Agenda item

The Executive Member for Regeneration submitted a report for Executive’s consideration.

The report sought Executive approval to proceed with the works required to develop a planning application for a new community facility in Nunthorpe, seek planning approval and to proceed with discussions of a 25-year lease with the preferred operational management organisation.

There had been a long-standing requirement for new community space to be developed within the Nunthorpe area. The need for such space had been communicated by residents, community groups and local elected members for some time.

In 2020, Middlesbrough Council, in conjunction with community representatives developed a series of commitments that were intended to ensure that the local community were engaged in the area’s future and would ultimately lead to the development of a Neighbourhood Plan. The need for a new community facility was clearly communicated as a priority for the local community.

As part of this work, several proposals came forward to develop new community space in different parts of Nunthorpe. One proposal identified a site owned by the Council adjacent to the new GP Surgery off Stokesley Road, and the other identified an opportunity to build on the existing Nunthorpe and Marton Playing Fields Association facilities off Guisborough Road.

A report was approved by Executive in September 2022, which identified the need for community consultation, and a focus on identifying the most appropriate location for the facility. The report stated the Council would manage the design and build of the new facility, but a process would also need to be undertaken to appoint an organisation to run it. As there was no revenue budget available from the Council to support the running of the facility, the selected organisation would have needed to demonstrate a viable, sustainable business plan.

It was commented that community groups were in a better position to run the facility as they knew more about community needs. The Mayor commented he was pleased the project was making progress. A Member for Nunthorpe Ward commented that Nunthorpe Parish Council was in a position to support the new facility without added pressure on Council finances.

ORDERED

That Executive approve progress to the next stage of the project, which included:

1.     the design process and site surveys for a planning application submission;

2.     a tender process to identify a preferred developer partner;

3.     securing planning approval; and,

4.     continuing discussions with preferred operational management organisation and to develop 25-year lease agreement.

OPTIONS

There were two alternative options submitted as part of the report:

1.     to proceed with an alternative operator; and,

2.     not to develop a community facility in Nunthorpe.

It was believed that both options would not meet the identified needs for the community and/or would be a revenue risk and reputational risk to the Council.

REASONS

The Council had undertaken an option appraisal process to identify the most appropriate location for a new community facility in Nunthorpe, including a public consultation. The option appraisal identified the location adjacent to the new GP Surgery.

Concept designs had been completed followed by a process to identify a preferred operational management organisation.

The project was ready to proceed to the next stage.