documentation and execute such documents on behalf of the Council in connection with the disposal.

Reason for resolution

The Council is committed to releasing surplus assets and to continually review its need to hold land and property assets. Disposal of surplus assets assists the Council in its provision of services by producing capital receipts wherever possible, private investment in property, reducing borrowing, reducing grant reliance and assists in achieving the efficiency targets.