Issue - meetings

Recommendations

That the Executive approve in principle the transfer of the site at undervalue to Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust and to delegate to the Corporate Director – Resources in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services to make the final decision to transfer and all associated decisions in accordance with the terms set out in paragraph 7.5 and subject to RBPT securing the necessary grant funding.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Resources in relation to the transfer of the former Richmond Grammar School to the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust (RBPT) for use as a community facility and to delegate the final decision to the Corporate Director Resources in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Resources and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services. 

The Executive Member for Finance and Resources, Councillor Gareth Dadd, welcomed the report and introduced Marie-Ann Jackson, Head of Localities, who made the following key points:

·       The property was Grade II listed and was in the conservation area.

·       North Yorkshire County Council had transferred the building to Richmondshire District Council in November 2012 to be utilised for the community. The building had remained vacant despite efforts to bring it back into community use and had continued to deteriorate.

·       RBPT had approached NYC with an ambition to put together a business case to bring the property back into use as a community facility.  Extensive public consultation had taken place which demonstrated a high level of support from the town.  Culture and digital opportunities were highlighted as a priority for local people, and there was also a view that any use of the building not conflict with existing businesses in the town.

·       RBPT was proposing to create a Centre for Creativity and Digital Enterprise with a strong youth focus.  In addition a cultural and digital hub may provide opportunities for the library or adult learning.

·       To achieve the full ambition of RBPT an investment of up to £10m in the building would be required, though a lesser investment would bring the building back into operational use.

·       The proposals aligned with a number of council priorities, most significantly the cultural strategy and policy for assets of community value.

·       The property was valued at £370k and the proposal was to transfer the property to the Trust at nil value, which the Council was legally able to do for a property valued under £2m.  As the proposal was to transfer at undervalue the new subsidy regulations would apply, so the recommendation will be subject to the Trust being able to satisfy the subsidy control assessment and officers would assist to ensure the Trust can comply with the regulations.

Councillor Stuart Parsons, the local division Member, spoke in support of the proposals and supported the ambition of the Trustees to focus on young people and provide support in relation to careers and other opportunities. 

Members of the Executive welcomed the proposals which would see a community building brought back into use and provide support for less advantaged members of the community.

Resolved (unanimously) –

That the Executive approve in principle the transfer of the site at undervalue to Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust and to delegate to the Corporate Director Resources in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Resources and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services to make the final decision to transfer and all associated decisions in accordance with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 670