Decision details

Councillor Walmsley introduced the report seeking Cabinet approval for the grant of a new lease for the premises occupied by the Elms Bank College Hub, located within the former St Monica's Sixth Form buildings in Prestwich. The facility is currently leased by Oak Learning Partnership (OLP) from Salford Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees (StoC) and provides specialist post-16 educational provision for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Councillor O’Brien highlighted that this is a welcome opportunity to continue working with the Trust. 

There were no comments or questions

Decision(s)

Cabinet:

a.    Approved the current heads of terms for the grant of the new lease and associated indemnity agreement 

b.    Delegated any minor variations to the final heads of terms or Indemnity Agreement to the Assistant Director of Corporate Assets and Facilities Management.

c.    Delegated the signing of the lease, Indemnity Agreement and any associated documents to Councils Monitoring Officer.

Reasons for decision(s)

·         The grant of the new lease secures the operation of the Elms Bank College Hub without major capital expenditure for in the medium term. 

Alternative options considered and rejected

·         Not to agree to the agreement to the new lease

o   In this scenario the OLP would have to vacate the existing buildings in August 2027.

o   The Council would need to secure a suitable site and spend several million pounds on modular accommodation to ensure provision could continue past August 2027.

o   Without alternative provision OLP would in effect need to close the provision.

o   As such, this option has been discounted.