Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet has discussed ownership of Lutterell Hall in West Bridgford and has been exploring lease agreements with up to three community organisations whilst maintaining public use of the venue.
The decision was put to the vote on Tuesday 10 March at a Borough Council Cabinet meeting.
The vote:
Approves, subject to agreement of detailed lease terms and due diligence, entering into a lease agreement with a community organisation to manage Lutterell Hall with either:
a. One of the shortlisted community groups who submitted an Expression of Interest, or
b. A combination of the three via an appropriate management company.
Helen Coffey who operates St Giles playgroup from the hall said: “St Giles Preschool staff and parents are delighted that after almost nine months of discussions and consultations Rushcliffe Borough Council Cabinet have voted on moving forward with discussions to retain ownership of Lutterell Hall.
“Plans include exploring lease agreements with up to two community groups whilst keeping it for community use.
“All interested community groups are keen to work with our preschool and keep us at Lutterell Hall, which will ensure security for the future of the Preschool.
“We want to thank all the parents, carers, members of the public, Ruth Edwards MP and particularly the Friends of Lutterell Hall for the huge amount of support and passion you have shown for retaining this building and for saving our preschool.”
There will be a 12-month transition period until April 2021, during which time RBC and the community groups will work together on a plan.
The pre-school hires the hall every weekday morning during term-time, offering a flexible service as an alternative to a private nursery.
St Giles clearly stated their position that no other venue meets their needs within the local area and if Lutterell Hall was no longer available they would cease to operate.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Simon Robinson, “Following an extensive process of information gathering and consultation, officers carried out an assessment of the expressions of interest received and the options for its future.
“Retaining ownership and entering into a lease agreement with one or more community organisations could best achieve our focus of providing the Hall as an accessible, well used, financially sustainable community facility for local residents.”
The Council owns the Hall which has been managed as a community venue for over 40 years. Usage fell between 2016 and 2019 and combined with the decision of Nottinghamshire Police to market the adjacent Police station for sale, led the authority to consider future options for the site.
Last June Cabinet invited expressions of interest from third parties at the same time Police marketed their plot. The outcome of the public consultation, interest for alterative management and marketing of the site for potential sale have all now concluded.