Issue - meetings

AGREED that Executive note the information in the public report:

1.    Notes the principles of the lease agreement set out within the agreed Heads of Terms for the Southlands Community Facility and Sporting Hub, between the Council and Middlesbrough FC Foundation;

2.    Notes the delegated authority for the Director of Regeneration and the Director of Finance, to approve or amend the lease agreement, in line with the Heads of Terms insofar that such approval or amendments protects the Council’s position or enhances the sustainability of the Southlands scheme

3.    Notes the business case that outlines how Middlesbrough FC Foundation will manage and finance the site;

4.    Notes the passporting of liabilities to the partner organisation and how these will be managed through the lease agreement;

5.    Notes the long-term risks and liabilities that could arise, in the event that the partnering organisation ceases to exist.

AGREED That the decision be taken once all the exempt information had been considered.

The Executive Member for Development and the Executive Member for Finance submitted a report for Executive’s consideration.

The purpose of the report was to seek Executive approval of the Heads of Terms for Middlesbrough Council to enter into a lease agreement with Middlesbrough FC Foundation, who would manage the facility Southlands Community Facility and Sporting HUB once construction was completed. The report also informed Executive of the long-term risks and liabilities associated with the facility and how those will be mitigated through the lease agreement.

Work was ongoing to redevelop the site, providing a new state-of-the-art sporting hub.  The Council had secured an approved capital funding commitment of £3.876m for the redevelopment of the Southland site, of which £1.158m was Council Capital funding, £1.442m was from the IGF Fund, and £1.276m from the Towns Fund.  £0.363m of the budget had been spent to date.

The Council saw significant benefits of partnering with an organisation with the appeal and credibility of Middlesbrough FC Foundation, who were keen to commit to an initial 25-year lease to manage the redeveloped site. The Foundation would also contribute funding to assist with the site construction for specifications above and beyond the base-build specification.   

By using their years of experience, together with Middlesbrough FC, their mission was firmly established to raise aspirations, help realise individual potential and improve the life chances of people across the Tees Valley. The strategic objectives of Middlesbrough FC Foundation were detailed in the table at paragraph 11 of the report.

The Council had worked closely with a Project Representative Group, made up of local residents and Ward Councillors, to develop the proposals.

The partnership with Middlesbrough FC Foundation would continue this work and would aim to deliver a site which sat at the heart of the community and engaged local people. 

Middlesbrough FC Foundation aimed to establish the Southlands as a flagship centre for staff and participants, and the site would offer a chance to create a state-of-the-art facility, to inspire the local communities and people across Teesside.

This would be strengthened by the development of a new Community Use Agreement which will accompany the proposed lease agreement.

Southlands would host a wide range of provision aligned with Middlesbrough FC Foundations strategic themes as well as local consultation and insight. These included:

·         Education and Employability through workshops, courses and school visits;

·         Health and Wellbeing including mental wellbeing sessions, physical activity circuits and social groups;

·         Social Inclusion including free after school football for children and young people, targeted mentoring and adult football which brings the community together;

·         Updated, quality facilities which sit at the heart of the community and engage local people; and,

·         Middlesbrough FC provision including links to the Women’s team, Academy and Middlesbrough Girls.

The proposal was to relocate the Foundation’s headquarters and activities to the Southlands site, which presented a huge opportunity for further collaboration between the Council and the Foundation and enable further engagement with the local communities.

AGREED that Executive note the information in the public report:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47