Issue - meetings

A report from the Interim Director of Parks, Leisure & Culture is attached.  (Key decision – reference number 5699)

(This item contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).

See also Item 12 in Agenda – Part 2.

Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu (Cabinet Member for Public Spaces, Culture and Local Economy) introduced the report of the Interim Director of Parks, Leisure & Culture, setting out proposals to let Millfield House and Theatre site. The reasons for recommendation of Platinum Performing Arts as the preferred recommended bidder were outlined in the report.

Members welcomed that the future of this site would be secured in this way, and the commitment that it would be kept as a vibrant cultural venue in Edmonton.

In response to Members’ queries, it was confirmed that the library at Millfield would remain on the site and continue to be provided, in partnership with the Council’s Library service.

Also in response to questions from Members, it was clarified that the rent reviews would be based on market rents and that they would occur on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th anniversaries of the grant of the lease. It was further clarified that the break clause would also be exercisable on the 10^th anniversary of the grant of the lease and thereafter upon either party having served 6 months prior notice of their intention to terminate.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

I. Agree to grant a lease of the Millfield House & Theatre site to Platinum Performing Arts, for up to 30 years to include:

· A peppercorn rent for years 1-5.

· On the 5th and 10th anniversary of the term a rent review based on market rents.

· Further rent reviews on the 15th, 20th and 25th anniversary of the term.

· On the 5th anniversary of the term of the commencement date, a break option will be exercisable by the Council in it’s absolute discretion or by the lessee.

· From the 10th anniversary of the term, a 6 months’ notice rolling break option will be exercisable by the Council in it’s absolute discretion or by the lessee.

· The lease to prohibit assignment, subletting and charging of the lease and premises.

· The lease will restrict use of the premises for cultural (as a theatre) and community use only.

II. Delegate Authority to the Director of Leisure, Parks and Culture and the Director of Property, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Spaces, Culture and Local Economy to finalise lease terms and any associated documentation in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance.

III. To note that as no change of use of the site is proposed, public consultation is not required as suggested in KD5637.

IV. To note that the terms of the lease are to include full repair and maintenance of the site.

V. To note that the library at Millfield will remain on the site and will continue to be provided by Platinum Performing Arts.

VI. To agree a separate service level agreement in relation to the library service.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.