To agree which of the presented recommendations, if any, present a preferred way forward regarding the investment in council owned heritage sites within Hereford city centre, namely, Shirehall to inform the capital bid process and to invite Cabinet to propose alternative recommendations for further development and consideration.

The cabinet member commissioning, procurement and assets introduced the report. She explained that her preference was to invest in and celebrate the council’s civic buildings and that options for a civic hub at the Shirehall had been explored. However it would irresponsible to take the decision to press ahead without careful consideration of the financial position of the council.

Cabinet members discussed the report and noted the building was of significant local importance. The costs to refurbish the building are considerable and the council had other priorities such as the investment in children’s services. It was proposed and seconded that option 3 in the report be approved, placing the report on hold to allow the council to take stock and have clarity on the financial situation.

Group leaders gave the views and queries from their groups. There was general support for retaining the building and concern that delays might cause the building to deteriorate further. The financial constraints were recognised and in response to queries it was confirmed that external sources of funding would be pursued in the interim.

It was resolved that:

a)    Cabinet agree to place the report on hold to allow further investigations on potential future uses of the building linked to the outcome of the Corporate Asset Review and the outcome of the planned asset transfer of the Town Hall;

b)    Delegated authority is given to the Director Resources and Assurance following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Commissioning, Procurement and Assets to take all operational decisions necessary to implement this recommendation;

c)    The staff car park (M-F) at the Shirehall be reviewed to consider if it can be made available for public pay and display parking for seven days per week until a formal decision on the future of the site can be made;

d)    Delegated authority is given to the Director Economy & Environment following consultation with the Cabinet Member Infrastructure and Transport to take operational decisions necessary to alter the parking order at Shirehall temporarily.