Issue - meetings

To advise Cabinet of the proposed management arrangements for the new Wisbech Park Pavilion and seek authorisation to lease the facility at below market value.

Members considered the Wisbech Pavilion Lease Agreement report presented by Councillor Murphy.

Councillor Tierney said looking at this from an FDC perspective it seems an obvious solution. The original purpose was for it to be a community facility; it was never meant to be a highly commercial centre given its size and location and would be difficult to run as a profit-maker for any private company. Whilst FDC does not want the endless commitment of money, it does want to ensure it is managed effectively for the public so a partnership between the town and district councils is the ideal way forward.

Councillor Mrs French asked why, if the landlord is paying peppercorn rent of £1 a year, Fenland District Council is taking responsibility for insurance. Councillor Murphy replied that the insurance is for the building itself which is owned by the Council whilst anything within the building is looked after by Wisbech Town Council. Councillor Boden added that in the interest of the community, Fenland District Council can likely obtain cheaper insurance than the Town Council.

Proposed by Councillor Murphy, seconded by Councillor Benney and AGREED to confirm that Wisbech Town Council and Fenland District Council should enter a 35-year lease for the management of the pavilion in Wisbech Park and instruct officers to put the necessary legal agreement in place, and to a lease at a rate of £1 p.a. be included in the above agreement, noting that this is below market rate but is typical of agreements of this type of facility.

(Councillor Hoy declared for transparency that she was involved in this at town council level brokering the deal so would not vote on this item but would answer any questions).

(Councillor Tierney declared that he had sat at a town council meeting and voted on this item from a different perspective, but he would still vote as he was not biased and could look at this from a different council’s perspective).

(Councillor Wallwork declared that she had previously voted on this item at town council level but can take an unbiased view and vote on this item).