Decision details

Cheshire East Council was seeking to establish a long-term viable future for the Crewe Heritage Centre. The Council had taken on the responsibility for the site in Crewe as a legacy arrangement from the former Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council. The site was currently leased to a board of trustees who operated the site as a visitor attraction. However, the museum element of the site was no longer self-sustainable and was now financially dependent on an informal sub-let to a railway engineering operation on the site.

It was considered that the most appropriate way forward was to sell a long leasehold interest in the site with restrictive covenants to protect the site for rail heritage, allowing for future training and employment.

Local ward members had been consulted on the options earlier in the year and had been advised of the proposed way forward. Newly-elected members had since been updated on the current position.

In considering this matter, the Cabinet Member for Prosperity had regard to a letter from the Chairman of Crewe Heritage Trust dated 21^st June 2011.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet Member for Prosperity agrees that the site of the Crewe Heritage Centre be declared surplus to the requirements of Cheshire East  Council and that a 125 year lease be offered for sale on the open market with a restrictive covenant to preserve the site for the rail heritage of Crewe, the lease to be subject to such terms and conditions as are determined by the Assets Manager, Borough Solicitor and Head of Regeneration.