Purpose

The Executive Member for
Regeneration submitted a report for Executive’s consideration.

 

The report sought Executive
approval to proceed with the works required to develop a planning application
for a new community facility in Nunthorpe, seek planning approval and to
proceed with discussions of a 25-year lease with the preferred operational management
organisation.

 

There had been a
long-standing requirement for new community space to be developed within the
Nunthorpe area. The need for such space had been communicated by residents,
community groups and local elected members for some time.

 

In 2020, Middlesbrough
Council, in conjunction with community representatives developed a series of
commitments that were intended to ensure that the local community were engaged
in the area’s future and would ultimately lead to the development of a Neighbourhood
Plan. The need for a new community facility was clearly communicated as a
priority for the local community.

 

As part of this work,
several proposals came forward to develop new community space in different
parts of Nunthorpe. One proposal identified a site owned by the Council
adjacent to the new GP Surgery off Stokesley Road, and the other identified an
opportunity to build on the existing Nunthorpe and Marton Playing Fields
Association facilities off Guisborough Road.

 

A report was approved by
Executive in September 2022, which identified the need for community
consultation, and a focus on identifying the most appropriate location for the
facility. The report stated the Council would manage the design and build of
the new facility, but a process would also need to be undertaken to appoint an
organisation to run it. As there was no revenue budget available from the
Council to support the running of the facility, the selected organisation would
have needed to demonstrate a viable, sustainable business plan.

 

It was commented that
community groups were in a better position to run the facility as they knew
more about community needs. The Mayor commented he was pleased the project was
making progress. A Member for Nunthorpe Ward commented that Nunthorpe Parish Council
was in a position to support the new facility without
added pressure on Council finances.

 

Decision

ORDERED

 

That Executive approve progress to the next stage of the
project, which included:

 

1.   
the design process and site surveys for a
planning application submission;

2.   
a tender process to identify a preferred
developer partner;

3.   
securing planning approval; and,

4.   
continuing discussions with preferred
operational management organisation and to develop 25-year lease agreement.