Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to sell the former Kent Street coach park site to the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

RESOLVED:             That the Cabinet agree Option a) to sell the freehold interest in the Kent Street site to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service based on the terms and conditions contained in the report and to delegate authority to the Director of City Strategy in consultation with the Head of Legal Service to conclude the sale. ^1.

REASON:                  To ensure the development potential of the site is utilised, that a satisfactory capital receipt is obtained to support the capital programme and to assist another local public authority to achieve its service objectives.        

Members considered a report which sought approval to sell the former Kent Street coach park site to the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS).

The site, shown edged in black on the plan at Annex 1 to the report, was surplus to the Council’s service requirements and had not been included in the final tender for the Barbican Auditorium.  NYFRS had expressed an interest in acquiring the site for construction of a new fire station to replace the inadequate building on Clifford Street.

The Cabinet were asked to consider the following options:

a)     Sell the Site to NYF&RS for a proposed fire station.

b)     Put the Site on the open market for sale by informal tender.

c)      Do nothing and wait for an improvement in property values before putting the site on the market for sale.

The Chair confirmed Cabinets concerns for the safety of residents and the historic city centre. He also referred to meetings held with Fire Brigade Unions in order to try and ensure adequate fire cover in the city. He pointed out that the best cover option for the city was not a Council decision however any changes agreed should be subject to review in 12 months to ensure that there was no detriment to the city.  

Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:             That the Cabinet agree Option a) to sell the freehold interest in the Kent Street site to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service based on the terms and conditions contained in the report and to delegate authority to the Director of City Strategy in consultation with the Head of Legal Service to conclude the sale. ^1.

REASON:                  To ensure the development potential of the site is utilised, that a satisfactory capital receipt is obtained to support the capital programme and to assist another local public authority to achieve its service objectives.