Issue - meetings

Reporting Person – Ray Morgan

The Executive received a report which set out proposals to allow Old Woking Community Centre to grant an under-lease to Woking College of part of the Community Centre building until 28 September 2060.  It was explained that the development work proposed in the report would enhance the Community Centre and improve the facilities for both the College and the community.  It was noted that, during the Coronavirus crisis, the College had been using parts of the Centre to manage social distancing requirements and both parties had agreed to seek a more formal arrangement.

The proposed funding arrangements were discussed.  The Chief Executive explained that the College had used some funding on 3G pitches which had been specifically earmarked for recreation.  It was noted that the Council held Section 106 funds which were for the benefit of education, and that it would be necessary for the developer of Kingsmoor to consent to the use of its Section 106 education contribution.  The Executive agreed to add an additional resolve in order to provide more certainty given the Council’s current financial position.  A new resolve (vi) to read “the Director of Finance to be satisfied that the Community Infrastructure Levy funds are available to be released before construction commences”.

The Executive was advised that Woking College was still pursuing finance through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for additional classrooms on its site.

RESOLVED

That  (i)    Old Woking Community Centre be authorised, under the Council’s Ground Lease, to grant an under-lease of part of the site and buildings to Woking College;

          (ii)   the Council implement the improvements and alterations to Old Woking Community Centre at a total cost of £2.9m;

          (iii)  the project be financed by £1.3m from Section 106, £1.2m from Community Infrastructure Levy and £0.4m from Woking College;

          (iv)  resolutions (i) to (iii) above are conditional upon the Education and Skills Funding Agency authorising Woking College to enter into this transaction;

          (v)   resolutions (i) to (iii) above are conditional upon the developer of Kingsmoor consenting to the use of its Section 106 education contribution for this purpose; and

          (vi)  the Director of Finance to be satisfied that the Community Infrastructure Levy funds are available to be released before construction commences.

Reason:   To support Woking College to meet the increased demand from young people to attend the College.