Southbourne day centre gets 25-year lease to allow for refurbishment
A 25-year lease with no rent is being given to Southbourne and District Age Concern to allow its day centre to be refurbished.
West Sussex County Council owns the freehold estate of the day centre in New Road, Southbourne, which has been leased to Age Concern since 1978 and includes Southbourne Men’s Shed.
A report by the council said: “Given a number of unique circumstances, this property has been identified as suitable for a Community Asset Transfer to the same organisation.”
“The buildings on site are now in a very poor condition requiring refurbishment or redevelopment. Age Concern have for some time been exploring options to fund the refurbishments needed or to identify a replacement building. Working with Chichester District Council, Age Concern have now identified S106 funds which they advise can be drawn down if the organisation enters into a lease of a sufficient term to satisfy the provisions of the funding.
“It has been decided that due to the condition of the property, requiring considerable investment, the opportunity for S106 funding to refurbish the property, the long term history of community use and the considerable community interest registered during discussions, that this property is suitable as a potential Community Asset Transfer by way of the grant of a 25-year lease.
“The County Council supports the principle of the transfer of community assets in order to empower and strengthen local communities. The Council believes that transferring appropriate public assets to communities leads to more responsive services that better meet local people’s priorities.
“Transfer of an asset can also provide the opportunity to channel more resources into a community and provide a more accessible and responsive base from which to deliver local services, in this case S106 funding to refurbish the property.”
The council’s Service Director (Property and Assets) is to negotiate, agree and conclude the terms of the lease.