Agenda item

Head of Asset Management to report

-           to advise on the ten community buildings being reviewed.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Asset Manager, relating to proposals for the future of community buildings currently managed by Facilities Management.

The Board was asked to consider a process to implement the Saving Investment Paper (SIP) regarding the disposal of community buildings.  This process included consideration of the devolution of the running of the community buildings to communities within the framework of the community and corporate plan themes, or disposal.

It was reported that there were 18 community buildings currently managed by Facilities Management (details of which were set out in the report).  It was also reported that 8 of these were leased to community associations in line with the social inclusion community buildings policy which operated at the time the leases were arranged.  The SIP proposals were, therefore, based on the remaining 10 buildings.

The Board discussed issues in respect of:-

• current policy of disposal at full market rent with full repairing and insuring terms, or sale on the open market
• present arrangements with the community groups and the differing terms and conditions
• the need to approach community groups to discuss the possibility of them taking over responsibility.
• condition and sustainability of the buildings
• social impact
• views of the user groups
• equity
• PFI contract and the community use of schools

It was reported that it was proposed to put together a programme for closure of buildings where there are no groups who expressed an interest in taking responsibility.  This would be on the basis of the least used buildings first and disposed of in tranches of one third for each of the next three years.

Members of the Board suggested that each building should be examined, in consultation with the relevant Heads of Service, and assessed on:-

• its merits and what role is was serving in the community
• rental income and expenditure
• costs and if subsidised
• views of the user groups
• current usage
• condition of building
• identification of any alternative community provision in close proximity

This assessment could them be used to develop a framework on which to make decisions in respect of which buildings should be kept or how to grant/subsidise others, and which to dispose of.

Members of the Board asked for a separate report in respect of the Falding Street Chapel (which was in the miscellaneous property account) giving details of the background to the use of the building, current condition, an assessment of its overall sustainability (best/worst case scenario), present use etc, together with details of the lease agreement, the rental income and expenditure.  The report should also identify whether there were any opportunities for sharing accommodation with other youth organisations.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting in respect of community buildings, detailing the issues outlined above.

(2)               That a separate report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board in respect of the Falding Street Chapel.

(3)  That Asset Management Services carry out a review of all Council Community Buildings irrespective of which Service Area manages them and a report be submitted to a future meeting detailing the scope, governance and implications of the review.