Agenda item

The report of the Executive Manager - Transformation is attached.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    subject to agreement of detailed lease terms and due diligence, entering into a lease agreement with a community organisation to manage Lutterell Hall be approved, with either:

a.    one of the shortlisted community groups who submitted an Expression of Interest, or

b.    a combination of the two via an appropriate management company;

b)    the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation, be granted delegated authority to determine the most suitable community organisation or combination and negotiate and complete the terms of the lease, including wider community use that will continue to be provided.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation presented the report of the Executive Manager – Transformation outlining the options for future ownership and management of Lutterell Hall.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation advised that the report proposed the best way forward to manage the Hall. In recent years both usage of the Hall and income had fallen, there were significant maintenance costs associated with the building and Nottinghamshire Police had put its adjacent Police station up for sale. All of those factors had led the Council to consider future options for the site and in June 2019, Cabinet had resolved to invite expressions of interest from third parties. Following an extensive process of information gathering and public consultation, officers had undertaken an assessment of those expressions of interest and had concluded that retaining ownership and entering into a lease agreement with a community organisation would best achieve the Council’s objectives. Since the agenda had been published, one of the three shortlisted community groups had withdrawn its interest as it had secured a new lease with its existing premises provider. The Scout group was thanked for its interest. The Friends of Lutterell Hall were advised that although its document had been submitted after the closing date for expressions of interest, the document had been read thoroughly and the Group would have the opportunity, if it wished to be involved in the future use of the Hall. On balance, the proposed recommendation was the best option as it scored the highest on the option appraisal matrix.  

Councillor Edyvean proposed the recommendation, subject to an amendment to change the number of community groups from three to two. 

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Mason reiterated the comments made by Councillor Edyvean and advised that the Hall was one of many Council assets that had to be regularly reviewed to ensure that it was properly managed and was providing services as cost effectively as possible.

Councillor Robinson acknowledged and thanked the Scout group for its interest and wished the group well in the future. He reiterated the importance of considering all options to ensure the most appropriate use of the Hall that provided best value for money for local residents, as the council did with all its assets. The building was a Listed Building and it was important to retain it in good condition structurally. The Council had listened and acted upon feedback and the proposal was prudent.   

It was RESOLVED that

a)    subject to agreement of detailed lease terms and due diligence, entering into a lease agreement with a community organisation to manage Lutterell Hall be approved, with either:

a.    one of the shortlisted community groups who submitted an Expression of Interest, or

b.    a combination of the two via an appropriate management company;

b)    the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation, be granted delegated authority to determine the most suitable community organisation or combination and negotiate and complete the terms of the lease, including wider community use that will continue to be provided.