Agenda item - Management of Hove Park 3G Football Facility

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)            That the Committee notes the proposal of the Russell Martin Foundation (Appendix 1) to operate Hove Park’s 3G football facility by way of a commercial lease agreement and further notes that this proposal will be advertised by way of an Open Spaces Notice pursuant to s123 (2) (A) of the Local Government Act 1972;

2)            That the Committee delegates authority  to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Culture, Assistant Director Property & Design and Head of Legal Services to approve detailed lease terms, having taken into consideration any objections or representations received.

64.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture requested approval for the Russell Martin Foundation to operate Hove Park’s new 3G football facility.

64.2      Councillor Bennett stated that as ward councillors for the area, both she and Councillor Brown were very happy with the development of the 3G facility however, they hoped that discussions could continue with the tennis club on a solution that could perhaps consider refurbishment of the tennis court.

64.3      The Chair stated that she had previously given assurance that every effort would be made to find a way forward in relation to the tennis provision at Hove Park and that assurance remained.

64.4      Councillor Littman stated that he was pleased that a non-profit organisation had been chosen to operate the facility and hoped it would be successful and a representative example for the long-term solution of the maintenance and operation of council open spaces.

64.5      Councillor Atkinson stated that the proposal was well-thought through and the Russell Martin Foundation were well respected in the community.

64.6      The Chair noted that recommendation 2.1 required a technical correction to read: “notes that this proposal has been will be advertised by way of an Open Spaces Notice pursuant to s123 (2) (A) of the Local Government Act 1972;”.

64.7      The Committee agreed to the correction.

64.8      RESOLVED-

1)            That the Committee notes the proposal of the Russell Martin Foundation (Appendix 1) to operate Hove Park’s 3G football facility by way of a commercial lease agreement and further notes that this proposal will be advertised by way of an Open Spaces Notice pursuant to s123 (2) (A) of the Local Government Act 1972;

2)            That the Committee delegates authority  to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Culture, Assistant Director Property & Design and Head of Legal Services to approve detailed lease terms, having taken into consideration any objections or representations received.