Issue - meetings

The report advises Council of the current position regarding the proposals for the Inspiration Centre and to facilitate these seeks authority to dispose of the Council’s interest to the Strood Academy.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the current position regarding the proposals for the Inspiration Centre and sought authority to dispose of the Council’s interest to the Strood Academy.

An exempt appendix advised of Strood Academy’s financial offer to acquire the Council’s interest in the Centre.

Councillor Wicks, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, supported by Councillor Jarrett, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Deputy Leader, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Decision:

(a)   The Council approved Strood Academy’s proposal as set out in this report.

(b)   The Council agreed to declare the Council’s interest in the Inspiration Centre at Strood Academy surplus to requirements and delegated authority to the Assistant Director, Legal and Corporate Services in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Finance to finalise the detailed negotiations and dispose of its interest in the Centre.

Background:

This report advised Cabinet of the current position regarding the proposals for the Inspiration Centre and to facilitate this seeks authority to dispose of the Council’s interest to the Strood Academy.

It was noted that Cabinet had previously approved, in August 2012, that officers progress detailed negotiations with Medway Youth Trust and Strood Academy Trust to agree the terms for the leases of the centre whilst safeguarding young people and the reputations of the parties involved. Strood Academy had formulated a proposal which was detailed within the report.

An exempt appendix advised Cabinet of Strood Academy’s financial offer to acquire the Council’s interest in the Centre.

Reasons:

To facilitate the proposals received from Strood Academy and to enable the Centre to open and provide for the first class facilities identified in this report.