Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)               agrees in principle to the grant of a long-term lease (25 years) to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club for the West Park cricket facilities;

b)               instructs the Director – Development and Economic Growth to carry out the necessary advertisement requirements pursuant to s123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 and finalise detailed heads of terms for the proposed lease; and

c)               requests the West Bridgford Special Expenses and Community Infrastructure Levy Group, accordingly as part of the budget process, to review the implication of this report relating to the transfer of West Park from the West Bridgford Special Expense area to the General Fund, and it be recommended with the Medium Term Financial Strategy at Full Council.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development, Councillor J Wheeler, presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods, outlining a potential strategic growth opportunity at West Park.

Councillor Wheeler referred to an addendum report circulated after the agenda had been published, which contained an additional recommendation c) and the information supporting it.

Councillor Wheeler referred to this fantastic opportunity to team up with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club (NCCC) to grow women’s and girls’ cricket, along with many other groups. Under the proposed lease, residents and community groups would still have access to the various facilities and continued to be welcomed. Councillor Wheeler stated that the proposal would allow women’s and girls’ cricket to have a home, to continue to grow and build on their success, with NCCC committed to invest in this facility, which was welcomed.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Virdi referred to the excellent potential strategic growth opportunities related to this proposal, which was in line with the Council’s Leisure Strategy. Whilst enabling and hosting women and girls’ cricket it was also enabling a wider range of opportunities for all. This investment ensured that it was not only delivering the NCCC and ECB strategies but the Council’s objectives, whilst mitigating the Council’s own financial exposure. Councillor Virdi advised that the proposal would also deliver increased use of the facility and provide long term financial sustainability.      

The Leader agreed that this was an important and exciting opportunity.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)               agrees in principle to the grant of a long-term lease (25 years) to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club for the West Park cricket facilities;

b)               instructs the Director – Development and Economic Growth to carry out the necessary advertisement requirements pursuant to s123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 and finalise detailed heads of terms for the proposed lease; and

c)               requests the West Bridgford Special Expenses and Community Infrastructure Levy Group, accordingly as part of the budget process, to review the implication of this report relating to the transfer of West Park from the West Bridgford Special Expense area to the General Fund, and it be recommended with the Medium Term Financial Strategy at Full Council.