This report updates on the community asset transfer (CAT) of Hoylake Municipal Golf Course, and makes recommendations on community asset transfer (CAT) matters relating to Bromborough Civic Centre, Woodchurch Leisure Centre and Brackenwood Golf Course. It builds upon the CAT decisions made by this committee at its meetings of 16 June 2022, 25 October 2022, 2 February 2023 and 9 March 2023.

Resolved – that,

1.  the Director of Finance be authorised to conclude negotiations on the heads of terms in exempt Appendix 2, for the transfer of Brackenwood Golf Course to Brackenwood Community Golf Limited, once an increase in the rent proposal from the company is agreed, and some provision for very small football/tennis pitches has been explored. This should form part of the recommendation to Policy and Resources Committee as the Asset value is £950k which is above the value that can be agreed by this Committee or the Director of Resources.

2.  since the committee is minded to try and move towards a Community Asset Transfer for Bromborough Civic Centre, this item be moved to the July committee to enable a workshop to be convened so as to give both business cases the examination they deserve.

3.  the consideration of the future of Woodchurch Leisure Centre had been ongoing for quite some time and now requires urgent consideration and determination.  To that end, the business case is to be referred to the Director of Finance for his immediate attention, following which a report is to be brought to the meeting of Policy and Resources Committee on 12 July for determination, ensuring that members are acquainted with all key facts.

The recommendations within this report enable the Committee to make decisions on the assets that are in scope for Community Asset Transfer (CAT).

If this Committee resolves to transfer Brackenwood Golf Course to Brackenwood Community Golf Limited, and Bromborough Civic Centre to one of the two groups who have submitted business plans, then under the Constitution, this must be a recommendation to the Policy and Resources Committee, for their decision, as the asset values are over £500,000.

The CAT process has been a primary consideration for this report which follows on from resolutions agreed by this Committee at its meetings of 16 June 2022, 25 October 2022, 2 February 2023 and 9 March 2023.