To consider future lease arrangements in relation to the former Hereford United Football Club ground and of land at ground ends.

(a)  the cabinet member contracts and assets be authorised (following consultation with the leader of the council) to seek a new football tenant for the pitch (and such ancillary sports related facilities as he considers appropriate) at the Edgar Street athletics ground through an open public advertisement process and consultation with parties likely to be affected by the decision including as a minimum the Hereford United Supporters’ Trust, the Football Association and Sport England);

(b)  the director for economy, communities and corporate be authorised (following consultation with the assistant director, governance) to grant an initial short term lease to the new football tenant on such terms as are appropriate to protect the council and the use of the ground; and

(c)  the director for economy, communities and corporate submit a further report to Cabinet to recommend longer term arrangements.

1              The premises are now vacant and constitute a liability to the council.

2              The council have identified no operational use for the premises.

1              Seek to dispose of the council’s freehold interest in the asset.  This would not be in the council’s best interest in the short term as the asset has significant long term value which may be compromised by a freehold disposal at this time and in its present form.

2              Seek to relocate the sports facility having due regard for viable alternatives.  This may be a long term option but would need significant consultation and evaluation before any decision is contemplated.