Agenda item

Property Review Operational Properties

Minutes:

Background:

The report presented the Cabinet with phase 2 of the property review in relation to those operational property assets which had been identified as either:

i) Suitable for being declared surplus, so that they can potentially be disposed of, or in the case of the Upper Mount Car park disposed of or appropriated for other Council uses, all following appropriate consultation with stakeholders, including the Council’s Corporate Landlord Board.

ii) Requiring consultation concerning their future, with the results of this consultation being brought to a future Cabinet meeting, so that Cabinet could decide the way forward.

The report had previously been considered by the Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny on 26 February 2025 and its comments were set out in Appendix 5 to the report.

It was noted that the St George’s Centre would not be disposed of until a new Council Chamber was available and that the appropriate conversations and due diligence would be undertaken prior to any disposal.

In relation to Hopewell Drive Business Centre, it was clarified that the ambition was for it to be sold as an ongoing concern so that existing leaseholders could continue with their leases. Appropriate engagement was taking place, including with unions that had premises within the Centre.

The Exempt Appendices to the report set out a list of car parks and other properties that are proposed for disposal and / or closure.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken and was attached at Appendix 4 to the report.

Decision number:	Decision:
	The Cabinet noted the comments of the Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as set out in Appendix 5 to the report within the supplementary agenda.
48/2025	The Cabinet declared surplus the properties which were listed in the table contained in paragraph 4.6 of the report and listed in more detail in the Exempt Appendices 1 and 2 to the report.
49/2025	The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Landlord Board (CLB), to dispose of the properties, listed in the table contained in paragraph 4.6 of this report or in the case of Upper Mount Car park, to dispose of it, or appropriate it for other Council uses and agreed the method of disposal for each property, in order to obtain the best consideration reasonably obtainable.
50/2025	The Cabinet requested officers to undertake consultation concerning the future of the properties listed in the table contained in paragraph 4.7 to the report, including discussions with the relevant Parish Councils and adjoining stakeholders concerning the public toilets with the aim of these facilities remaining available for use. The results of this consultation would be brought to a future Cabinet meeting, so that Cabinet could then decide the way forward.
51/2025	The Cabinet agreed to authorise the Council’s legal department to conclude the resultant contractual documents.
	The Cabinet noted the progress on the property review so far.

Reasons:

To act on the recommendations which the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) made in its report dated January 2024.

To generate revenue savings and capital receipts for the Council, whilst avoiding future capital spend on properties, for example on required maintenance. This would help the Council to be more financially sustainable.

To free up properties, which could be disposed of and in some cases these properties could be used by the private and third sectors to deliver development, including much needed housing.

Supporting documents: