To consider Report CFO/075/16 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning options, appraisals and recommendation in relation to the Fire Fit Hub.

Members considered Report CFO/075/16 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning options, appraisals and recommendations in relation to the Firefit Hub.

Members were provided with an overview of the report, highlighting the background and the financial challenges.

Members were provided with re-assurance that Officers will ensure that access to the gym and community facilities be maintained as it is at present.

Members thanked all staff involved in the work undertaken to date.

Members Resolved that:

a)    Transfer of the Charity into LMH, subject to LMH adhering to the MyPlace Objectives and terms and conditions of the grant as stated by the Department for Education (DfE), be endorsed.

b)    The transfer of the “Toxteth Firefit Hub Charity” into “Commutual”, which is the charitable name within which the Hub will operate, be approved.

c)    Entry into a Deed of Variation with Liverpool City Council, which would allow for purchase of the freehold of the property at less than best consideration following the expiration of the Grant clawback period, subject to an overage deed as described in this report, be agreed.

d)    The proposal to obtain the freehold for the site in 2031, subject to the grant conditions being met, be approved.

e)    Offer of the freehold option to Commutual under the Deed of Variation to purchase the freehold of the property at less than best consideration, following the expiration of the Grant clawback period, subject to an overage deed as described in this report, be agreed. This is agreed on the understanding that the land on which the fire and rescue station sits, is separated from that on which the youth zone sits, by the redrawing of the boundaries, although the two would remain physically joined.

f)     The corporate requirements placed on MFRA in relation to the disposal of Authority assets at less than market value, be noted; and agree that should there be a change of use for the Fire and Rescue Station post 2031, that MFRA will incorporate the “training area” into the Hub in exchange for the Hub’s rights of access plus a market value fee fixed now, which may be waived at the discretion of MFRA at a future point.

g)    The said changes be agreed to be made, subject to agreed access arrangements to the Gym and Community room being unaffected by such changes such that the employees of MFRA and the community would enjoy rights to use both facilities on the same basis as are currently enjoyed.

h)   In order to ensure the successful running of the charity and to maintain the relationship with the Authority and the charity in the delivery of its services, it be noted and assumed that, subject to the necessary approvals of the LMH Board, MFRA will maintain its representation on the Commutual Board.