The move follows months of legal discussions between the lessee and council, which owns the building.
A decision by the council to take back the property was made this afternoon at a special policy and resources committee (May 30). The authority will accept the lessee’s offer to vacate the property in return for an undisclosed financial settlement.
It would mean the Lido being handed back to the council with immediate effect.
The move follows a lengthy campaign for the lease to be relinquished, by residents concerned at the deteriorating fabric of the building and its opening times.
Legal processes underway will result in the Lido not being immediately open. However the council is exploring possible temporary arrangements to ensure access is available as soon as possible. The library and community centre on the site will not be affected.
In the longer term the council is likely to put the facility out to tender, seeking either a new lessee with obligations to ensure the building and pool are well maintained and regularly opened, or a contractor prepared to provide services to an agreed specification.
Councillor in charge of economic development and culture Geoffrey Bowden said: “I was determined to find a solution to this longstanding issue and am very pleased that we have. It was a very complicated matter, which has been resolved through the dogged determination of dedicated officers working carefully within the constraints of the law and recognising the rights of all sides at all times. Local residents have demonstrated the depth of affection there is for this iconic 1930s building. Now that the building is about to be handed back to the council, we will be working with the community to find the best way to ensure that this beautiful seaside Lido can be maintained and kept accessible for local people.”
The change is still subject to legal agreement between the two parties.
No comments:
Post a Comment
In event of difficulty in adding comment, email:- quedula@gmail.com