Mr William Cornall, Director of Regeneration & Place, explained to the Committee that a comprehensive redevelopment of Heather House would cost an estimated £2.4m.  Mr Cornall stated that the success of this project depended upon the level of engagement with prospective partners, as it was not feasible for this project to be a solely led by MBC.  The future management and stewardship of the facility would also need to considered, as voluntary sector stewardship had the potential to unlock additional funding streams.  The risk to a comprehensive redevelopment was that the level of potential partnership engagement was currently unknown, and that following a procurement process the funding gap may still be too large to make a redevelopment financially viable.

Mrs Harris addressed the Committee to make a statement with regard to Heather House.

The Committee commented that:

·  The procurement process should ensure that the option to repair the current facility remains open.

·  The current users of Heather House should not be without facilities during a redevelopment of the hall, and there was a need to ensure for continuity of service.

·  It was important to understand the potential client group for a redeveloped facility.  A clear understanding of the available provision in the area would therefore be beneficial.

·  Any work undertaken should ensure that the facility was sustainable.  Short-term solutions were not appropriate, as this compromised the long-term quality of facilities for the community.

·  Early engagement with potential users and residents would ensure that buy-in was secured, momentum was maintained and that the outcome of the work met the needs of residents.

RESOLVED: That

1.  An assessment of pre-existing provision in the immediately accessible area be undertaken.

2.  A procurement process be undertaken to identify a suitable partner, or partners, to contribute to the design, investment and management of the new facility.

3.  A report be submitted to the Committee outlining high level findings from the procurement process and the exact subsidy required from Maidstone Borough Council to complete a comprehensive redevelopment.

4.  Early engagement with potential users and residents be commenced, to establish potential future uses and uptake at the centre.

Voting: Unanimous