The Executive has decided to approve the lease agreement and commence construction of a Community Centre in Nunthorpe.

URL: https://moderngov.middlesbrough.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=440

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To provide Executive with an update on the development of the new Nunthorpe Community Facility, provide details of the proposed lease agreement with Nunthorpe Parish Council, and to seek approval to proceed to construction.

Content: The Executive Member for Development submitted a report for Executive consideration the purpose of which sought Executive approval for the proposed terms of the lease agreement and the commencement of construction of the Community Centre.   In 2024, Executive considered the Developing a new Nunthorpe Community Facility report that provided an update on the progress on the scheme. That report stated that an option appraisal had been undertaken, which identified the most appropriate location for the Community Centre as being the Council owned land adjacent to Nunthorpe Surgery on Stokesley Road. That report further advised that a consortium led by Nunthorpe Parish Council with Nunthorpe Community Council and the Nunthorpe Institute had been identified as the preferred operator of the Community Centre following a formal selection process.   Since the appointment of the Management Consortium several workshops had been held with Council officers to agree minor variations from the layout that was used during the option appraisal process to identify the preferred operator. The variations permitted were limited to maintain the integrity of the option appraisal process. A detailed planning application was submitted in March 2025 for the construction of a single-story building using traditional methods of construction and associated external works comprising car parking, footpaths and minimal landscaping. The building would have two multi-purpose activity rooms, toilets, stores, kitchen and office space access from a central circulation area. The proposed layout and elevation plans were attached as Appendices one and two of the report.   A detailed planning application was heard at Planning Committee on 3 July 2025 and Members approved the development in line with the officer recommendation.   The Executive Member proposed an amendment to the recommendations of the report, specifically recommendation C. The proposed amendment included the Executive Member for Development as part of the delegation for variations between Heads of Terms and the main lease.   OPTIONS   An option appraisal was previously undertaken, which considered an alternative site for the Community Centre, but Stokesley Road was identified as the preferred location.   Expressions of interest were also sought to identify a preferred management organisation. Three organisations submitted business cases, which were scored against pre-determined scoring criteria, with the consortium led by Nunthorpe Parish Council with Nunthorpe Community Council and the Nunthorpe Institute being identified as the preferred operator. The scheme had now been submitted for Planning Approval, and the tenders had been returned, but Executive could determine not to approve the start of construction of the Community Centre.   Failure to proceed with the construction of the Community Facility would not meet the identified needs of the Nunthorpe community and would be a reputational risk for the Council.   ORDERED that Executive   Approve the proposed amendment to recommendation C. Approve the proposed terms of the 25-year lease agreement with a consortium led by Nunthorpe Parish Council for the management of the facility. Approves the authority to enter contracts and commence construction of the Community Centre; and, Delegates authority for the Director of Regeneration, Section 151 Officer and Executive Member for Development to jointly agree any variations between the Heads of Terms and the main lease.   REASONS   The planning application for the Community Centre scheme was submitted in March 2025 in accordance with the recommendations of the Developing a new Nunthorpe Community Facility report that was approved on the 22 May 2024.  

Date of Decision: July 16, 2025