Archived decisions

Decision Maker:

The Executive Member for Policy and Resources

Date of Decision:

29 January 2009

Decision Title:

The Rookwood Centre

Decision Reference:

479

Report From:

The Acting Director of Property, Business & Regulatory Services

(Summary of an Exempt Decision)

Contact name:

Gary Carroll

Tel:

01962 846568

Email:

[email protected]

1) Summary

The following decisions were made:

1.1. Disposal of The Rookwood Centre, Eastleigh to Eastleigh College on the basis set out in the report.

1.2. Acquisition of approximately 0.04ha (0.1ac) of land adjoining Cherbourg Primary School, Eastleigh, from Eastleigh College on the basis set out in the report.

1.3. The Acting Director of Property Business and Regulatory Services (Interim Head of Estates) be given delegated authority to settle detailed terms and conditions of the sale and acquisition.

2) Reasons for the decision

2.1. The proposed disposal of The Rookwood Centre will enable Eastleigh College to provide a new Post -16 and adult education facility to teach practical skills. The County Council will secure a capital receipt and the sale.

2.2. The proposed disposal supports Corporate Priorities of maximising wellbeing, by providing improved educational premises for Eastleigh College, and a continued educational use of the former Rookwood School. The existing Children's Services occupiers (The County Music Service and Youth Service) will be relocated.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1: Continued use of the building, potentially on a more intensive flexible working basis, with disposal of the adjoining surplus land for residential development.

There is local opposition to the office use of the building and to residential development because of access and planning issues.

3.2. Option 2: A land exchange with Eastleigh College.

The properties offered by the College in exchange will be expensive to convert and unlikely to provide a permanent solution to the County Council's accommodation needs under the Hampshire Workstyles Models.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker:

None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted:

None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent :

None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

Approved by:

___________________________________

Date:

29 January 2009

Executive Member for Policy & Resources

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE