Decision

The Director of
Regeneration and Place has authorised that Oaklands Outdoor
Education Centre, Llanrwst, Conwy is sold to Eryri Accommodation Ltd
for £316,136.61 plus VAT
 

Reasons for the decision

Policy and Resources
Committee at its meeting of 12th July 2023 (amongst other matters)
declared Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre surplus to
requirements.
 
Originally operated by
the Council and most recently by Edsential CIC, the latter closed Oaklands due to
COVID restrictions then made the decision to hand the property back
to the Council in May 2021.
 
Oaklands is no longer
required for operational purposes as an Outdoor Education Centre
and its remote location makes it unfeasible to offer other services
from.
 
A sale of Oaklands
Outdoor Education Centre would remove liability for ongoing running
costs as a mothballed asset and potential future maintenance and
repair liabilities.
 
The property has been
marketed by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) since June / July 2024,
both traditionally and also by auction. 
Interest was low and the property put to auction several times
during the early months of 2025 without generating any firm
bids.
 
Oaklands was withdrawn
from Auction in mid-April because of lack of interested
parties.  However, on 23 April 2025 the
auctioneer advised an offer had been received to purchase.
 
Eryri Accommodation
Ltd have confirmed they will be willing to pay £320,000
inclusive of sellers costs. Accordingly, the Net Price paid will be
£316,136.61 plus VAT.  The Council
will also be liable for Lambert Smith Hampton’s costs and
disbursements as set out in exempt Appendix 1.
 
Appendix 1 contains
exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local
Government Act 1972. It is in the public interest to exclude the
press and public under Paragraph 3 ‘Information relating to
the financial or business affairs of any particular person
(including the authority holding the information)
 
Lambert Smith Hampton
have confirmed that this is the best offer they are likely to
achieve and are satisfied that this represents market value.
 

Alternative options considered

The Council has
decided the property is surplus to requirements and a capital
receipt required to pay back DLUHC loans.  Other options for reuse would not be feasible
being remote from the borough.