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Issue - meetings

RPLC: University of Southampton proposal

Meeting: 23/11/2021 - Cabinet (Item 6)

6 A land transaction in respect of the River Park Leisure Centre site and associated parking area (less exempt appendix) pdf icon PDF 345 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.     That it be agreed that the council, as landowner of the River Park Leisure Centre, Gordon Road, Winchester, to enter into an agreement for lease to enable the University of Southampton to progress options for the extension of the neighbouring Winchester School of Art campus on the River Park Leisure Centre site. 

 

2.     That the Heads of Terms be agreed as in appendix B of report CAB3324.  The Heads of Terms include a five year long ‘stop date’ during which time the University of Southampton will investigate and obtain planning consent for their proposed development.

 

3.     That the land known as The River Park Leisure Centre, Gordon Road, Winchester, as identified within the red line at Appendix A be disposed, to the University of Southampton on a 150 year ground lease subject wholly to obligations set out in the Agreement for Lease. 

 

4.     That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Asset Management to enter into an Agreement for Lease with the University of Southampton in accordance with the heads of terms. This delegation is subject to agreeing the land price with the University of Southampton in accordance with S123 best consideration provisions and other relevant valuation assumptions.

 

5.     That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Asset Management to enter into a ground Lease with the University of Southampton for the disposal of the land (identified as outlined in red in appendix A of CAB3324), such lease to be in accordance with the above-mentioned Agreement for Lease. Disposal is subject to a 150 year Ground Lease to the university, and payment of a capital sum by the university to the council. The capital sum for the disposal is to be calculated having regard to S123 best consideration provisions and other relevant valuation assumptions.

 

6.     That the completion of the Agreement for Lease and the ground Lease, and any relevant ancillary agreements as are necessary to implement the recommendations above be delegated to the Service Lead Legal. 

Minutes:

 

Councillor Learney introduced the report, highlighting that the future use of the site was limited by legal covenants, the ground conditions and the resources available to the council.  The proposed lease would not compromise the permeability of the park, all existing outdoor sporting facilities would be unaffected and the Indoor Bowls club could continue.

 

The proposal had been received from the University of Southampton and matched well with the council’s own aspirations.  She welcomed Richard Middleton (University of Southampton) and Professor Larry Lynch (Winchester School of Art) who were both present at the meeting and provided further details, including emphasising that further consultation would be undertaken with local residents and other interested parties and organisations.

 

 

Five representations were made during public participation as summarised briefly below.

 

Esme Holding

Spoke in opposition to the proposals as a member of the campaign group for a new Winchester lido and emphasised that the related petition was still live and had received over 3,000 signatures.  Expressed concern on a number of matters including the lack of consultation, whether new facilities would be open to the public and the impact of additional students on housing in Winchester.

 

Richard Lindley

Spoke in support of the University suggestion that the development might include a new auditorium which might be available for use by local musical groups, such as choirs and orchestras.  Believed that there would be considerable demand as there was a shortage of suitable alternative venues in the area.  Offered to be involved in future consultation on this possibility.

 

Kim Gottlieb

Was disappointed his request for the legal advice on procurement had been refused.  Expressed concern that the council was only dealing with one bidder and that the current proposal was at risk of future judicial review because of issues regarding the procurement and best consideration.  He believed that the five year exclusivity agreement gave the University too much power and was not necessary.  Believed that no meaningful public consultation had been undertaken.  Requested that the proposal be deferred.

 

Rose Burns

Emphasised the legal restricted covenant on the land and that before any lease could be agreed, the Council must appropriate the site and follow the relevant statutory procedures.  She considered that the proposal did not accord with the required statutory process, drew attention to report CAB3190 which had previously considered the future uses of the RPLC site and requested that the current proposal be halted.

 

Sam Feltham

Spoke as the author of a new online petition which called for the proposal to be paused to enable a six month public consultation to be undertaken.  Believed that the proposal was being rushed through and there was a moral duty to consult.  Suggested that after the six month consultation asking for alternative suggestions for the area (including the University proposal), residents could vote on their preferred scheme.

 

 

 

 

 

At the invitation of the Chairperson, Councillors Becker, Radcliffe and Godfrey addressed the meeting as summarised briefly below.

 

Councillor Becker

Speaking on behalf of the ward councillors for St Bartholomew  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6


 

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