Issue - meetings

To consider a report about Block C.

This report was considered by the Scrutiny Commission on 8 November. An extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.

Consideration was given to a report which recommended marketing Block C of the Crescent. Members were reminded that the council had purchased Block C to ensure the scheme remained viable and had intended to sell the site once the development was completed and that the units would benefit from being owned by a specialist commercial entity.

At this juncture, it having reached 9.30pm, it was moved by Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Allen and

RESOLVED – the meeting be permitted to continue after 9.30pm to conclusion of business to be transacted.

In returning to the discussion on Block C, members were reassured that Cineworld had signed a 25 year lease so would continue to operate on the site irrespective of who owned the site, and moreover the company had confirmed that they were trading well. Furthermore, it was felt that the running of retail centres was not the core business of the council and more specialist companies, who had experience of running retail and entertainment centres, would be sought through the sale. Reassurance was provided that the sale would not diminish the council’s commitment to Hinckley town centre.

It was moved by Councillor Ladkin and seconded by Councillor Allen that option 3 be the preferred option.

Councillor Bray, along with five other members, requested that voting on the motion be recorded. The vote was taken as follows:

Councillors Allen, Bessant, Cook, Hall, Kirby, Ladkin, MacDonald, Morrell, Nickerson, Roberts, Smith, Surtees, Sutton, Ward and Williams voted FOR the motion (15);

Councillors Bill, Bray, Cartwright, D Cope; G Cope, Crooks, Hodgkins, Hollick, Lynch, Nichols and Witherford voted AGAINST the motion (11).

The motion was therefore declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – Option 3 be approved for the marketing and sale of Block C and use of the receipt to fund new projects in the borough.

Members were reminded that the report, having been taken in private session, remained private due to the need to protect the authority’s commercial interests as there was detailed financial information contained within the report. In response to concerns that the disclosure of the resolution was in the public interest and would not normally be clearly stated in the minutes when resolved in private session, the Leader agreed that a press release would be issued the same week to ensure the decision was publicly available.

Members received a report on Block C of the Crescent.

RESOLVED – option 3 be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council.

Councillor Bill wished it to be recorded that he did not support option 3.