Issue - meetings

This report sets out the proposal to transfer the land and buildings on a freehold transfer, which currently makes up Birstall Community Centre and Library, Market Street, Birstall, WF17 9EN to Birstall Community Holdings Ltd or CIO.

Contact: Joe Tingle - Corporate Landlord 01484 221000

Wards: Birstall & Birkenshaw

1)    That authorisation be given, in principle, to the freehold transfer of Birstall Community Centre and Library to Birstall Community Holdings Ltd or Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) if created in sufficient time for nil consideration, to include covenants for community use with the exception of up to 30% commercial use, subject to Birstall Community Holdings Ltd providing information relating to ongoing CIO governance, details of the Management Committee and its Members, and the outcome of the second round of consultation before the legal completion of transfer.

2)    That authorisation be given to a requirement within the transfer to lease back part of the asset for use of the Library and Information Centre for a period of five years with a three month break clause at nil rent but with an agreed service charge.

3)    That it be required that the asset transfer contains arrangements that enable the Council to continue to use the property as an Electoral Polling Station, as this is not outlined within the 2017 Community Asset Transfer Policy.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director (Economy, Regeneration and Culture) and Service Director (Legal, Governance and Commissioning) to negotiate and agree the terms and red line boundary of both the freehold transfer of the Centre and the leaseback for the library to Birstall Community Holdings Ltd or CIO, if created within sufficient time to complete the transfer.