Issue - meetings

This report recommends demolition of the existing Family Centre at Burton Stone Lane, and subsequent sale of the site, on completion of the new children’s centre at Clifton Green Primary School.

RESOLVED: That the recommended option be approved and that the existing property be demolished on vacation and the site sold at the earliest possible date for redevelopment and a capital receipt.

Members considered a report which recommended demolition of the existing Family Centre on Burton Stone Lane, and subsequent sale of the site, on completion of the new children’s centre at Clifton Green Primary School.

The new centre was part of a project to relocate the City’s family centres to primary school sites, in order to achieve a more integrated service provision. Alternatives to the recommended option of demolition and site sale were to:

• Retain the property - not recommended, as no alternative use had been identified;
• Sell the property as it stood – not recommended, since re-use of the purpose-built centre was unlikely.

Early demolition and redevelopment would improve site security.  Indicative schemes prepared by consultants suggested that the site could accommodate 8 to 12 units.

In response to issues raised by the Shadow Executive on this item, Officers confirmed that the Council’s protocol on disposal of assets had been properly followed and that ward members had been contacted on 20 June with details of the proposals and given the opportunity to comment.  The Head Teacher of Burton Green Primary School had also been consulted.  Any issues raised regarding future development of the site would be dealt with as part of the planning process.

RESOLVED: That the recommended option be approved and that the existing property be demolished on vacation and the site sold at the earliest possible date for redevelopment and a capital receipt.

REASONS:    To improve public amenity and safety, attract a new beneficial use for the existing site on relocation of the Family Centre service and raise a capital receipt to support the capital programme, which has included the new Family Centre.