Agenda item

The Team Leader and Senior Solicitor informed the Committee that the Strategic Projects - Directorate Support officer had attended the meeting to give Members a more general overview of the overall property portfolio falling within the remit of the Committee and to advise on impending decisions which they would need to take. The Committee was informed that the Collegiate was currently going through a period of change and there would be no new Year 12 intake at the Chetwynd Centre in September 2016, which would leave only Year 13 students in the building from the start of the 2016/17 academic year. Members were advised that the Chetwynd Centre was in need of significant investment to maintain the building and that in view of proposal that the Collegiate will vacate the building in the Summer of 2017, a decision needed to be taken on whether to dispose of the building, with the monies from the sale being utilised to further the education of the 14-19 years age group. The Committee was advised that, if they chose to dispose of the Chetwynd Centre, it would be advisable to test the markets now, before the building was vacated and additional cost were incurred in maintaining the security of the building. The Committee agreed that the practical response would be to dispose of the building and that the Strategic Projects - Directorate Support officer be appointed to provide on-going practical and commercial advice and support to the Committee in relation to the disposal of the Chetwynd Centre and other properties falling within the remit of the Committee. The Strategic Projects - Directorate Support officer agreed to report back to the Committee on progress and any interest created in the markets.

The Committee were informed that in order to facilitate the temporary use of the Chetwynd Centre by Flash Lea School, improvements and changes had been made to the building to ensure that it was suitable for the education of children. Once Flash Lea School vacate the building, there was an obligation for the building to be reinstated to the condition prior to the School’s occupation. The Strategic Projects - Directorate Support officer advised that if the building was to be sold, there would be no benefit to the building being reinstated to the condition prior to the school’s occupation. The Committee agreed that the building would not need to be reinstated after Flash Lea School vacate the property.

The Strategic Projects - Directorate Support officer updated the Committee regarding a buildings falling within the Committee’s remit which was currently leased to the Landau Forte Academy, QEMS in Tamworth. Members were informed that three buildings on the site were the subject of a lease which was due to end in August 2016. The Academy had contacted officers and wanted to engage in discussion regarding the future of the buildings. Only two out of the three buildings were currently in use by the Academy and the empty building was in a state of disrepair. The County Council had been contacted by the Tamworth and District Civic Society, regarding the condition of the empty building, seeking assurance that it would be restored as it was a building of architectural interest. Members were also informed that there was no direct vehicle access to the leased buildings and there was no obvious future use for the building, should the academy withdraw from the lease. Members felt that they were not placed to make decisions on the future of the site without understanding the intentions of the Academy. The Committee agreed that the Head of Property should engage with the Academy, on behalf of the trustees.

The Committee were informed that a request had been made by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to place a blue plaque on the Nicholson building in memory of Joshua Nicholson. Members agreed and requested that this be secured to the building sensitively.

RESOLVED –

a)    That the Committee appoint the Head of Property to provide on-going practical and commercial advice and support to them in relation to the disposal of the Chetwynd Centre and the whole of its property portfolio.

b)    That the Chetwynd Centre not be restored to its previous state after Flash Lea Primary School’s vacation of the building.

That the Committee agrees to the erection of a blue plaque on the Nicholson building.