Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item

9 December 2004

Former Alton Library

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

(Summary of CONFIDENTIAL decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

That approval be given to:

i) the sale of the former Alton Library site comprising 0.08 ha (0.2 ac) to the preferred developer subject to agreement to further design improvements to the proposed scheme of development and the grant of detailed planning consent.

ii) the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Head of Estates Practice) be authorised to settle the detailed terms of the disposal.

2

Reason

2.1

It is proposed to select a preferred purchaser of this site subject to some required design changes in the interests of providing the highest financial contribution towards the Jewry Street redevelopment proposals whilst also promoting a scheme of design which sits comfortably with the new library building and is capable of achieving planning approval.

2.2

This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy

Aim 1 - Maximising life opportunities by the use of the proceeds of sale contributing towards the funding of the Jewry Street redevelopment proposals, Life Long Learning and a flagship public facility in Winchester

Aim 2 - Stewardship of the environment by a high quality of development to suit the location within the Alton town centre and a conservation area

Aim 5 - Improving services by contributing to continued and enhanced Library facilities in central of Winchester.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

A range of options has been considered following the marketing of this property in accordance with the County Council's Development and Design Brief but it is considered that the offer from the Global Group represents the best outcome having regard to the level of the financial offer, the quality of the design proposals and the potential of the scheme to achieve planning consent.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

None

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor T K Thornber