The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Built Environment which provided details of the tenders received as a result of the marketing exercise for the sale of the Council’s freehold interest in the former Birkdale Library Liverpool Road, Birkdale.
Decision Made:
That:
(1) subject to the receipt of planning permission, approval be given to the Council disposing of its freehold interest in the former Birkdale Library to the tenderer submitting the most advantageous bid, as detailed in Appendix 1, on the terms set out in the report; and
(2) the Head of Regulation and Compliance be authorised to prepare the necessary legal documentation on the terms and conditions detailed in the tender documents, by way of a Building Lease followed by Conveyance of the freehold interest, or an appropriate alternative means of Transfer, if required.
Reasons for Decision:
Birkdale Library was declared surplus to operational requirements and the premises closed in December 2013. The premises were included in the Council’s Asset Disposal Programme for 2015/16. Disposal would bring the premises into productive use and relieve the Council of an ongoing liability. The premises were registered as an Asset of Community Value so the obligations contained in the Localism Act legislation need to be followed by the Council.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
The Council could retain the premises and continue to incur the holding costs.