Agenda item

To consider a report by the Strategic Assessment of Estates and the Estate Management Surveyor regarding a capital allocation to repair and preserve the Octagon building in St Ives. 

The Cabinet approves the capital allocation of £50,000 to repair and preserve the Octagon building in St Ives.

The Cabinet received a report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) regarding the funding of repairs to the Octagon Building in St Ives from the Strategic Assessment of Estates and Estates Management Surveyor which was presented in their absence by the Executive Councillor for Resources.

The Octagon building was owned by the Council and located within the Cattle Market Car Park in St Ives. The building was not listed but did have protection against demolition by being in the Conservation Area.

The condition of the building condition was such that repairs were now required to ensure that the structure was made safe, was able to be secured and to improve the use of the internal space.

It was noted that the repairs identified via the visible condition survey were estimated at £40,629.  However, as the estimate did not include a contingent for other works that might be necessary a budget of £50,000 was considered more appropriate.

It was further noted that the requested £50,000 could be accommodated from underspend in the 2015/16 capital programme budget.

The Cabinet were reminded of the two representations that they had received prior to the meeting from the two Local Ward Members, Councillors J Davies and Mrs A Dickinson, who both supported the recommendation contained within the Officer’s report.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor R Fuller as a Ward Member for St Ives, addressed the Cabinet.  Councillor R Fuller concurred with the representations from the two Local Ward Members that emphasised the heritage and importance of the building.  Although the building was not listed it had been in existence for a long time and was of historical importance. The building was showing signs of neglect and was the first building observed by people arriving at the bus station.  The building was of community value and once the repairs had been undertaken had potential for community use.  In concluding Cllr Fuller urged the Cabinet to support the recommendation.

It was noted that the Officer’s report  was factually incorrect as it stated that the Octagon building and the old railings was the only evidence left of the former usage.  However, there was other evidence still in existence.

The Council had undertaken a significant amount of work on the building a number of years ago and since there had been little maintenance.  Therefore if the funding of the repairs was approved it was important that the building was maintained in the future. 

In discussing the potential uses of the building it was felt that the building was more appropriate to community use than commercial and community groups were encouraged to approach the Council.

Whilst considering the requested funding it was noted that there would be on-going implications on the budget for the maintenance of the building particularly as an occupier for the building would not be immediate.  The Cabinet were assured that the estates budget was robust enough to fund the maintenance of the building and once the building was in a good condition depending on its future use some of the costs could potentially be recouped.

The Cabinet hoped that the Local District Ward Members would engage with the Local Town Councillors regarding potential future uses of the building.

In concluding the Cabinet agreed that the capital allocation to repair and preserve the building would demonstrate that the Council was committed to the longevity of the building and subsequently the Cabinet,

RESOLVED

To approve the capital allocation of £50,000 to repair and preserve the Octagon building in St Ives.