Agenda item

This paper sets out the Council’s proposal for a replacement of the Youth and Community Centre within Great Bookham in Mole Valley and to provide housing on the existing site.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee]

RESOLVED:

1. That £2.5m (excl. VAT) of capital funding from the pipeline allocation be agreed for the Corporate Asset Capital Programme Spend for:

·         Feasibility fees up to detailed planning applications for both developments, and

·         The remaining activities relating to delivery/development of the replacement Bookham Youth and Community Centre.

2. It be noted that the Strategic Investment Board will make any future decisions required in respect to the residential development on Site 1.

3. That approval be given to procure the appropriate supply chain partners to enable delivery of all services and works associated with the above recommendations, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders.

4. With regard to procurement of supply chain partners, it be agreed that, within the +/-5% budgetary tolerance level, the Executive Director Resources and Director of Land & Property are authorised to award such contracts in consultation with the Leader.

Reason for Decision:

• The proposals will provide a modern, flexible, and accessible multi-use space to meet local community requirements, including Early Years provision and also accommodation designed for the provision of youth work by an external provider
• The space will enable the use by other external operators providing and promoting active and healthy lifestyles
• Releasing an existing asset for other uses and delivers the Asset and Place Strategy
• Delivers the Greener Future agenda through efficient construction
• Capital receipt from residential sales providing capital investment into Council-owned asset
• Reduces reactive maintenance costs by providing a new modern and compliant facility
• The scheme will deliver much needed residential accommodation
• The proposal will improve the quality of resident’s lives and community provisions within Bookham

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee]

The report was introduced by the Leader. The paper sets out the council’s proposal for a replacement of the Youth and Community Centre within Great Bookham in Mole Valley and to provide housing on the existing site. The existing site was well used by the community. The re-provision of Bookham Youth Centre will provide an improved multi-purpose community building, invest in a Council owned asset for much needed housing and support the 2030 Community Vision for Surrey. There were two sites in question with Site 2 being the preferred option for the council although this was subject to planning consent which it was hoped would be approved by Mole Valley planning committee at their forthcoming meeting.

The local member, Ms Clare Curran spoke on the item thanking officers, the Leader and Mr Mel Few for bringing this project forward over many years. Although Site 2 is the preferred option for the council it was also the preferred option for the community. The alternative Site 1 was also viable. The local member explained that many community stakeholders supported the project and read statements from the Bookham Residents Association, Bookham Youth and Community Association and the Leatherhead Youth Project all whom supported the project for a new youth and community centre.

It was explained that from 08 March, Surrey Clubs for young people would take over the management of 10 out of the 11 youth centres in Surrey. The council would retain the ownership of the properties and maintain the properties.

RESOLVED:

1. That £2.5m (excl. VAT) of capital funding from the pipeline allocation be agreed for the Corporate Asset Capital Programme Spend for:

·         Feasibility fees up to detailed planning applications for both developments, and

·         The remaining activities relating to delivery/development of the replacement Bookham Youth and Community Centre.

2. It be noted that the Strategic Investment Board will make any future decisions required in respect to the residential development on Site 1.

3. That approval be given to procure the appropriate supply chain partners to enable delivery of all services and works associated with the above recommendations, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders.

4. With regard to procurement of supply chain partners, it be agreed that, within the +/-5% budgetary tolerance level, the Executive Director Resources and Director of Land & Property are authorised to award such contracts in consultation with the Leader.

Reason for Decision:

• The proposals will provide a modern, flexible, and accessible multi-use space to meet local community requirements, including Early Years provision and also accommodation designed for the provision of youth work by an external provider
• The space will enable the use by other external operators providing and promoting active and healthy lifestyles
• Releasing an existing asset for other uses and delivers the Asset and Place Strategy
• Delivers the Greener Future agenda through efficient construction
• Capital receipt from residential sales providing capital investment into Council-owned asset
• Reduces reactive maintenance costs by providing a new modern and compliant facility
• The scheme will deliver much needed residential accommodation
• The proposal will improve the quality of resident’s lives and community provisions within Bookham

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee]