Decision details

The Cabinet Member considered exercising delegated authority under para 3.4.3 and 3.4.8 of part 3 of the constitution in accordance with the terms of their portfolios at q and:

1.    Approved the disposal of the Whitworth Mill site (plot 7) and the adjacent site (plot 8) to Samsons Property Limited who made the highest unconditional bid for the sites which were marketed through an open bidding process, managed by local property agent Barker Storey Matthews;

2.    Approved conditions attaching to the sale namely that a planning application is submitted within 18 months of exchange of the sale contract and construction is to be completed within 3 years of exchange.

3.    Authorised the Director for Legal and Governance and the Executive Director Place and Economy to enter into the necessary legal documentation to ensure the satisfactory completion of the disposal of sites 7 and 8.

The disposal of sites 7 & 8 for best considerations will help the Council realise a capital receipt and free it from further expense in maintaining Whitworth Mill relieving it from risk and expenditure that it would otherwise need to incur if it chose to develop these sites on its own. The recommendation will enable the Council to realise the development of two strategically important sites without further claims on public resources and will help to complete the regeneration of Fletton Quays.

Several alternative options were considered including:

·         The partial demolition of the Mill building, retaining only key facades;

·         The Council progressing an alternative scheme to the unviable Arts Centre proposal;

·         The potential to develop the site with a joint venture partner.

These options were discounted in favour of going out to the market with a clear development brief and inviting bids and proposals from developers.

None.

None.