Purpose

To provide an update to the Committee on the
latest position regarding Endcliffe Lodge following the marketing
exercise that was carried out.

Content

8.1

The Committee
considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood
Services, which asked it consider whether entering into lease
negotiations with the recommended operator was in the best interest
of the Endcliffe Park Charity and if so, to approve the
recommendation to authorise the Chief Property Officer in
consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance, to
negotiate the terms of the lease with the proposed lessee, and the
Director of Legal and Governance to prepare and complete all the
necessary legal documentation in accordance with the agreed terms
and in respect of a charge over title, following completion of the
previously approved marketing
process.

 

 

8.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustees
Sub-Committee:-
 

(a) 
Notes the contents of?the
report;
(b) 
Agrees that entering into lease negotiations with the recommended
operator is in the best interest of the?Endcliffe?Park
Charity;
(c) 
Approves an exclusivity period of 6 months, with the ability to
extend by a further 6 if needed subject to satisfactory progress to
that point, to allow for officers to negotiate and finalise the
detailed terms of the lease, on the basis of those terms set out in
the closed Appendices; and
(d) 
Delegates authority to the Head of Property Services in
consultation with the Head of Legal Services, the Chair, Deputy
Chair, and Group Spokesperson of this sub-committee, to approve
final terms and enter into legal
documentation.

 

 

 

 

8.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

8.3.1

The provision of further visitor facilities
alongside significant investment for the park, contributes to the
objects of the charity; ‘the provision and maintenance of a
park for “walks and pleasure
grounds.’

 

 

8.3.2

Bringing investment and an annual income allows
the Council as sole trustee to support the management and
maintenance of the park and in turn contribute to the charity
objects.

 

 

8.3.3

In addition:

·      
A valued Charitable historic building is brought back into active
use, preserving an important asset within the charitable
park.

·      
Much?needed investment is secured for Endcliffe Park Lodge,
reducing the risk of further deterioration and ensuring its
long?term sustainability.

·      
Enhanced recreation and leisure facilities are provided for
visitors, improving the overall experience within Endcliffe
Park.

·      
Reduced financial and maintenance liabilities for the Charity, as
responsibility for repairs and upkeep transfers to the
tenant.

 

 

8.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

8.4.1

Alternative Option 1 – Do
nothing:
An alternative option would be not to proceed
with lease negotiations with the recommended operator. However,
this would mean no investment would be secured for Endcliffe Park
Lodge, resulting in no improvement to the facility and a loss of
potential rental income for the Charity, which directly supports
the ongoing management and maintenance of the park. This would
negatively affect the quality of the visitor experience and fail to
maximise the Charity’s assets. For these reasons, this option
has been rejected.

 

 

.4.2

Alternative Option 2 – Re-market the
opportunity:
We are satisfied that the marketing undertaking
identified the operator interest in this property and that
re-offering the site would not be a worthwhile process for the
Charity.