RESOLVED:
(1) That the Committee notes the outcome of the community engagement exercise.
(2) That the Committee endorsed seeking Cabinet’s authority to dispose of Charnwood House by way of lease of maximum 99 years, and seeking Cabinet’s authority to market the property for leasing by informal tender, subject to Officers first undertaking an options appraisal for running Charnwood as a community hub, to include the option of North Herts Council running Charnwood in house.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
(1) Noting the outcome of the community engagement exercise supports the Committee’s role in coordinating interest in Charnwood House from parties within the public, private and voluntary sectors, in pursuit of repurposing the building to community hub use.
(2) Approving seeking Cabinet’s authority to dispose of and market Charnwood House for leasing will signify support to Officers to pursue these important next steps towards securing Charnwood’s future use as a community hub. Undertaking the options appraisal first would determine the full range of choices to successfully deliver a community hub in Hitchin at Charnwood House.