The Chief Executive introduced the report of the Director of Law and Governance which set out a referral from Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee relating to the Community Asset Transfer process.

The Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee authorised the Director of Resources to enter into negotiations on the basis of the re-submitted business plans contained in the exempt Appendix 2 of this report to agree Heads of Terms for the transfer of the former library asset at Higher Bebington Library to the Co-op Academy Bebington. It also authorised the Director of Resources to market the site of the former Hoylake Library for sale or commercial leasing on the basis that it is surplus to the requirements of the Committee and agreed to the removal of the former Woodchurch Library asset from the CAT process.

It therefore subsequently recommended that Policy & Resources Committee agree that Higher Bebington and Woodchurch Libraries be appropriated by the Council for educational purposes, and that the site of the former Hoylake Library be marketed for sale or commercial leasing.

Resolved – That

(1)  Higher Bebington Library be appropriated by the Council for educational purposes.

(2)  The former Woodchurch library asset be appropriated by the Council for educational purposes.

(3)  The site of the former Hoylake Library be marketed for sale or commercial leasing.

TheAssistant Director - Special Projects introduced the report of the Director of Resources which made recommendations in relation to the following Community Asset Transfer (CAT) matters: Former Libraries, Brackenwood Golf Course, Bromborough Civic Centre, and in addition to an Asset Transfer (AT) matter: Former Public Toilets in Moreton

Members thanked officers for their hard work throughout the Community Asset Transfer Process.

Members considered the recommendations individually.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Mike Collins that the Director of Resources be authorised to conclude the transfer of assets of Pensby Library to Pioneer People and Prenton Library to St. Stephens Church on the basis of the terms reported in the exempt appendix 1 to the report. This was agreed by assent.

Members discussed that this was a good use of a community asset being introduced and re-opened to the community.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Jenny Johnson that the Director of Resources be authorised to enter into negotiations on the basis of the re-submitted business plans contained in the exempt Appendix 2 of this report to agree Heads of Terms for the transfer of the former library assets at Wallasey Village to the Wallasey Village Library and Community Centre, Irby to the Friends of Irby Library, and Higher Bebington library to the Co-op Academy Bebington. Once agreed these Heads of Terms are to be reported back to this Committee for a decision or onward recommendation to Policy and Resources Committee. This was agreed by assent.

The Chair noted that the additional 9 weeks that had been added to the timeline had been beneficial for small businesses as creating a business plan could be a daunting task. Members noted the importance of keeping as many libraries open as possible and welcomed this recommendation.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Mike Collins that the Director of Resources be authorised to market the site of the former Hoylake Library for sale or commercial leasing on the basis that it is surplus to the requirements of the Committee. This was agreed by assent.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Tony Smith that the removal of the former Woodchurch Library asset from the CAT process be approved. This was agreed by assent.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Judith Grier that Policy and Resources be recommended to agree that Higher Bebington Library be appropriated by the Council for educational purposes. This was agreed by assent.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Tony Smith that Policy and Resources be recommended to agree that the former Woodchurch Library asset be appropriated by the Council for educational purposes. This was agreed by assent.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Jenny Johnson that Policy and Resources be recommended to agree that the site of the former Hoylake Library be marketed for sale or commercial leasing. This was agreed by assent.

A discussion ensued around officer recommendation 5,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59