Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, Councillor Alisha Lewis

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the completion of due diligence on the submitted proposals for the site is agreed;

2.    authority is delegated to the Director of Finance and Assets to negotiate the terms of the lease to Alliance for Equality, in consultation with the Director of One Legal.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets said that St Mark’s and Hester’s Way Community Centre is an amazing asset, which it is the council’s privilege to safeguard and help to continue in community use.  Since the previous tenant surrendered the lease, it has been a difficult challenge to find an exciting new tenant, particularly as the building requires some attention.  However, after some excellent bids were submitted, with advice from the property team on how to make the building fit for purpose, and due diligence was undertaken, the council is happy to offer the lease to Alliance for Equality.  They have big and exciting plans to maintain the building as an accessible and inclusive community space, and she wishes them the best of luck going forward. 

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities thanked the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets for her report, which highlighted the important role community centres play in the heart of the communities they serve.  This is an opportunity to work with a great organisation, which will bring new life and community engagement back to the centre, supporting the community organisations already based there. 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control welcomed the report, and also the aims and energy of the new leaseholder.  They have challenges ahead, but he is confident they can overcome them and bring this building back to full use in a part of town which needs such a facility. 

The Leader agreed that community centres are at the heart of communities and very much valued by residents.  As things evolve and times change, it is exciting to see a new group coming forward to rejuvenate the building, move with the times, and take it in a new direction.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.      the completion of due diligence on the submitted proposals for the site is agreed;

2.      authority is delegated to the Director of Finance and Assets to negotiate the terms of the lease to Alliance for Equality, in consultation with the Director of One Legal.