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, 30th June 2025
enabling the extension to 31st July 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
September 2025 – 31st October 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.

Content

To fund the lease of the Christopher Jones
House from 1st January 2025 – 31st January 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 and Tourism
concurred with this decision being made.

Alternative options considered

To not extend the lease and close the house as
a visitor attraction. Due to the attraction still forming part of a
key offer to international and inbound tourists, it has been
determined to remain open and consider its future use.