Agenda item

Councillor Larratt presented a report to Council which sought approval for the transfer of assets from Northampton Borough Council to the new town and parish councils, including a long-term lease of the Guildhall to Northampton Town Council. He noted that a revised report had been circulated amongst Members prior to the meeting.

Councillor Birch commented that the Guildhall would remain a centrepiece of the town as well as the town council’s headquarters and noted its significance, both historically and personally to the people of Northampton.

Councillor Stone echoed comments made by Councillor Birch around the importance of keeping the Guildhall in the possession of the new town council and reiterated her point that the people of Northampton were best placed to deal with Northampton-specific issues.

Councillor B Markham advised that the amendments made to the report were essential and he was happy to support the recommendations now that these amendments had been made.

Councillor Roberts asked for clarity around what the report enabled town and parish councils to do.

Councillor Meredith voiced his support for the report and commented that it was important to secure the Guildhall for the benefit of residents.

Councillor Nunn seconded the report and commented that the new town council would be provided with all of the costs associated with running the Guildhall and it would be for the town council to decide whether it chose to take it on.

RESOLVED:

 1. Guildhall

·       The old part of the Guildhall (Town Hall) is the recommended headquarters for Northampton Town Council.

·       The tenure recommended is to be a long leasehold let on an internal repairing basis.

·       The recommended rent is a peppercorn but the costs for maintenance and services will be recharged based on a fair proportion.

·       The lease is subject to detailed negotiations between the Town Council and the West Northampton Unitary Council to agree the exact terms, including for instance defining the common parts, service charge services, any break options, etc.

·       Both parties to pay their own professional fees including legal costs.

2. Far Cotton Recreation Centre and Playing Field

·       The recommended headquarters for the Parish Council is space in Far Cotton Recreational Centre.

·       The property is let with rental income generated for Northampton Borough Council; this will pass to West Northamptonshire Unitary Council.

·       It is recommended that the Parish enters into negotiations with West Northampton Unitary Council to transfer the recreational centre and playing field from the Unitary to the Parish.

·       Any transfer would be subject to detailed negotiations between the Community Council and the West Northampton Unitary Council to agree the exact terms.

·       Both parties to pay their own professional fees including legal costs.

3. Kingsthorpe Community Centre and the Pastures Community Centre

·       It is recommended that the Parish will use space in both of these Centres, which are let to community organisations on internal leases.

·       It is recommended that the Parish enters into negotiations with West Northampton Unitary Council to transfer these community centres from the Unitary to the Parish.

·       Any transfer would be subject to detailed negotiations between the Parish Council and the West Northampton Unitary Council to agree the exact terms.

·       Both parties to pay their own professional fees including legal costs

4. This is an enabling measure which has to be agreed to allow the transfer of assets, if that is what the Community and Parish Councils of Far Cotton & Delapre and Kingsthorpe and the Northampton Town Council choose. It is not a commitment to transfer. Commitment to transfer will be the second step.  

This will be the decision of the Community, Parish and Town Councils,  whereupon more detailed work will be conducted by them, looking at feasibility, governance and cost.