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Decision details
White Rock Baths
Decision Maker: Cabinet
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:
Councillors Forward, Hodges and Westley, having declared a prejudicial interest in this item, left the chamber while the matter was discussed.
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.
Hastings Borough Council (HBC) and the Foreshore Trust had been working 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 Terrace, with proposals to utilise the premises as an indoor arena for BMX and skateboard competitions and training, with supporting retail and refreshment provision.
The report acknowledged that Hastings had a long association with BMX and skateboarding, and a new competition venue would further increase the profile of the sport in the town. Moreover, the proposed use of the building was in keeping with council’s objective to promote a healthy lifestyle.
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
The funding package for the project included an investment of £150,000 from the Foreshore Trust, which had been approved by the Charity Committee at its meeting on 5 June 2014. Funding was also sought from East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and HBC, including a loan of £300,000 from HBC, 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 council and Trust would share the risk of loan repayments on a 50:50 basis.
Councillor Lock moved an amendment to the recommendation contained in the report, seconded by Councillor Cooke, as follows:
“3) As the Foreshore Trust has ample reserves, Hastings Borough Council will not share the risk of repaying loans in the case of possible failure in the next ten years.”
The proposed amendment was lost by 2 votes to 4.
Councillor Chowney moved approval of the original recommendations to the report, as set out in the resolution below, which was seconded by Councillor Cartwright.
RESOLVED (by 4 votes for 0 against with 2 abstentions) that –
1) Subject to funding being obtained from east Sussex County Council and Hastings and St Leonards Foreshore Trust, the Cabinet approve the proposal to create a BMX / Skateboard facility at White Rock Baths on the basis contained in this 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.
The reason for this decision was:
To enable the White Rock baths to be open for business by Christmas 2015.
Report author: Simon Hubbard
Publication date: 11/06/2014
Date of decision: 09/06/2014
Decided at meeting: 09/06/2014 - Cabinet
Accompanying Documents:
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