Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: To approve that the Purfleet Trust be provided with a lease for the South Lynn Community Centre.

REASON FOR DECISION: Leasing the South Lynn Community Centre to the Purfleet Trust will secure the use of the building for community benefit, and by doing so will support a trusted local organisation in delivering vital services and enabling this to expand.

The proposal aligns with the Councils strategic priorities in relation to the regeneration of the Southgates area and in supporting vulnerable residents, strengthening local partnerships and ensuring efficient use of public assets which align with the Pride in Place programme and the Marmot principles.

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Cabinet noted that the Environment and Community Panel had considered the proposal and supported the Cabinet Recommendation.

Councillor Ring presented the report and provided background on the work of the Purfleet Pantry, explaining that the proposal would enable the organisation to continue its operations from premises that were significantly more suitable for it’s needs.

Councillor Kemp addressed Cabinet under Standing Order 34 in support of the proposal. She outlined the importance of the Purfleet Pantry as a valued asset to the local community and thanked all those involved for ensuring its continued operation. She noted that the new premises were more accessible, in better condition, and benefitted from onsite car parking. She also welcomed that Headway had secured more appropriate premises from which to operate.

Councillor Morley requested that a quantitative analysis of the benefits arising from the move be undertaken, in order to codify the improvements and capture the associated social value.

Councillor Lintern congratulated all those involved in ensuring that the new arrangements worked effectively for all parties.

Councillor Ring also referred to the private investment at St James, which would contribute to the creation of a hub delivering wider community benefits.

Councillor Beales commented that the proposal represented a positive outcome and delivered social value.

RESOLVED: To approve that the Purfleet Trust be provided with a lease for the South Lynn Community Centre.

REASON FOR DECISION: Leasing the South Lynn Community Centre to the Purfleet Trust will secure the use of the building for community benefit, and by doing so will support a trusted local organisation in delivering vital services and enabling this to expand.

The proposal aligns with the Councils strategic priorities in relation to the regeneration of the Southgates area and in supporting vulnerable residents, strengthening local partnerships and ensuring efficient use of public assets which align with the Pride in Place programme and the Marmot principles.