Decision details

Report of the Leader of the Council seeking approval for the Council to enter into an option for the sale of the Eastpoint Centre for the purpose of providing Education and Training facilities.

Having complied with paragraph 15 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules:

(i)  To approve the terms of disposal as set out of this report.

(ii)  To delegate the detailed terms of disposal to the Director of Economic Development after consultation with the Head of Property and Procurement and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

1. To bring new training and employment facilities to Southampton.
2. To provide a solution regarding the former Eastpoint Centre and site that has the potential to add to the training provision in the City and may reduce costs to the Council.
3. To further regenerate the Thornhill neighbourhood through external investment.
4. This report is submitted for consideration as a General Exception under paragraph 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the City Council’s Constitution, notice having been given to the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and the Public. In order to secure the completion of the lease and option agreement at the earliest possible date thereby mitigating any void period and potential security and running costs a decision is required as soon as possible and before the publication of the next forward plan.

1. The site has been considered as a residential development site, which remains a viable option, subject to planning permission.  Historically, the site has been a centre for education and training and such continued use will provide benefits to the local and wider community and business (including the new Eastpoint Conference facility), which the alternative option would not.  Whilst there is an operator willing to run a facility it is the preferred option.
2. As the property was to remain vacant pending sale, the Council had agreed the option of demolition and retention of the site until the land value increases. This would keep the site safe and to reduce holding costs.  Provision for demolition has been made within the Leaders Capital programme.  However, these options have a longer implementation period than the preferred option detailed in this report and will not delivery any immediate training benefits
3. A lack of training and employment sites in Southampton means that the proposed disposal would be the preferred option to demolition of the building and its continued use will be advantageous to the local community and local business (including the new Eastpoint Conference facility).