URL: https://democracy.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=962

Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet.   The Chief Operating Officer has exercised her delegated authority to exchange contract for an agreement for lease (AfL) and Pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) associated with the refurbishment of the former Council depot at Olding Road, Bury St Edmunds, which is owned by West Suffolk Council. 

Content: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet.   The Chief Operating Officer has exercised her delegated authority to exchange contract for an agreement for lease (AfL) and Pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) associated with the refurbishment of the former Council depot at Olding Road, Bury St Edmunds, which is owned by West Suffolk Council.  The Chief Operating Officer has made a decision, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Property, to proceed with the signing of an AfL with a tenant and agreement to alter PCSA fee for the former depot at Olding Road, Bury St Edmunds.   It has been agreed to proceed to exchange contracts with a tenant in respect of agreement for lease, lease and purchase power agreement (PPA) in connection with the former Olding Road depot. Agreement to proceed with the amended PCSA fee (as scheduled in Gateway 1 report). To impose a legal obligation on the tenant to occupy the completed refurbishment on agreed lease terms once the development is completed, which will secure the long-term rental income required to ensure the required initial return on investment is achieved. Agreement to amend the original PCSA fees for the revised scope. This is in line with the business case approved by Council in July 2024 (COU/WS/24/013), and the revised business case submitted for consideration by Cabinet on 16 September 2025 (CAB/WS/25/039). The Council retains the option for long-term redevelopment of the site and develops the site speculatively.

Date of Decision: September 26, 2025