Agenda item

Executive Summary

The refurbishment of The Cedars building formed part of the Historic England North Walsham Heritage Action Zone programme and during the refurbishment phase marketing of the property was undertaken seeking lease proposals as outlined to Cabinet 03 October 2022. 

As refurbishment of The Cedars building is now complete, it is proposed to move forward with a mix of private and public sector lettings as detailed in the exempt Appendix.  Officers will continue with the marketing of the remaining vacant space, through seeking to secure additional tenants.

With The Cedars building refurbishment complete, a further review of the opportunities for other parts of the site continues and an options paper will be prepared once the outcome of Historic England’s Statutory List review, has been completed.

Options considered

1.   Sale of the building – discounted due to grant conditions.

2.   Lease of the whole building to a single occupier – no such interest received

3.   Lease of individual rooms within The Cedars building to multiple occupiers – course of action being taken

A further paper outlining options for the balance of The Cedars site and adjoining land accessed from Hall Lane, to be prepared in due course following Historic England completing a review of the listing of The Cedars property.

Consultation(s)

Consultation will be undertaken with respect to options for the balance of The Cedars site. 

Recommendations

It is recommended that Cabinet:- 

1.    Notes the completion of the refurbishment works to The Cedars building as part of the North Walsham Heritage Action Zone programme. 

2. Confirms the letting of rooms within The Cedars building as detailed in the exempt appendix, with authority delegated to the Asset Strategy Manager to complete the licence agreements, with details of tenants being made public once licences are complete.
3. Requests that the Asset Strategy Manager continues to advertise and seek tenants for the remaining space within the building with delegated authority to agree tenants in consultation with the finance and assets portfolio holder.
4. Receives a further report detailing options for the balance of The Cedars site and adjoining land off Hall Lane to the north once the outcome of the Historic England Statutory List review is known.

Reasons for recommendations

To advise Members of the completion of refurbishment works to The Cedars building as part of the North Walsham Heritage Action Zone Programme and in the sound management of the Council’s property portfolio.

Background papers

Exempt Appendix

Wards affected

North Walsham Market Cross

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr L Shires, Cllr P Heinrich

Contact Officer

Renata Garfoot, Asset Strategy Manager.  Renata.Garfoot@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Links to key documents:

Corporate Plan:          

Our greener future

Investing in our local economy and infrastructure

A strong responsible and accountable Council

Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)                                

The letting of the property will generate rental income that will support the Council in delivery of services to the community. Additional income budgets and expenditure budgets to cover the repairs and maintenance of the property will need to be included in the MTFS going forwards.

Council Policies & Strategies

Asset Management Plan 2018 - 2022

Corporate Governance:

Is this a key decision 

 No