Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the recommendations of the 3rd Sector Panel be accepted and a rent only reduction of 80% be authorised against the lease between Cheltenham Borough Council and GMAS.

2.    the land and buildings that are highlighted in red be declared surplus to GMAS for a term of 20 years

3.    an initial 2 years rent free as further support to GMAS be granted to enable them to carry out minor works to the building.

4.    authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management, in consultation with the Borough Solicitor, to agree the terms of the lease and to agree the terms of any future rent review.

The Cabinet Member Finance introduced the report and explained that the Council had been asked by Gloucestershire Mentoring and Support (GMAS) to consider a rent subsidy for part of the Ron Smith Pavilion, Springbank and a 20 year lease under the council’s Thirds Sector Policy. The building had stood vacant for some time and GMAS was proposing to run a community café during the day and a youth club in the evenings for which planning permission had been gained. She highlighted the high need for youth provision in Springbank which had been impacted by the county council cuts four years ago. The application had been submitted to an officer panel and satisfied 4 of the council’s key objectives and, as a result, an 80 % rent subsidy was proposed.

The Cabinet Member Finance then reported that subsequent to this request GMAS was asking Cabinet to consider a two year rent free period. This was in addition to the 80 % rent subsidy. She explained that GMAS was proposing to carry out a number of works to the building, including new doors, security shutters and internal fitting to make it suitable for a café. These works were estimated at £15 000 and were to be completed within 6 months of the term commencement. It was proposed that a 2 year rent free period be granted in order to assist them with the financial outlay which would be incurred. She asked Cabinet to support an additional recommendation that was specific to this application and the proposed investment as follows :

“Agrees to an initial 2 years rent free as further support to GMAS to enable them to carry out minor works to the building.”

The local ward member for Springbank welcomed the proposal which would provide more security and a dedicated space for youth in the area. Discussions had taken place with organisations in the area and there was support for a long term youth café.

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the recommendations of the 3rd Sector Panel be accepted and a rent only reduction of 80% be authorised against the lease between Cheltenham Borough Council and GMAS.

2.    the land and buildings that are highlighted in red be declared surplus to GMAS for a term of 20 years

3.    an initial 2 years rent free as further support to GMAS be granted to enable them to carry out minor works to the building.

4.    authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management, in consultation with the Borough Solicitor, to agree the terms of the lease and to agree the terms of any future rent review.