A report by the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management sought approval for a transfer by lease of Hoylake Community Centre, Hoylake in accordance with the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy.

Since the report had been published further discussions had taken place with representatives of the Centre’s Joint Management Committee (JMC) and a further report detailing these was circulated at the meeting.  These discussions had resulted in a revised proposal by the JMC to contribute to the cost of repairs.

It was clear that the division of liabilities for the facility set out in the current lease had not been strictly observed.  If there had been no lease in place, as was the case in the majority of other centres, a greater repair burden would be expected to fall to the Council.

In all of the circumstances it was recommended that the transfer proceeded on an amended basis of contribution towards repair costs from the new Charitable company.  The effect of this would mean that, if the JMC was able to make its full contribution, the final estimated cost of grant aiding repair works would be £366,000 (net of fees and contingencies).

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  the Cabinet notes the report and the subsequent discussions that have taken place on the contribution to be made to the cost of repairs by the new community organisation;

(2)  the Cabinet welcomes the recommendation to proceed with this community asset transfer, but also notes the very substantial cost of the necessary repairs required to establish the centre on a firm basis for the future.  In this particular case it is recognised that such support is required for repairs upon transfer, having regard to the nature and size of the facility, the community benefit and other individual circumstances; and

(3)  the Cabinet agreed therefore that:

  (a)  a transfer by lease of Hoylake Community Centre be agreed and the Director of Law, HR & Asset Management be authorised to complete the necessary legal documentation on the terms now reported;

  (b)  all parties interested in asset transfer are reminded that the Community Fund allocation is limited and that support is appraised and agreed on a case-by-case basis having regard to need and community benefit;

  (c)  the agreed works to the property, together with the transitional costs for the first two years of the business plan, be funded from the Community Fund; and

  (d)  the proposal for payment by the community group of a contribution towards the cost of the necessary works as now reported be accepted.