Decision

RESOLVED that the council accepts the offer from its existing tenant to acquire the freehold interest in the Garden Tiger Public House and authorises completion of the legal documentation required to complete the disposal as detailed in appendices A, B and C.

Reasons for the decision

To facilitate inward investment from the private sector aligned with the Building Harlow’s Future Plan.

To enact the decision taken by Cabinet on 09 October 2025 to dispose of the Garden Tiger Public House. 

To, aligned with the Council’s Non-Housing Asset Management Strategy, dispose of an underperforming asset to generate a capital receipt that can be redeployed in a manner that better supports the council’s corporate and asset management objectives.

Alternative options considered

The option of retaining the Property and continuing to receive the existing rental income of £710 per annum has been considered but is not recommended.

The Property is considered underperforming because the income it generates is modest when compared with the capital value that could be released through disposal.

The capital tied up in the Property is assessed as having significantly greater value to the council if realised through disposal than if retained to support the existing rental income stream.

Capital released through the disposal of the Property could be redeployed to support the council’s strategic priorities, reduce borrowing requirements, or be invested in assets capable of delivering stronger financial and strategic returns.