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

Cabinet considered proposals to seek a short term tenant for the Edgar Street Athletic Ground following the winding up of Hereford United Football Club (1939) Ltd. The proposed lease term was not fixed, but was intended to cover two full seasons from March; longer term arrangements would be considered following consultation with the broader community.

Members in attendance expressed some concern that a lease term of less than five years may not be sufficient to attract suitable investors.  Cabinet was advised it would not be prudent at this stage to offer a longer lease as there would be insufficient time to complete appropriate due diligence; a shorter lease would enable football to continue pending longer term consideration of the most appropriate way of securing football in the county in the longer term and protect the council’s assets held on behalf of the county. Cabinet was advised that the ward member had been consulted and was supportive of the proposal. It was noted that the general overview & scrutiny committee would be conducting a review of the matter during February.

Assurance was provided that the council would meet its statutory obligations re issues such as electrical safety, conditions survey etc. prior to entering into any lease arrangement.

RESOLVED:

That    (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.