Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, presented the Part B report which set out the full financial details.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.            Noted the results of the tender exercise for the sale of the Former Police Station;

2.            Approved the grant of the freehold to the selected purchaser, upon the gaining of planning permission, which is to be submitted within 3 months of exchange of contracts. Following Cabinet approval, the exchange of contracts to be completed within 12 weeks of receiving the contractual documentation; and

3.            Delegated the signing of all contracts required to complete sale of the site the Director of Law and Democratic Services.

Reasons for the decision:

As set out for the Part A report.

Other options considered and rejected:

As set out for the Part A report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, presented the report regarding the proposed sale of Former Police Station, Irwell Street, Bury. The site is part of the Accelerated Land Disposal Programme and has been vacant for many years; this proposal would address the vacant site and also the Council’s Housing Strategy through developing it into a residential care home.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the results of the tender exercise for the sale of the Former Police Station;

2.    Approved the grant of the freehold to the selected purchaser, upon the gaining of planning permission, which is to be submitted within 3 months of exchange of contracts. Following Cabinet approval, the exchange of contracts to be completed within 12 weeks of receiving the contractual documentation; and

3.    Delegated the signing of all contracts required to complete sale of the site the Director of Law and Democratic Services.

Reasons for the decision:

The sale will bring forward the redevelopment of the land bringing in a capital receipt.

Other options considered and rejected:

Do Nothing - In this scenario the property would be left vacant, its condition may further continue to attract anti-social behaviour. The Council would be responsible for ongoing security and maintenance. The property is within the Accelerated Land Disposal Programme and ongoing security and maintenance costs would have to be incurred if the sale did not proceed. This option would not ensure the on-going rejuvenation of the Town Centre. As such, this option has been discounted.