URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5012

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 5.1 The Executive Director City Futures submitted a report that sought authority for Sheffield City Council to purchase the freehold of 517 Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, Sheffield, S36 1DH (the Property) at the request of the Stocksbridge Towns Deal Board (the Board) using grant monies paid to the Town Fund.   The report also sought approval for Sheffield City Council to retain legal ownership and responsibility for the Property until it could be transferred to a new charity which the Board intend to set up (Proposed New Charity) for nil consideration or, in the event of this not being possible, sold on the open market.      5.2 RESOLVED: That the Finance and Performance Policy Committee:-   (a)  notes that liability will be retained by the Council for the running and other associated costs in respect of the Property after completion of the purchase until it is transferred to the Proposed New Charity or sold on the open market;   (b)  notes that the first £20,000.00 of running costs only is guaranteed to be reimbursed by the Towns Fund, with any additional amounts being subject to further Board and Committee approval, with the Council retaining liability if such approval is not obtained; and   (c)  grants authority for the Council to purchase the Property at the request of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board using monies from the Towns Fund.   (NOTE: The result of the vote was FOR – 4 Members; AGAINST – 1 Member (Councillor Douglas Johnson); ABSTENTIONS – 2 Members (Councillor Angela Argenzio and Councillor Jack Byrom).     5.3 Reasons for Decision     5.3.1 The Council will have preserved the opportunity for the Board to ultimately own the Property and fulfil its wider objectives to the Stocksbridge area as set out above. If the Council does not purchase the Property, there is the risk that the Property will be left empty to deteriorate or redeveloped and used for other, less favourable purposes.     5.3.2 By acquiring the Property, the Council will also have provided the Board with further time to formally establish and register the Proposed New Charity with the Charity Commission and to submit a detailed delivery plan and business case to the Council for the refurbishment of the Property and its long term operation in conjunction with the adjacent new 519 Community Hub Building. It will also potentially enable them to become the owner of the Property by way of freehold transfer or lease.     5.3.3 The Council have also considered the long-term strategy to deal with circumstances where the New Proposed Charity cannot be established and the resulting implications.     5.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     5.4.1 Do Nothing – Not to step in and acquire the Property within the deadline set by the owner.   If the Council do not step in acquire the Property, then there is the risk that the owner will take the Property off the market and the opportunity will be lost.   The Property could then potentially either sit vacant and decaying and/or be used for inappropriate or underperforming uses that will negatively affect the Board’s wider strategic, economic and financial aspirations for this prominent shopping area in Stocksbridge.  

Date of Decision: June 22, 2026