Purpose

A report on the Farnham Park Sports Field
charitable trust operations

Content

The report recommended a revised operating model for
the golf course and playing fields sites that form the assets of
the Farnham Park Sports Fields charitable trust, for which
Buckinghamshire Council was sole corporate trustee. There was a
significant cost to the Council in maintaining the playing fields
and golf course since they did not generate enough income to offset
operating and maintenance costs, despite fees and charges having
been increased. Wider pressures on Council budgets and the
requirement to prioritise statutory services meant that the current
arrangements were not financially sustainable and therefore new
operating arrangements were required.

 

The recommendation was to go to the market to offer
long-term lease arrangement(s) for the sites, with appropriate
clauses to ensure continuing community access in line with the
charitable objectives. This would reduce the maintenance costs and
support the financial sustainability of the charitable trust.
Cabinet Members emphasised that they were fully committed to
securing the future of these valued recreation
facilities.

 

RESOLVED –

 

(1)              
That it be agreed to
take to the market the opportunity for long-term leasing
arrangements for the South Buckinghamshire Golf Course and Farnham
Park Playing Fields, to include requirements for continuing
community access in line with the legislation governing these
sites.

 

(2)              
That authority be delegated to the Service
Director for Culture, Sport and Leisure, in consultation with the
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure and the Service Directors
for Property and Assets and of Legal Services, to undertake all
necessary steps to progress the marketing of the lease; and subject
to receipt of acceptable offers, to negotiate suitable Heads of
Terms and arrange leases with tenant(s).