Issue - meetings

This report asks Members to consider the future use of a former sub-station at Wellington Row, adjoining Lendal Bridge.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the property be sold for the best sum available on the open market.

REASON:      In order to obtain a capital receipt to contribute towards the 2006-09 capital programme.

                        (ii)        That the sale of the property be delayed for approximately three months to allow a study to take place of options for the provision of secure cycle parking in the city centre and that a report back on the options, including this property and complete with a business case, be made jointly with the Director of City Strategy within three months of this decision.

Members considered a report which outlined options for the future use of a former sub-station at Wellington Row, adjoining Lendal Bridge.

This Grade II listed building had recently been decommissioned by Northern Electric Distribution Ltd. and had reverted back to the Council.  Though in reasonable condition externally, it would require substantial investment to adapt it to a beneficial use.  As part of the city’s flood defences, the basic structure must be maintained.  Members were asked to consider the following options:

Option A – sell the freehold, in accordance with the budget decisions agreed by Council in March.

Option B – retain the building and invest capital to convert it for commercial use, with a view to letting it on the open market.

Option C – carry out a feasibility study on converting the building to a secure cycle park, in accordance with the recently re-written Cycling Strategy.

Members noted the comments made under Public Participation on this item and supported the suggestion that the option to rent the roof space be investigated.

RESOLVED: (i)         That, subject to Resolution (ii) below, the property be sold for the best sum available on the open market.

REASON:      In order to obtain a capital receipt to contribute towards the 2006-09 capital programme.

                        (ii)        That the sale of the property be delayed for approximately three months to allow a study to take place of options for the provision of secure cycle parking in the city centre and that a report back on the options, including this property and complete with a business case, be made jointly with the Director of City Strategy within three months of this decision.

REASON:      To determine whether a viable case can be made for retaining the building for this use.