Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holders for Culture, Communities and Customer Services; Corporate Development and Transformation; and Economic Growth, Assets & Property.

Please note that Appendix 1 is an exempt appendix.

(a)       That a market engagement to obtain expressions of interest for leasing of all the site, be approved.

This engagement is to be open to any operators that have interest in the opportunity, with the aim to attract operators with experience in accessing leisure grant monies and could maximise the leisure offer within Verwood community for existing and future leisure users.

(b)       That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Place, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property and after evaluation of the expressions of interest (short-listing interviews and the undertaking of due diligence and best offer consideration) to select a preferred party and agree with them the terms of a new lease.

Reason for the decision

To promote and assist in the delivery of improved leisure facilities through investment funds not available to Dorset Council. To retain the freehold of the site and to deliver the improvements by way of a new lease and if necessary, an additional agreement referring to investment by the preferred bidder.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services presented a report on behalf of the Portfolio Holders for Corporate Development and Transformation and Economic Development, Assets and Property.

The aim of the proposals was to develop and provide improved sporting facilities for the benefit of the local community through partnership working. This would assist the council to further enhance the green space offering and proved health and wellbeing benefits to non-sporting users across the Verwood community.

The Local Ward Member, Cllr T Coombs expressed her support for the report and its proposals but asked that the project be progressed as quickly as possible once the market engagement had been completed.

It was proposed by Cllr L Beddow seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

(a)       That a market engagement to obtain expressions of interest for leasing of all the site, be approved.

This engagement was to be open to any operators that have interest in the opportunity, with the aim to attract operators with experience in accessing leisure grant monies and could maximise the leisure offer within Verwood community for existing and future leisure users.

(b)       That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Place, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property and after evaluation of the expressions of interest (short-listing interviews and the undertaking of due diligence and best offer consideration) to select a preferred party and agree with them the terms of a new lease.

Reason for the decision

To promote and assist in the delivery of improved leisure facilities through investment funds not available to Dorset Council. To retain the freehold of the site and to deliver the improvements by way of a new lease and if necessary, an additional agreement referring to investment by the preferred bidder.