Decision details

Grand Parade and Undercroft

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The Grand Parade & Undercroft project presents a unique development opportunity for the World Heritage City of Bath.  It represents an opportunity to bring redundant and inefficient space back into use for community and commercial benefit, whilst also creating a new fully accessible destination point for business and tourism.

Decision:

(1) To AGREE that a detailed consultation exercise should be undertaken with key stakeholders and the general public;

(2) To AGREE that a development brief should be produced, taking into account the feedback from the consultation exercise, to enable a development partner to be procured;

(3) To ASK the Chief Property Officer to produce a full viability appraisal and options report on the opportunities under consideration; and

(4) To AGREE that on completion of the above recommendations, if required, a further report will be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

Reasons for the decision:

(1) This project will make an extremely positive contribution to the Council’s priorities by creating a new fully accessible destination point for the City of Bath.  In particular, it will bring redundant and inefficient space back into use for community and commercial benefit.

(2) Before the Council procures a development partner for the project it is essential to consult the key stakeholders and general public on the possible opportunities.  At the same time, the Council needs to understand the legal and planning context of these possible opportunities, plus the likely financial implications.

(3) All of the above information is needed to ensure that Council procures a suitably experienced development partner to deliver a sustainable scheme.

(4) All professional advice has been / will be procured in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules.

Alternative options considered:

None

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Report author: Louise Madden

Publication date: 11/10/2012

Date of decision: 10/10/2012

Decided at meeting: 10/10/2012 - Cabinet

Effective from: 19/10/2012

Accompanying Documents: