Issue - meetings

The Chair asked for a brief introduction.

Mr Holder briefly outlined that the charity’s professional team had been engaged in negotiation with that of Firoka’s over a number of weeks since the appointment of Firoka as preferred investment partner. Mr Holder commented that the professional team had negotiated a draft set of Heads of Terms which had been the subject of much discussion and negotiation over the period.  The Board at its meeting on 27 March 2006 considered and agreed those Heads of Terms as the basis of the detailed lease.

Mr Holder also advised that as the land to be leased to Firoka was land to be used for the purpose of the charity, technically known as specie land, the Trustees had to comply with sec.36(6) of the Charities Act 1993. This required that the Trustees give notice of the proposed lease and invite representations.  The purpose of such Notice was to ensure that as many people as possible in the beneficial area of the charity knew of the Trustees plans and have a chance to comment. Mr Holder commented that extremely wide publicity had already been given to the Trustees intentions and the plans had been subject to public exhibition and public discussion within both this Statutory, and the Consultative Committee.  Mr Holder tabled a copy of the draft notice as agreed by the Board on 27 March 2006. The approved notice had been exhibited in and around the Palace and Park for 1 month until 27 April 2006.  Any comments received would be analysed by the General Manager and reported back to the Board for further consideration.

Mr Holder also further advised that the Board had considered the residual responsibilities remaining with the charity after the transfer of business and staff to Firoka.  These responsibilities were:

·                    landlord responsibilities arising from the 125 year lease;

·                    the management and maintenance of the parkland;

·                    decisions on future use of the parkland either for the charity or by request from other bodies/organisations;

·                    the annual report and accounts;

·                    liaison with the Advisory and Consultative Committees;

·                    administration of the Advisory and Consultative Committees;

·                    landlord responsibilities for the leases within the parkland (garden centre, 345 club, allotments and Actual Workshop if let);

·                    upkeep and management of its administrative headquarters;

·                    responsibility for insurance for the remaining assets of the charity;

·                    as an employing body.

The General Manager advised that the Board had agreed the majority of the residual responsibilities except for the residual charity staffing arrangements. The Board had felt that this matter required further consideration prior to making a decision.

In response to clarification from Mr Tarpey with regards timescales for development and its completion Mr Holder advised that it was likely for an 18 month completion for the Great and West Hall, the Phoenix Bar and Palm Court areas.  The works to these areas would commence whilst planning permissions had been sought.  From months 19-32 the planned hotel and other hospitality facilities would be built and from months 32 to 48/50  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44