To approve the renovation of the former Shell Store Building for a visitor attraction purpose; to approve a submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the renovation costs; and to approve the bankrolling of any successful HLF bid.

THAT:

(a)       the renovation of the former Shell Store building be approved subject to external funding being secured;

(b)       a funding application be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and

(c)       bankrolling by Herefordshire Council, as accountable body for the funding, of any successful HLF application be approved. 

Although it is not listed the Shell Store building is considered a significant cultural and heritage asset that, when restored, will complement the redevelopment of the North Magazine site within the Hereford Enterprise Zone.  Restoration of the building will only be considered should external funding be made available, HLF funding is considered the most realistic external funding option.  HLF will require an accountable body to be identified to underwrite the application and any award of funding, as the former Shell Store is located on council land it is considered appropriate that the council is the nominated accountable body.

That Herefordshire Council demolishes the former Shell Store building and disposes of the land on the open market for employment purposes. 

This option has been discounted because the city would lose a significant heritage asset and the demolition and land remediation costs would greatly reduce the land receipt of circa £200,000 greatly reducing the value for money of this option.

That Herefordshire Council decide to renovate the former Shell Store for an alternative purpose.

This option has been discounted due to the lack of availability of external funding that could be sourced to support a non-heritage type use.  There is currently no business case for bringing forward the building for a commercial use.