Release of restructure covenant and potential lease of Woodchurch Leisure Centre to Tranmere Rovers FC

Councillors P.Davies, G.Davies, H.Smith having declared a non-pecuniary interest (Minute 211 refers) left the meeting whilst this item was considered. During consideration of this item Councillor McLachlan took control as Chair to the meeting.

Prior to consideration of the item Councillor McLachlan indicated that a petition had been received on behalf of Birkenhead Institute Old Boys with a request to address the Cabinet. Councillor McLachlan thanked the lead petitioner and indicated that his request to address the Cabinet was declined but the petitioners would receive a full written response in writing from the appropriate officer.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management which sought approval following request to release a restrictive covenant on land at Ingleborough Road, Tranmere, currently used by Tranmere Rovers Football Club as a training facility.

The report also sought instructions on the use of any payment due to the Council for the release of the covenant, whether it wished to see this money invested in the improvement of Woodchurch Leisure Centre as a replacement training facility for TRFC and on the approach to further negotiations with Tranmere Rovers. 

RESOLVED: That

(1)  Cabinets supports in principle the relocation of Tranmere Rovers Football Club’s training facilities from their current location at Ingleborough Road on the basis that this will help secure the club’s long term future;

(2)  The proposal for investment at Woodchurch Leisure Centre linked to the development of existing playing fields at Ingleborough Road be endorsed in principle subject to the outcome of further investigations in relation to legal, procurement and valuation matters and to the agreement of final terms;

(3)  Officers be instructed to undertake further enquiries and negotiations with Tranmere Rovers Football Club and to report back to the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources as quickly as possible to enable a final decision to be taken on the release of the restrictive covenant at Ingleborough Road and previously agreed terms for development at both sites;

(4)  Officers be requested to obtain an independent valuation of the Ingleborough Road Playing Fields;

(5)  Officers be requested to obtain an independent valuation in respect of the proposed lease at Woodchurch Sports Centre in accordance with the principles of the valuation set out in the technical appendix to the Government’s general consent to the disposal of land for less than the best consideration that can be reasonably obtained;

(6)  Authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources to approve the release of the restrictive covenant at Ingleborough Road and the grant of a lease at Woodchurch Leisure Centre subject to him being satisfied as to the finally negotiated terms;

(7)  The Head of Legal and Member Services be authorised to prepare and complete the necessary legal documentation; and

(8)  The petition submitted by Birkenhead Institute Old Boys be noted and within any provisionally agreed terms Officers be instructed to negotiate an appropriate financial sum and delivery mechanism for a replacement memorial with Birkenhead Institute Old Boys to be involved in the creation of the new memorial.

Members returned to the meeting and Councillor P Davies resumed as Chair of the meeting.