Council to grant lease for Bushfield Leisure Centre and playing fields to pass on 'significant investment' required in building
Peterborough City Council is set to grant a 35-year lease for Bushfield Pavilion and Playing Fields to pass on the costs of ‘significant investments’ required at the site.
A proposal has been put to Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet to grant a 35-year lease to Parkside Hub CIC.
The proposal states that the granting of the lease presents “an opportunity to secure the long-term future of the facility while protecting public access and reducing financial pressures on the council.”
Independent surveys have identified the need for ‘significant investment’ in the pavilion.
Under the terms of the agreement, the council would retain ownership of the asset but transfer responsibility for repairs, maintenance and future lifecycle investment to Parkside CIC.
In return for taking on the repairs and maintenance costs, the council will grant the CIC a a five-year rent-free period.
A separate lease agreement will be drawn up for the playing fields, one that will ensure unrestricted public access to them will be retained.
The report states: “The council has historically retained responsibility for repair, maintenance and lifecycle investment in the pavilion whilst maintaining unrestricted public access to the adjoining playing fields.
"The existing arrangements no longer represent the most effective means of managing the asset. Independent condition surveys have identified significant immediate repair requirements together with substantial future lifecycle
investment liabilities. Without intervention, the council will remain responsible for increasing revenue and capital expenditure associated with the building.
"The proposed tenant has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the management and operation of the facility and wishes to invest in its long-term improvement.”
The plans will be discussed by the city council’s cabinet, which meets on Tuesday (July 21, 4pm).