Hampshire County Council

Executive Member for Policy and Resources Item 18

23 July 2008

The Rookwood Centre, Off Penshurst Way, Eastleigh

Report of the Acting Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

(Summary of an EXEMPT decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

a) That approval be given to the principle of a land and property exchange between the County Council and Eastleigh College including County Council owned Rookwood Centre, and the College owned Desborough and Cranbury Campuses; and

b) the Acting Director of Property Business and Regulatory Services (Interim Head of Estates) be given delegated authority to settle terms and conditions.

2

Reason

2.1

The proposed exchange of land and buildings will enable Eastleigh College to provide a new Post 16 facility to teach practical skills. The County Council will secure alternative premises that are larger and better located for office use, and will resolve a difficulty over the future use of surplus land at The Rookwood Centre.

2.2

The proposed exchange supports the Corporate Priorities of maximising wellbeing, by providing improved educational premises for Eastleigh College, enabling services to be offered in better accommodation, and of enhancing our quality of place by proposing a continued educational use of the former Rookwood School, thus overcoming local concerns about residential development within the surplus land.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

Continued use of the building in its current format with disposal of the adjoining surplus land for residential development. This has been rejected due to strong local opposition and because of access and planning issues.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted - None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - None