Purpose

The building forming the Royal
Harbour Car Park was built in the 1970’s. The original
structure was refurbished in 2003. The structure has had no further
refurbishment to date, therefore there is a significant maintenance
backlog. The exposed location and nature of the structure together
with lack of ongoing maintenance has led to the building suffering
degradation.
 
The Council is currently
leasing the building on a long term lease. The lease provides,
amongst other things, for the tenant to keep the property in good
and substantial repair. OSP and Cabinet resolved at their meeting
on 10th & 19th December 2024, to seek to exercise an option to
purchase the car park  which arises in
2025, which would have significant long term financial benefits for
the Council.
 
The car park forms the initial
gateway to visitors to Ramsgate, as the main town centre and
seafront car park. The building in its current condition does not
reflect the vision for Ramsgate due to its neglected and tired
visual unwelcoming appearance.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following:
 
1. 
To approve the key decision to award a contract with a value in
excess of £250k to undertake essential, external and internal
redecoration of the car park including the internal refurbishment
of the stairways to the building structures on the Royal Harbour
Car Park, Leopold Street, Ramsgate, following a procurement
exercise;
 
2. 
That the Director of Place shall negotiate the final terms and sign
the contract with the successful bidder.

Reasons for the decision

Agreeing the spend for this project will
positively impact on the building; maintain the council’s
obligations under the lease; reduce any complications in regards to
purchase of the property as previously agreed by cabinet.

Alternative options considered

The Council could decide not to undertake
remedial work to stop the deterioration of the building. This
option was discounted because, as the tenant, the Council could
face enforcement action under the lease through a breach of lease
if not maintain the property.
 
Without completion of the remedial works, the
council would not meet its obligations under the lease. This will
potentially affect the ability of the council to purchase the
property as agreed previously at Cabinet.