Decision details

43.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.  The end date of the current lease was clarified as being 2025.

DECISIONS

43.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) agree to the grant of two leases and terms in respect to the letting of Tilling Green Community Centre contained in the Exempt report at a later agenda item; and

(2) delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to approve the terms of and enter into the lease and take any other actions considered appropriate to give effect to the above recommendation.

Reasons

43.3     The grant of a 30-year lease for the building follows a detailed review undertaken by Property. The three key elements considered are:

                  i.        The business plan sets out the wider environmental, social, and economic benefits that will be extended at Tilling Green Community Centre.

                 ii.        The proposed wider range of uses and services at the property matches several of the Council’s overarching priorities, as set out in paragraph 2.1 of the report, as well as meeting key priority outcomes in the Council Plan 2021/22.

                iii.        The business plan outlines environmental, social, and economic wellbeing outcomes with clear benefits which supports the Council’s ability under Local Government Act 1972: General Consent Order 2003 to grant a lease at below market value.

43.4     The proposed lease structure will involve the surrender of the existing lease for all Tilling Green Community Centre including the playing field.  There will be two leases. The lease for the building does not have a landlord break clause and the new lease requires capital investment and energy efficiency works to be undertaken by Rye Partnership (RP) within 3 years. The structure of the lease will reinforce RP obligations to maintain and repair the asset at their cost.  The lease for the playing field has a landlord only break clause so at a future date the Council could consider options available for this land.