Decision details

As part of its capital programme management, in line with the County Council’s West Sussex Asset Management Policy and Strategy, the Council continually reviews its property estate. This includes consideration of assets which are likely to become surplus to operational requirements, i.e. no longer needed. In addition, the Council acquires or develops assets to meet statutory and service requirements as well as the Council’s wider purposes, including investment or to promote social and economic development opportunities. From time to time these activities give rise to decisions to purchase, dispose of or to develop an asset.

The Burgess Hill Growth Deal, signed by the Leaders of the County Council and MSDC, highlights the significance of Burgess Hill as a key growth location in West Sussex. The redevelopment of Burgess Hill Town Centre is a priority in the Growth Deal. Securing the delivery of the project, including the re-location of the library, has been prioritised by the Burgess Hill Development Board, which includes the Leaders of WSCC and MSDC.  This report concerns lease arrangements for a new site for library services in Burgess Hill.

The Cabinet Member has endorsed:

1)   The decision that the County Council enters into an agreement for a new full repairing and insuring lease arrangement, with New River Retail, at an equivalent annual rent to the current lease without the planned rent decrease which was due under the existing lease in 2022, but  otherwise on comparable terms to the existing lease for a new location for the library in Burgess Hillat Unit 2 (being 2A, 2B and 2C), The Martlets, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9NN;

2)   That the County Council enters into an agreement to surrender the existing lease with Mid Sussex District Council of the existing library location at the Burgess Hill Library, The Martlets, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9NN simultaneously with the grant of the new lease; and that

3)   authority is delegated to the Executive Director of Place Services in consultation with the Director of Law and Assurance to conclude the terms of the lease with New River Retail. 

None