The Assistant Director for Special Projects introduced the report which sought approval for a recommendation to be made to Policy and Resources Committee for the purchase of the former Co-op building (“The Property”) in New Ferry as a strategic acquisition to support the delivery of the master plan for the area. The regeneration of the town centre was a priority for the Council following the explosion in March 2017.

Councillor David Mitchell asked for assurance that any future building on the site would be complementary to area, noting that the architecture in Port Sunlight contributed to the visitor economy. The Assistant Director assured Members that high quality design is essential to the project.

Councillor Andrew Gardner queried the valuation of £700k and asked why the Council were looking to pay this, when the premises had failed to sell in the open market. The Assistant Director advised that the original asking price was £1.5 Million and if acquired with the adjacent site there would in valuation terms be a ‘marriage value.’ .

Councillor Cherry Povall asked for an approximate time scale, noting the poor condition of the site.  The Assistant Director advised that if  the plot is secured  the Council would demolish the building  upon acquisition.

Members then further discussed the valuation and asked about the possibilities of an additional valuation.

The Chair noted that whilst the Committee wanted to support the People of New Ferry, it was not an unreasonable request a second valuation and a further report be brought back to committee.

Resolved –

That a second valuationof the former Co-op building - 100 New Chester Road, New Ferry be undertaken and an updated report brought back to Committee in January 2022