Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property.

Appendices 1, 3 to 8 (not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of schedule 12A, Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).

Decision

(a)  That Dorset Council grant a 20-year lease to Dorset National Health Service (NHS) institutions for use of South Walks House for clinical and office use on terms to be agreed by the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property.

(b)  Note that the governing boards of the various NHS institutions planning to move into South Walks House will be making their decisions in February and March 2022.

(c)  That officers should immediately commence discussions to proceed with the second-ranked option should the NHS institutions decide not to proceed with the lease or are unable to come to a decision by the 31 March 2022.

Reason for the decision

The investigation into and analysis of options for the future use on South Walks House has been detailed and exhaustive. This has involved taking advice from specialist consultant firms on each of the options considered and assessing and ranking the options to establish which one would be the most financially advantageous to the Council after also taking into consideration the Page 105 Agenda Item 11 wider economic and social benefits of the recommended option. It is believed that the proposed use by the NHS for a combination of clinical and office purposes, which provides a central and easily accessible location for the NHS, allows it to widen its service provision for Dorset’s residents, whilst providing the best financial return to the Council.

Decision - South Walks House - Options Future Use - Dorset Council

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property advised that Cabinet had agreed an office strategy for Dorchester at its meeting on 6 April 2021, this included the principle of consolidating most of the Council’s office requirements. In respect of South Walks House, Cabinet had requested that in addition to seeking planning permission for residential use, further exploration and investigation of alternative uses be undertaken. This report recommended that South Walks House should be leased to the NHS organisations that were proposing to use it to expand clinical capacity in Dorset.  In addition to the direct health benefits this additional capacity brings, the economic impacts would also contribute to general well-being of the community.

Members noted that the proposal was subject to various NHS governing boards making a decision  to proceed in February and March of 2022;  if these NHS institutions decided not to continue with the lease, officers should proceed with the second-rank option as an alternative.

As a ward member for the South Walks House site, Cllr L Fry spoke in support of the proposal and hoped it was successfully progress.

Cabinet members indicated their “minded to” view to support for the recommendations as set out in the report.

Decision

(a)  That Dorset Council grant a 20-year lease to Dorset National Health Service (NHS) institutions for use of South Walks House for clinical and office use on terms to be agreed by the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property.

(b)  Note that the governing boards of the various NHS institutions planning to move into South Walks House will be making their decisions in February and March 2022.

(c)  That officers should immediately commence discussions to proceed with the second-ranked option should the NHS institutions decide not to proceed with the lease or are unable to come to a decision by the 31 March 2022.

Reason for the decision

The investigation into and analysis of options for the future use on South Walks House has been detailed and exhaustive. This has involved taking advice from specialist consultant firms on each of the options considered and assessing and ranking the options to establish which one would be the most financially advantageous to the Council after also taking into consideration the Page 105 Agenda Item 11 wider economic and social benefits of the recommended option. It is believed that the proposed use by the NHS for a combination of clinical and office purposes, which provides a central and easily accessible location for the NHS, allows it to widen its service provision for Dorset’s residents, whilst providing the best financial return to the Council.

Decision - South Walks House - Options Future Use - Dorset Council