Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE INTERIM PROPERTY CONSULTANT

To seek Cabinet’s decision on the potential letting or sale of Charnwood House, Hitchin to a community group.

RESOLVED: That the principle of the option presented be progressed further with the widest possible community engagement on the proposals and use.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)       To bring a town centre asset into beneficial use for the wider community;

(2)       To reduce ongoing maintenance costs for this property.

NB: No audio recording was made of this Part 2 Item

NB This item was discussed prior to the Part 1 Item of the same name (Minute 77 refers).

The Executive Member for Enterprise and Co-operative Development presented the report entitled Charnwood House, Hitchin together with the following appendices:

·                Appendix A - Legal Advice for Options on Charnwood House 2014;

·                Appendix B - Report Charnwood House;

·                Appendix C - CCMA Preliminary Business Plan Proposal;

·                Appendix D - CCMA Plans and Pojected Project Costs;

·                Appendix E.1 - CCMA Cashflow Forecasts - Basic Plan;

·                Appendix E.2 - CCMA Cashflow Forecasts - Worst Case;

·                Appendix E.3 - CCMA Cashflow Forecasts - Basic with Two Managers;

·                Appendix E.4 - CCMA Cashflow Forecasts - Basic with Extra Rooms Rented;

·                Appendix F - CCMA Trustee CVs;

·                Appendix G - Annual Premises Costs.

The following Members took part in the debate and asked questions:

·                Councillor Judi Billing;

·                Councillor Ian Albert;

·                Councillor Ian Mantle;

·                Councillor Paul Clark;

·                Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb;

Questions were responded to by:

·                The Interim Property Consultant;

·                The Service Director – Commercial;

·                The Service Director – Resources;

·                The Managing Director

Councillor Keith Hoskins proposed, Councillor Judi Billing seconded and it was:

RESOLVED: That the principle of the option presented be progressed further with the widest possible community engagement on the proposals and use.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)       To bring a town centre asset into beneficial use for the wider community;

(2)       To reduce ongoing maintenance costs for this property.