PAPER E

MINUTES OF RYDE TOWN COUNCIL’S

FACILITIES AND ASSET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON

THURSDAY, 14 JANUARY 2021 AT 2.00PM

USING THE ZOOM VIDEO MEETING FACILITY AND STREAMED VIA YOUTUBE

Present:

Cllrs Phil Jordan (Chair), Adrian Axford, Diana Conyers, Michael Lilley,

Malcolm Ross, Ian Stephens

In Attendance:

Jon Baker( Committee Coordinator), Liz Dutton (Minutes), Allan Bridges (Business

Development Manager

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

A Member of the public had submitted a number of questions relating to the Town Council’s

proposed purchase of St Thomas’s Church. These were read out by the Chairman who then

read out a prepared response a copy of which would be sent to the individual.

A member of the public had submitted a question relating to Ryde Harbour. This was read out

by the Chairman who then read out a prepared response a copy of which would be sent to the

individual.

1/21 APOLOGIES

No apologies were received.

2/21 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None declared.

3/21 REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS

There were none received.

4/21 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 October 2020 were reviewed.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2020 were approved as a true

and accurate record and were signed by the Chairman subject to the amendment

that Cllr Axford was not present for the meeting and had his given apologies

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5/21

MEMBERS QUESTION TIME

Cllr Ian Stephens asked a question relating to the timing of the meeting and whether a

different day and time could be considered. The Clerk agreed to look into the matter.

Cllr Michael Lilley asked for future meetings that Lindsay Simpson be invited to the

meetings for her input relating to possible grant funding for projects discussed and to add

an item for the next agenda on grant funding.

Cllr Diana Conyers asked when the report from East Hants Regen would be received.

The clerk would investigate and update members by email

6/21

KICKSTART SCHEME

The Clerk reminded members that an update had been recently be circulated and that

the Town Council had been granted the status of a Gateway Representative for the

Kickstart scheme with a total of 42 placements being granted. The Committee wished to

thank both the Administrator and her contact at the Job Centre for their hard work and

determination in order to make this a success. It was noted that gaining this status may

help in accessing further schemes and opportunities in the future.

7/21

ST JOHNS PARK

(Cllr Axford who had declared a pecuniary interest, left the meeting for the discussion of

this item only).

The Chairman reminded members that a meeting of the Finance Committee supported

in principle the acquisition and for a working party to be set up to investigate the matter

further and for their findings to be considered at a future meeting of Full Council.

The chairman confirmed that the budget for the next financial year would be set prior to

the working party completing their task and that a sum of money should be put aside in

the budget for the potential acquisition if their recommendation of the Working Party was

to proceed with the proposal.

RESOLVED:

THAT Cllrs Lilley, Ross, Stephens and Lucioni form a Working Party to meet with

Matthew Chatfield to consider options for the acquisition and future management

of St Johns Park and to bring a report to a future meeting of Full Council.

8/21

DECKCHAIRS ON RYDE ESPLANADE

The Chairman confirmed that talks with the IWC over a memorandum of understanding

were on-going and it was hoped that matters like the deckchairs would form part of that

understanding as there were some outstanding issues regarding licencing matters that

had yet to be resolved. The Mayor informed the meeting that in regard to deckchairs, the

IWC had agreed in principle but the matter had stalled due to Covid. It was suggested

that the BDM work with Alex Minns from IWC and deckchairs could then be worked into

the proposals for the infrastructure and business development opportunities for the

Harbour. Members also noted that there was also an a possible opportunity for the

Kickstart programme to play a part.

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9/21

ST THOMAS’S CHURCH

The Chairman updated the Committee as to the progress of the acquisition. Contracts

had yet to be exchanged as there was some confusion as to the deposit although the site

was being cleared in preparation for the sale. AHF bid had been successful and an initial

15,000 to carry out a study on the possible future uses of the church had been granted

and the results of this was likely to lead to further funding bids. The Committee were keen

to involve the young people working in conjunction with Network Ryde for the future plans

for the building. The Chairman confirmed funding had also been allocated for repairs to

the heating, new kitchens and toilets. Discussions with the diocese regarding the

covenants were continuing.

10/21

VECTIS HALL

The property had now been acquired although confirmation for approval to borrow was

still awaited. Once approval had been given the PBLB or other lender could be

approached. The BDM was currently investigating any potential conservation issues

along with the structural survey report. Consideration could then be given to potential

outcomes for the property and a workshop would be arranged to further explore the

available options. A number of local organisations including the CCG had expressed an

interest to be involved. The first priority would be to make the site safe and carry out the

removal of any asbestos.

It was suggested that a sign could be erected outside the building to communicate that

the land had been acquired by the town council and also a fence to make the site look

more attractive. It was noted that Mike Fitt and Vernon Square Conservation Society were

happy to do some planting to help with the overall look of the site.

11/21

RYDE THEATRE

The Chairman updated the committee on the issues relating to obtaining insurance for

the Theatre. This would need to be resolved in order for the project to move forward and

the owner remained flexible in considering available options. It was suggested that the

BDM bring together and work with other community groups who have previous

experience with similar properties to come up with ideas to help move things forward and

it was envisaged that it could assist in building a business case.

RESOLVED:

THAT the BDM bring work alongside other community groups with experience of

similar properties to help move forward on this project

12/21

RYDE HARBOUR

It had previously been understood that the handover from IWC of Ryde Harbour to the

Town Council would be a delegated decision. However the decision was now anticipated

to be taken by the Cabinet and as such notice of this was required to be placed on the

IWC’s forward plan for at least 28 clear working days before the meeting leaving only the

Cabinet meeting in March for the decision to be made.

The Mayor would make contact with the relevant cabinet member to seek clarification. It

was noted that the feasibility study was submitted to IWC a year ago.

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