Purpose

To seek approval to enter into a 12 month lease with Gedling Indoors Bowls Club for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 for the use of Richard Herrod Centre with annual rent set at £27,000.

Decision

THAT:
1)A 12 month lease is entered into with Gedling Indoor Bowls Club for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 with annual rent set at £27,000

Reasons for the decision

To continue to support Gedling Indoor Bowls Club in their recovery from Covid-19 over the next 12 months, as the Council undertakes its wider strategic review of facilities.
To ensure ongoing community bowls provision is available for 139 older residents and people with disabilities who participate in Disability Bowls activities.
GIBC has a further 12 months to develop a sustainable Covid-19 recovery plan.

Alternative options considered

Not to offer this financial support to Gedling Indoor Bowls Club. The Bowls Club Committee has confirmed that this will result in a decision to close the Club due to its operations no longer being financially viable affecting 139 Members who live in the Borough and 83 who are non-Borough residents.
Should the Club decide to close, the Council would need to seek alternative use for the bowls rink and develop a business case for any such alternative use.