Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance

RESOLVED THAT

1. the grant of a Lease to the Gardens Gallery Community Interest Company for a term of 25 years at market rent be approved

2. authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management, in consultation with the Director of Resources and Borough Solicitor to negotiate such other terms of the lease as he considers necessary or advisable

3. the 100% rental discount be approved in accordance with the content of the 3^rd Sector report attached as appendix 1

The Cabinet Member Finance introduced the report and explained that the Gardens Gallery provided art education and exhibition opportunities to residents of Cheltenham and further afield. It was granted a lease by the Council in 2007.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that the Council now had a more structured policy with regard to third sector leases and rentals of Council property and the report judged to what extent a grant could be issued to offset the rent for the building. The recommendation was to grant a 100 % rental discount which represented a continuation of existing arrangements. The Gardens Gallery now required a longer lease as part of the structure of the grant awarded for the installation of a green energy solution that would reduce energy usage at the building. The Cabinet member commended the efforts and successes of the Gardens Gallery.

Members supported the recommendations and highlighted the positive value of the venue to the community.

RESOLVED THAT

1. the grant of a Lease to the Gardens Gallery Community Interest Company for a term of 25 years at market rent be approved

2. authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management, in consultation with the Director of Resources and Borough Solicitor to negotiate such other terms of the lease as he considers necessary or advisable

3. the 100% rental discount be approved in accordance with the content of the 3^rd Sector report attached as appendix 1