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Decision details
White Rock Baths - Development Proposal
Decision Maker: Charity Committee
Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
To report on progress in bringing forward proposals for the future use of White Rock Baths.
Decisions:
The Director of Regeneration presented a report to inform members of work to bring forward proposals for White Rock baths and to seek support for this approach.
The Foreshore Trust had been working for a number of years to identify a suitable alternative use for the White Rock Baths, which had been vacant for a number of years. The Trust had been approached by the Source, a BMX and mail order company based in Braybrooke Road, with proposals to utilise the premises as an indoor arena for BMX and skateboard competitions and training, with supporting retail and refreshment provision. The proposed use of the building was in keeping with Trust’s objectives to promote sporting and recreational use of the foreshore.
The proposals had received a very supportive response from the Coastal Users Group at an earlier briefing meeting, the group were also due to receive a further update at their next meeting, once a decision on the scheme has been made. The business plan for the project had been reviewed by Let’s Do Business Group. Hastings and Rother Disability forum had been consulted on the proposal, including planned improvements to make the building more accessible.
The funding package for the project included an investment of £150,000 from the Foreshore Trust, using funds previously earmarked for works to the Rock a Nore car park. Funding was also sought from East Sussex County Council and Hastings Borough Council, including a loan of £300,000 from Hastings Borough Council, which would be supported by rental income. The funding would support the refurbishment of the building prior to an internal fit out by the tenant. It was proposed that premises should then be leased for a 10 year period, at a rental of £36,000 per annum. Should the venture fail and the premises become vacant during the 10 year period, the Trust would share the risk of loan repayments on a 50:50 basis with Hastings Borough Council.
A further proposal had been received from the West End Sustainable Development Company; however, it was felt that insufficient information had been provided to recommend proceeding with this option.
Members expressed their support for the proposals put forward by the Source.
Councillor Forward moved approval of the recommendations, as set out in the Director of Regeneration’s report, which was seconded by Councillor Westley.
RESOLVED (unanimously) – that:
1) subject to funding being obtained from East Sussex County Council and Hastings Borough Council, the committee approve the proposal to create a BMX/ skateboard facility at White Rock Baths on the basis contained in the report, and;
2) delegation is given to the Director of Regeneration acting in consultation with the Director of Corporate Resources and the Chair of the Foreshore Trust and Lead member for Regeneration to complete tendering, contracting, lease and other arrangements to deliver the proposed scheme at White Rock Baths.
Reason for the decision: -
To enable the White Rock Baths to be open for business by Christmas 2015.
Report author: Simon Hubbard
Publication date: 10/06/2014
Date of decision: 05/06/2014
Decided at meeting: 05/06/2014 - Charity Committee
Accompanying Documents:
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