Lead Member: Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

Lead Officer: Kassandra Polyzoides, Interim Service Director – Place Shaping

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Declared the former Bridgnorth Youth Centre, Innage Lane (in accordance with the red line plan detailed in Appendix A) surplus to requirements and approved its disposal as a non-core asset.  

2.     Delegated authority to the Head of Property and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to take all necessary steps to progress disposal, including determination of the appropriate disposal strategy and completion of the sale in accordance with the Council’s constitutional and legal requirements. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report regarding the former Bridgnorth Youth Centre, which closed in November 2024 and is no longer operating as a youth facility. Members noted that a condition survey had identified the building as being in poor condition, requiring significant investment to bring it back into use, and that no viable alternative use had been identified.

Concerns were raised regarding the loss of community assets and youth facilities. Members were advised that youth services previously delivered from the building had been successfully relocated elsewhere in Bridgnorth and that discussions had taken place with local representatives and the Town Council regarding potential future use of the site. No alternative proposals had been received.

Cabinet noted the Council’s financial position and the need to review underused assets to reduce borrowing requirements and support financial sustainability. Members agreed that, in the absence of a viable operational use, disposal of the asset was the most appropriate course of action.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Declared the former Bridgnorth Youth Centre, Innage Lane (in accordance with the red line plan detailed in Appendix A) surplus to requirements and approved its disposal as a non-core asset.  

2.     Delegated authority to the Head of Property and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to take all necessary steps to progress disposal, including determination of the appropriate disposal strategy and completion of the sale in accordance with the Council’s constitutional and legal requirements.