Purpose

The Council has been working in partnership with Bishop’s Stortford Town Council on a project to improve and enhance Castle Park. Included in this project are proposals for a café and public conveniences to operate in the building currently known as Markwell Pavilion and a new community facility (to be known as the Markwell Studio) in the former public conveniences. Markwell Pavilion is owned by the Town Council but sited on land owned by this Council. There is an existing ground lease still running but it has been agreed that a new 50 year full repairing lease will be granted at an initial rent of £2,000p.a. (subject to review) and the Town Council will underlet and manage the building as a café and public conveniences. The Town Council will also operate and manage the newly furbished Markwell Studio as a community facility. The Council will grant a full repairing lease for 25 years at £1p.a. with the use restricted to community facility only. The granting of these two leases and the underlease to the café operator ensure these facilities are operated and managed to enhance the offering at Castle Park while removing the risk and financial liabilities to this Council and generate a small rental income.

Decision

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property, acting under authority delegated within section 10.13.16 of the council’s Constitution, has decided to approve the grant of a lease to Bishop’s Stortford Town Council for both the Markwell Pavilion and the new community building (known as Markwell Studio) and give approval for the grant of a sub-lease by the Town Council for Markwell Pavilion to operate as a café and public conveniences.

Alternative options considered

N/A