Issue - meetings

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor James MacCleary

(Key decision):

(1)  To note the successful submission to the Getting Building Fund for £1.3million, subject to presentation of full business case.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration & Planning, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to:

a) authorise the acquisition by the Council of a new Sublease or the existing Sublease as set out within section 2 of the report, subject to prior completion of due diligence and survey if required;

b) authorise entry into a deed of variation of the existing Sublease as set out within section 2 of the report in the event that the Sublease is acquired by the Council;

c) authorise the acquisition by the Council of the Headlease as set out within section 2 of the report, subject to prior completion of due diligence and survey if required;

d) agree the mix of end users as noted in this report and authorise sublettings and other occupational rights in respect of the end users (in the event the Council acquires a lease interest in the land and building);

e) authorise any financial commitments arising from the transactions set out at paragraphs a) to d) above; and

f) commence the refurbishment works as noted in the report.

Note: It is anticipated that a deed of variation of the Sublease would not be required if the Council also acquires the Headlease, on the basis that the Sublease would be merged into the Headlease. For further explanation see paragraph 2.9 of the report. The recommendations above are designed to deal with the complex factual background relating to this matter.

(3) To note the Executive Member Decision (21 August 2020) to commit the required match funding from Lewes District Council (£500k) as set out in paragraph 2.4 of the report, and to note that authority has been delegated to the Director of Regeneration & Planning to work with partners, including the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, to secure additional contributions as needed.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, seeking to approve acquisition, letting and redevelopment proposals for the former UTC building in Newhaven.

The plans for the former UTC building would create jobs and further boost Newhaven’s economic growth.

A referral from the Policy and Performance Advisory Committee (PPAC), held on 15 September 2020 was presented by Councillor Liz Boorman, Deputy-Chair of PPAC and considered by Cabinet during their discussions.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1)  To note the successful submission to the Getting Building Fund for £1.3million, subject to presentation of full business case.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration & Planning, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to:

a) authorise the acquisition by the Council of a new Sublease or the existing Sublease as set out within section 2 of the report, subject to prior completion of due diligence and survey if required;

b) authorise entry into a deed of variation of the existing Sublease as set out within section 2 of the report in the event that the Sublease is acquired by the Council;

c) authorise the acquisition by the Council of the Headlease as set out within section 2 of the report, subject to prior completion of due diligence and survey if required;

d) agree the mix of end users as noted in this report and authorise sublettings and other occupational rights in respect of the end users (in the event the Council acquires a lease interest in the land and building);

e) authorise any financial commitments arising from the transactions set out at paragraphs a) to d) above; and

f) commence the refurbishment works as noted in the report.

Note: It is anticipated that a deed of variation of the Sublease would not be required if the Council also acquires the Headlease, on the basis that the Sublease would be merged into the Headlease. For further explanation see paragraph 2.9 of the report. The recommendations above are designed to deal with the complex factual background relating to this matter.

(3) To note the Executive Member Decision (21 August 2020) to commit the required match funding from Lewes District Council (£500k) as set out in Paragraph 2.4 of the report, and to note that authority has been delegated to the Director of Regeneration & Planning to work with partners, including the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, to secure additional contributions as needed.

Reason for decisions:

The funding opportunity meant that there was a significant time imperative to agree the match funding for the UTC, via Executive Member Decision. This report seeks to build on the previous report to seek authority to progress the acquisition of the property as set out in Recommendation 2, above.

The proposals also accord with Council policies and seek to regenerate a vacant, highly prominent and strategic building within Newhaven that will directly contribute to the Council’s ongoing regeneration ambitions and the successful delivery of the Enterprise Zone.