Issue - meetings

Executive Summary

Following the Cabinet decision 20/01/25 to cease operation of the visitor information provision at the North Norfolk Visitor Centre (NNVC) and advertise it to let.

This report has been prepared to allow Cabinet to review the offers received for the property and make a decision on its future use.

Following advertising of the premises on the open market, eight bids were received for the lease of NNVC.  Due diligence has been undertaken on each of these bids with Proposal 1 being considered to offer the best financial consideration and offers wider social and economic benefits to the district. If Proposal 1 does not progress it is recommended options 2-8 should be reconsidered.

Options considered

A variety of bids with different use options have been received and considered in detail.

1. Proposal 1 (Dentist) outlined in the exempt Appendix A would demonstrate best financial consideration in accordance with s.123 Local Government Act 1972 and is the option recommended by officers

2. The remaining proposals are not considered to present the best financial consideration. They should however be considered in the event that the lease for Proposal 1 is not secured.

An alternative option to dispose of the premises was considered and discounted due to the lettable space forming part of the public convenience which the Council wishes to retain and the potential for the space to generate a good level of rental income.

Consultation(s)

Cllr Lucy Shires - Portfolio Holder for Finance, Estates & Property Services.

Cllr Tim Adams- Leader of the Council - Portfolio Holder for Executive Support & Legal Services.

Tina Stankley- Director for Resources & S151 Officer

Cara Jordan - Monitoring Officer

Steve Blatch – Chief Executive

Recommendations

Resolution for Cabinet to approve:

• Approval to enter into the lease set out Proposal 1 as outlined in the Exempt Appendix A which demonstrates best consideration and in accordance with s123 of the LGA Act 1972, with delegated approval granted to the Asset Strategy Manager to agree the exact terms for the legal agreement.
• Approval to grant delegated approval to the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Estates & Property Services in consultation with The Chief Executive to enter into one of Proposals 2-8 in the event that Proposal 1 does not proceed.

Reasons for recommendations

Leasing the property utilises the space made available by ceasing the tourist information centre provision generating income that can be used to fund Council Services.

Granting delegated approval to the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Estates & Property Services in consultation with The Chief Executive to enter into one of Proposals 2-8 in the event that Proposal 1 does not proceed allows a decision to be made in the event that neither Proposal 1 does not progress to avoid unnecessary delay.

Background papers

NA

Wards affected

Cromer Town being the ward in which the property is located, but the future use has the potential to impact on surrounding wards and the wider district.

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr Lucy Shires

Contact Officer

Milo Creasey (Surveyor)

Renata Garfoot (Estates and Asset Strategy Manager)