Issue - decisions

Jembers considered a report which presented a shortlist of potential sites for relocation of the Peaseholme Centre and sought approval to carry out consultation with local residents, businesses and community groups around the shortlisted sites.

The Peaseholme Centre, a 22-bedded accommodation centre offering support to homeless people, was currently located within the Hungate redevelopment area, in a location scheduled for development of a new office complex.  A core group of Officers had been established to oversee its relocation and they had now met and analysed all available sites against a set of agreed criteria.  Details of this analysis were set out in Annex 1 to the report and in the revised Annex 1 circulated after publication of the agenda.  Only two sites had met the criteria, namely 4 Fishergate and Monk Bar Garage.  It was reported that a further site at 14 Jewberry had since been put forward in response to a Press statement inviting suggestions from the public as to possible alternative sites.  This site, which adjoined Foss Bank Car Park, was not in Council ownership.  Its potential use was therefore dependent on any plans which the current owner might have for the site.

Members were asked to consider three options:

Option 1 – agree the shortlist of sites and approve a detailed consultation

Option 2 – amend the shortlist of sites and approve a detailed consultation

Option 3 – not agree the shortlist and ask Officers to bring back alternatives.

Members noted that the current site was needed not only for Council offices but also for retail and housing use, as a key site for the Hungate redevelopment.  The Peaseholme Centre had a good record of operating within the City centre and the new building would be designed to a high standard to ensure that it enhanced the surrounding area, whichever site was chosen.

Having considered the advice of the Shadow Executive, it was

RESOLVED: (i) That Officers be asked to investigate the feasibility of using the suggested site at 14 Jewberry and be given delegated authority to include this site in the shortlist for further consultation, if they consider it appropriate.

REASON:      To ensure that all potential sites have been properly considered.

(ii) That, following that further investigation, consultation be carried out on all the shortlisted sites and a further report be brought back to the Executive meeting on 25 July 2006 giving details of the outcome of the consultation process and a detailed site analysis.

REASONS:    In order to progress the necessary relocation of the Peaseholme Centre as quickly as possible, subject to appropriate consultation with the local community.