Purpose

Letting of a community asset known as Bushfield Pavilion and Sports Playing Fields
 

Decision

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1. To approve the granting of a 35-year lease of the pavilion and surrounding grounds and the completion of all associated legal documentation as set out in the report and in line with the Heads of Terms in the Exempt Annex.
2. To approve the granting of a 35-year licence of the playing fields to the tenant and if required a subsequent licence to the sub tenant if required to facilitate the use of the pavilion and playing fields the completion of all associated legal documentation as set out in the report and in line with the Heads of Terms in the Exempt Annex.
3. To authorise the Executive Director of Place & Economy, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance, to agree any necessary modifications to the final lease and licence terms, provided that such modifications do not materially alter the substance of the decision 

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Lease of Pavilion and Licence of Playing Fields (Recommended) Grant a 35-year Full Repairing and Insuring lease of Bushfield Pavilion together with a separate licence for the adjoining playing fields. The tenant will assume responsibility for repairs, maintenance, and future investment in the pavilion, whilst the Council retains the freehold interest and unrestricted public access to the playing fields.

Advantages

• Retains Council ownership of a strategically important community asset.

• Transfers responsibility for repairs, maintenance, and lifecycle investment to the tenant.

• Secures significant external investment into the pavilion.

• Supports the tenant’s ability to secure grant funding through long-term security of tenure.

• Protects continued community use of the facility.

• Reduces the Council’s future financial liabilities.

• Supports the Council’s Strategic objectives.

Disadvantages

• A five-year rent-free and licence fee free period for the lease and licence delays the commencement of income.

• The Council remains responsible for monitoring compliance with the lease and licence.