Decision ref
0046 2025/26
Decision date
17/10/2025
Portfolio
Regeneration
Wards
Parr
Title
The Surrender of Lease for Parr Darby & Joan Club, Broad Oak Road, St Helens WA9 2EH.
Summary
The Council has been approached by the Trustees of Parr Darby & Joan Club with a request for the Council to take an early surrender of the existing lease. This report seeks approval to the surrender of the leasehold and give approval in principle to the subsequent disposal of the site.
Purpose
This report details the current leasehold interest held by the Darby and Joan Club and the proposal discussed and agreed in principle at Strategic Property Group for the acceptance of an early surrender of the lease and the subsequent disposal of the site.
Background
Parr Darby & Joan Club is situated on Broad Oak Road, Parr (plan attached) and has provided a community service to local, older residents in the area. The land is owned by St Helens and there have been successive leases of the land and building granted, the latest of which is due to expire on 31/07/2029. The lease is on an FRI basis and at a peppercorn rental.
The trustees of the club have approached the Council to request an early surrender of the current lease as membership and attendance have declined to such an extent that the club is no longer financially viable. The club have tried to sublet to other community groups (dance group; scouts) but do not have the resources to manage the building. In addition, the building , though in a reasonable condition internally has an EPC rating of F and cannot therefore be commercially let in its existing condition. The EPC rating would also preclude a Community Asset Transfer of the building for similar reasons given its age and obsolescence.
A report was considered at Strategic Property Group on 22nd May 2025 (copy attached), which endorsed the Council taking a surrender of the lease as requested. It was also concluded that it would be in the Council's best interests to dispose of it's freehold interest on the open market, via a sale by auction. Subject to approval to proceed with a sale of the building a further authority will be required in due course to approve a reserve price for an auction sale.
In accordance with the recommendations endorsed by the Strategic Property Group, approval is therefore sought to accept the surrender of the lease from Parr Derby & Joan Club and proceed with the sale of the building.
It should be noted that the Parr Derby & Joan Club have permitted the building to be used by a local dance club which has only recently been made apparent to the Council. Any surrender of the building would be subject to vacant possession being given which would ultimately lead to the displacement of the Dance Club. The Council has no direct relationship with the Dance Club but it is understood that the Dance Club have now secured an alternative location in the Borough.
Conclusion
Given the request made by the Darby and Joan Club, and the EPC rating which prevents letting the building without substantial investment, it is recommended that the Council accepts the early surrender of the lease and proceed to dispose of the property in accordance with the Council’s Land and Property Disposal Rules.
Risk Implications
Potential risk of legal challenge to the sale of the asset through the Asset of Community Value process. This is a possibility given the Dance Clubs prior use of the premises and their interest in continued occupation.
Measures to Redress Risk
The Council would be required to follow due process in relation to any application for an Asset of Community Value which, if successful, could delay the sale process, whilst providing the opportunity for the applicant to bid for the building. This could influence the disposal route to market.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact Paula Blellock on 01744676129
