Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth and Skills, presented the report which presented the findings of the consultation exercise regarding the preferred option of a phased refurbishment of the Town Hall and outlined progress on the transfer of the Council’s lease obligation for 3 Knowsley Place to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Decision:
Cabinet:
1. Noted the outcome of the consultation process;
2. Noted the progress on the proposals to transfer the Council’s lease obligations for 3 Knowsley Place to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust;
3. Subject to the approval of the heads of terms for the transfer of its lease for 3 Knowsley Place to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, delegated approval of the finalised terms to the S151 officer in consultation with the Executive Director (Place);
4. Agreed to commence a tender exercise for a multi-disciplined team to bid for the design of the scheme, undertake necessary structural surveys, develop a phased construction programme and prepare a detailed financial analysis and investment case; and
5. Noted the intention to submit a detailed investment case for the refurbishment of the Town Hall to Cabinet by summer 2023.
Reasons for the decision:
The recommendations represent the next stage in delivery of a phased refurbishment of the Town Hall and the withdrawal from leased premises at 3 and 6 Knowsley Place as approved at Cabinet in February 2023.
Negotiations with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust have progressed and an agreement in principle for the Trust to take over the lease of 3 Knowsley Place from the Council (but to enable the Council to retain occupancy of floors 3 and 4 until the phased refurbishment allows staff to move to the Town Hall) is expected to be in place by the end of April 2023.
Other options considered and rejected:
None; consultation with the public, staff and trade unions on the approved preferred option has demonstrated overall support for the proposals.