1. That the selected bidder be approved as detailed in the evaluation section of the Part I report (with further information being included in part 2 of the report).

2. That approval be given to the inclusion of the Pavilion building in the property to be disposed of to the selected bidder.

3. That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive, be authorised to enter into the requisite legal documentation to dispose of the property to the selected bidder and take a lease of the new library on the terms proposed in the report.

Implementation of the recommendation will allow for the provision of a new library and other community facilities within Hale funded through the redevelopment of the existing library site. The development will produce a capital return for the Council which will support the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives across the Borough. The proposal will also provide recurring revenue savings for the Council as future maintenance liabilities and running costs for the building will be covered through the development agreement and there will be no on–going liability to the Council.

Alternative options were considered at both stages of the public consultation for the libraries service and set out in the report of 25 March 2015. Three different options were outlined in the expressions of interest and the tender stage. The preferred bidder provided a proposal against option 2 as set out in detail in the report; the alternative options available at the bid stage, but not selected as a preferred bid were as follows: Option 1 - A replacement, smaller library (minimum size 250m2) to be built on the existing site with residential use of the remainder. The Council will require a long leasehold interest for the provision of the new library. Option 3 - Premises to be provided for a temporary library (minimum size 250m2) up to the end of 2017 on a lease basis, rent and service charge free and with no dilapidations liability. The premises can be on 2 floors, subject to DDA compliance.