Issue - meetings

The Education Business Manager introduced this report to the Panel. He informed the Panel that there are currently a number of short term, two year contracts with a nursery, GLL (Better) operating the sports centre and Bath Spa University that need to be honoured. He added that the income generated by these current leases can provide resources to ensure safe and secure management of the site giving time to develop a long term plan for the future use of the BCA site. He said that there is considerable interest in the future use and development of the site that could benefit the local community.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked that given the level of interest in this issue, how often the Panel will receive updates.

The Education Business Manager replied that the Panel could be updated on progress every two meetings.

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty asked why a Site Audit would take 10 months.

The Education Business Manager replied that time was needed to assess the condition of all the buildings on site, assess the site for its future capabilities and whether any areas would require demolition.

Councillor Paul May stated that it was key to be transparent on this process.

The Chair agreed and said that the consultation process was therefore very important. She asked whether Ward Councillors would be involved.

The Corporate Director replied that they planned to engage widely on this matter and to be clear of the parameters of what can be done on the site. He said that Ward Councillors would be consulted as part of the process.

Councillor Paul May stated that there was no grand plan at this stage and in response to a question raised at the last Cabinet meeting there is no restricted covenant relating to the site to be used solely for educational purposes.

The Corporate Director added that there is a process to be followed for the site to be released for non-educational use.

The Chair asked when the consultation process is likely to commence.

The Education Business Manager replied that at this stage he would say July 2019.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if assurances can be given that whatever the future use of the site, the current facilities will continue to be available to the community in the longer term. She asked if conversations have taken place with GLL about extending their opening hours to daytime.

The Education Business Manager replied that discussions have taken place and at this stage they cannot commit to extending their opening hours.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

i) Note the planned use of the site for the next 2 years

ii) Note the proposed options and outline timeline to develop a master plan for the future use of the site.