Decision - Housing Management Repairs, Refurbishment & Improvement Strategic Partnership Super Centre Proposal

Seeking approval for the Council and Mears Ltd to proceed with establishing a new depot for the delivery of the new housing repairs and improvement partnership.

(1)         That Cabinet gives authorisation for the council to take a lease for 20 years of Unit 1, Fairway Trading Estate, Eastergate Road, Brighton subject to agreement of detailed terms to be approved by the Director of Finance & Resources.

(2)         That Cabinet gives approval for the funding of the refurbishment costs of the Super Centre from HRA general reserves as set out in paragraph 3.11.

To gain Cabinet approval to move forward with lease and refurbishment of the proposed super centre for the Housing Management Repairs, Refurbishment and Improvement Strategic Partnership.

Options for Mears to lease or for the council buy the building have been investigated.  The council has taken the decision to directly lease the building for a number of reasons including the fact that this gives the council control over the building for the next 20 years.  The council will therefore be able to continue to provide services from it if there is a change in partner in the future.