Issue - meetings

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Evelyn Archer)

Report to follow. 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Evelyn Archer)

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) submitted a report that considered the details for the land transactions associated with proposals by Morecambe Football Club (MFC) to redevelop land at Westgate, Morecambe for a new stadium and ancillary facilities.  It was noted that Appendix A to the report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows: 

Option 1 – To approve the completion of a Development Agreement.  This will enable the disposal of land to take place at Westgate to facilitate the construction of a new stadium for MFC, whilst also providing updated facilities for Westgate Wanderers Football Club (WWFC).  The proposals would still be subject to various planning permissions being obtained and whilst this is a risk, it is reflected in the Development Agreement so that if permission is not obtained the Westgate land would remain with the City Council.  In addition there remains the need to receive written confirmation of the proposals from the National Playing Field Association. This option does however potentially secure the futures of both Morecambe FC and Westgate Wanderers, and would result in a capital receipt to the Council.

Option 2 – do nothing.  This would result in MFC remaining in their current facilities at Christie Park and the reduction of benefits to the local community. As in option 1, this would leave the Council with the potential for a future capital receipt, but in the meantime, Westgate Wanderers would be unaffected and the Council’s rental income would remain.

The preferred officer option was option 1 as this would give the opportunity to improve the futures of both Morecambe FC and Westgate Wanderers whilst also providing the Council with a capital receipt. 

It was moved by Councillor Roger Mace and seconded by Councillor David Kerr: -

“(1)   Cabinet recognises that decisions about the financing of the Club, its location, and all other aspects of the future of the Club are the responsibility of the Club and are in some respects the responsibility of the Club in conjunction with the Christie trustees. 

(2)     Cabinet does not seek to influence the decisions of the Club or Christie trustees but confirms its decision at Cabinet on 24^th July, 2007, including the requirement that an area of public open space be incorporated into the scheme at Westgate. 

(3)     Cabinet notes the intention of the Christie trustees to apply to the High Court and (a) subject to the approval of the High Court to the transactions that are proposed to be entered into by the Christie trustees, and (b) subject also to the confirmation by the National Playing Fields Association of the proposals for the relocation of Westgate Wanderers, Cabinet agrees to recommendations (4), (5) and (6) below. 

(4)     As Officer recommendation (1) on the supplementary agenda, as follows: 

That approval is given to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 146

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Evelyn Archer)

Report of the Corporate Director (Finance and Performance). 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Evelyn Archer)

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) submitted a report that gave consideration to the details for Morecambe Football Club to redevelop land at Westgate, Morecambe for a new stadium and ancillary facilities, including the need for land disposals. 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows: 

Option 1 – to proceed with the negotiations with Morecambe Football Club to sell the land at Westgate, subject to the provision of alternative facilities for Westgate Wanderers. This would be subject to a full set of Heads of Terms being provided to Cabinet to provide the basis of a development agreement. It is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure the agreement of all parties and there is a risk that the transactions may not proceed. This option does, however, potentially secure the futures of both Morecambe FC and Westgate Wanderers, and would result in a capital receipt to the Council.  If this is the preferred option chosen by Cabinet Members are asked to refer to the exempt report. 

Option 2 – do nothing. This would result in Morecambe FC remaining in their current facilities at Christie Park and the reduction of benefits to the local community. As in option 1, this would leave the Council with the potential for a future capital receipt, but in the meantime, Westgate Wanderers would be unaffected and the Council’s rental income would remain. 

The preferred officer option was option 1 as this would give the opportunity to improve the futures of both Morecambe FC and Westgate Wanderers, whilst also providing the Council with a capital receipt. 

(The meeting adjourned at 2.30 p.m. and re-convened at 2.40 p.m).

It was moved by Councillor Roger Mace and seconded by Councillor Evelyn Archer: -

“That the resolution passed at Cabinet on 24^th July 2007 be confirmed, which facilitates negotiation between the parties to draw up a detailed proposal and Cabinet further resolves: 

(1)     That any disposal of City Council land negotiated as part of the proposal be at full value. 

(2)     That the Trustees of Christie Park be included in the discussions. 

(3)     That the County Council and Ward Councillors be included in the discussions with regard to any relocation of Westgate Wanderers.” 

Members then voted as follows. 

Resolved:

(9 Members voted in favour (Councillors Evelyn Archer, June Ashworth, Jon Barry, Eileen Blamire, Abbott Bryning, John Gilbert, David Kerr, Roger Mace and Maia Whitelegg) and 1 Member abstained from voting (Councillor Tony Johnson) 

That the resolution passed at Cabinet on 24^th July 2007 be confirmed, which facilitates negotiation between the parties to draw up a detailed proposal and Cabinet further resolves:

(1)     That any disposal of City Council land negotiated as part of the proposal be at full value. 

(2)     That the Trustees of Christie Park be included in the discussions. 

(3)     That the County Council and Ward Councillors be included in the discussions with regard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109