Purpose

To agree that the property known as The School House, Jenkin Avenue, Sheffield, S9 1AN, being the former Caretaker Property at Limpsfield Junior School, Jenkin Avenue, Sheffield, S9 1AN (‘the Property’) previously declared as surplus to the service delivery needs of the Children’s Services on 2 October 2025 to be reinstated as an operational asset with the Asset Register to allow it to be transferred as part of the wider Limpsfield Junior School site under the Academies Act 2010.

Decision

That the Property declared as surplus to the service delivery needs of Children & Families Services be reversed as an operational asset within Sheffield City Council Asset Register to allow a forward transfer to the incoming Academy Trust under the Academies Act 2010.

Reasons for the decision

The incoming Academy Trust have applied for the Property to be transferred for use as a nursery and there are safeguarding and health and safety concerns associated with a disposal.

Alternative options considered

The alternative to reversing the decision to declare the Property surplus would be to leave the surplus declaration in place. However, as already set out, the Trust have applied for the Property to be transferred for use as a nursery and there are safeguarding and health and safety concerns associated with a disposal.

The Property has been considered for alternative service use within the Council and as a possible addition to the social housing stock. However, this has been discounted due to the poor condition of the property and amount of capital investment required.

Portfolio services have been consulted on identifying an alternative use for the Property but none has been identified. Continuing to leave the Property vacant will mean the Council having to commit funding on a regular basis for securing and basic maintenance.