Agenda item

To receive a report from the Director of Finance presenting an Asset Management Strategy covering the period 2026-2031, to benefit both social outcomes and financial performance, arising from the council’s land and property assets.

(Please note that Appendices I and J are considered exempt from publication for reasons set out in agenda item 3.)

Resolved (unanimously):

That Executive

a)            Notes:

i)              The performance of the council’s property estate and the annual revenue it provides.

ii)             The performance against the specific workflows, including disposals, as previously set out in the previous Strategy and the re-shaping of the operational estate at West Offices to provide additional annual revenue.

iii)           The performance and role the estate has played in helping to reduce the council’s carbon footprint.

b)            Agrees the principles of the Strategy which will form the Corporate Asset Strategy for the next 5 years, 2026-2031.

c)             Agrees to:

i)              The sale of 25/27 Coney Street and lease back of part on a 999-year lease.

ii)             The grant of a lease renewal at 17-21 Piccadilly.

iii)           Lease the various City Council owned allotments, as detailed within the report to York Allotment Charitable Incorporated Organisation (YACIO) for 35 years at a peppercorn rental.

iv)           Lease Bustardthorpe Allotments, Bishopthorpe Road, to Bustardthorpe Allotment Association for 35 years at a peppercorn rental.

v)             Lease the store and outdoor space in Rowntree Park maintenance depot to York Canoe Club for 15 years at a peppercorn rental.

vi)           Lease the garage in Rowntree Park to the Friends of Rowntree Park for 15 years at a peppercorn rental.

vii)         Lease of the Rowntree Park Lodge Garden to the Friends of Rowntree Park for 99 years at a peppercorn rental subject to the Friends meeting the requirement of original lease for the upper floors.

viii)        Lease the land at York Road, Strensall to Strensall and Towthorpe Parish Council for 70 years at a peppercorn rental.

ix)           Lease the land in Hull Road Park to Choose 2 Youth for 10 years at a peppercorn rental,

all on the terms and conditions outlined in the report.

d)            Delegates to the Director of Finance (in consultation with the Director of Governance) authority:

i)              To take such steps as are necessary to agree and complete the above transactions as detailed in this report; and

ii)             To acquire and dispose of all interests in land for all future acquisitions and disposals.

Reasons 

a)   To ensure work continues to accord with the clear principles as set out under the Asset Management Strategy, which will continue to guide and shape future use of the council’s property portfolio.

b)   To continue to support the ongoing economic vibrancy of the city, to protect and increase the income from the council’s commercial property portfolio.

c)    To dispose of surplus property with an emphasis on providing affordable accommodation within the city; reduce the council’s financial obligations and encourage regeneration and community involvement through the use of its assets.