Decision details

Matter for Decision:  

The City Council is developing a new multi-use community facility, with partners, at Clay Farm. It is due to open in 2015.

The report recommended that, subject to finalising appropriate legal agreements and agreeing appropriate financial arrangements with partners, the City Council and County Council should set up a management company to run the new centre.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Wellbeing:

The Executive Councillor resolved that:

       i.          The decision to complete appropriate legal agreements and set up a management company, with the County Council, to run the planned Clay Farm Multi-use Centre was delegated to the Director of Customer and Community Services, subject to:

a)   Agreement of lease arrangements and financial contributions with partners.

b)   Prior consultation with the Head of Finance, Head of Legal Services, Executive Councillor and Spokes for Community Well-being and Chair of Community Services Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for the Decision:

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The idea of a management company evolved from a stakeholder event including residents and to consider shared operational needs in November 2012. The main message from this event was that stakeholders wanted the centre to be seen as a unified facility and not just a collection of different services.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The Committee received a report from the Head of Community Development regarding the Clay Farm Multi Use Centre Management Proposal.

Members queried the composition of the planned management structure and were satisfied that proposals would ensure a robust Board with a range of experience. The Director of Customer and Community Services confirmed that the City Council would maintain a controlling interest in the Board.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.

Update on Delegation 24 July 2015:

The Legal Agreement has been set up between the City Council (“City”) and the County Council (“County”) to create a company limited by guarantee to manage, maintain and provide services to the Clay Farm Community Centre.