Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to enter into a 12-month legal Exclusivity Agreement with Steven Gerrard Academy to enable both parties to work collaboratively in developing a viable and deliverable scheme for the King George V Playing Fields and Sports Pavilion site, ensuring its future sustainability and community benefit.

Decision

The Executive Director (Resources and Partnerships) in conjunction with the Leader of the Council hereby:

i)               Agrees to enter into a 12-month exclusivity agreement with Steven Gerrard Academy (“the Academy”) to collaborate in developing a potentially deliverable scheme for the King George V Playing Fields and Sports Pavilion site in accordance with the terms set out within the report;

ii)              Approves to grant the Academy a licence to undertake all necessary site investigations related to any proposals for the site;

iii)            Authorises the Head of Legal Services to complete the necessary legal documentation.

Alternative options considered

The Council could decide not to enter into an Exclusivity Agreement with the Steven Gerrard Academy. However, this would remove the opportunity to work collaboratively with a potential partner to explore and assess a viable long-term future for the King George V Playing Fields and Sports Pavilion. As a result, the Council may miss the opportunity to secure significant external investment in the site, which could support the enhancement of sporting, recreational and community facilities for the benefit of local residents.

Without progressing the proposed exclusivity arrangements, the Council would need to continue identifying and engaging with alternative partners or consider other delivery models, which could delay the development of the site and prolong uncertainty regarding its future use and sustainability.

Entering into an Exclusivity Agreement does not commit the Council to any future development proposal but provides an opportunity to fully assess the potential benefits, risks and deliverability of a scheme before any further decisions are taken.