Purpose

As part of the Council’s contribution to commemorating Mayflower 400, an agreement to rent the house of the Mayflower Captain (Christopher Jones) was agreed with the owner. This was originally due to last until the end of 2020, but due to the global pandemic was extended until the end of 2022. In January 2024, the Harwich Society contacted the Council and requested that the agreement be extended to 31st October 2024.
Further decisions published on 24th October 2024, 13th November 2024, 23th December 2024, 28th January 2025, 28th February 2025, 25th March 2025 25th April 2025, 23rd May 2025 enabling the extension to 30th June 2025.
The current tenants will be taking over the lease of the house from 1st January 2025 and have agreed to pay the rent to Tendring District Council for the period 1st January 2025 – 31st December 2025. Due to a delay in governance around the agreement, Tendring District Council has agreed to additionally pay 1st July 2025 – 31st July 2025 with the current tenants repaying the amount when the agreement has been confirmed.
In concurrence with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Tourism and Regeneration, this request was approved. A copy of the concurrence and decision is available on file.

Decision

To fund the lease of Christopher Jones House from 1st July 2025 – 31st July 2025 from various tourism underspends with the agreement that the Harwich Society will refund this amount once the required agreements have been arranged.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism concurs with this decision being made.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - to not extend the lease and to close the house as a visitor attraction.
Option 2 - To fund the extension of the lease to 31st July 2025.