Issue - meetings

Michael Angus, the Barons Court Project Director, was unable to attend the meeting. Councillor Culhane read out a short-prepared speech outlined below on his behalf.

“The Board and myself are delighted that the Cabinet, this evening, are considering the transfer of the Freehold of 69 Talgarth Road, W14 9DD (Barons Court Project) to the charity. This transfer will help to make the charity more sustainable. We have been serving residents of Hammersmith and Fulham, who are homeless or living with mental health issues for 33 years. Whilst the economic environment has become tougher we have been able to raise funds not only to keep our services going and expand but to also invest in the premises. We have raised £27,000 in the last year for improvements to the building with new shower and wash room facilities as well as a new boiler, with the freehold raising further funds for investment becomes easier.

We know that there will always be a need in the borough for our work with some of its most vulnerable residents. Last year we had a 16% rise in attendances at our drop-in.  We are very grateful to the Council for their support and recognition of our work and considering the transfer of the freehold so that we can ensure we continue to provide services for decades to come for the local community and those who need us.”

The Leader reiterated the Council’s support for a strong third sector delivery admirable and much needed services to local residents.

1.1.     To approve the freehold transfer of the Council’s freehold interest in the subject property to Barons Court Project Limited (“BCP”) at nil consideration. To ensure the property legal documents have the appropriate pre-emption rights reserved in the transfer to preserve the Council’s position and the permitted use of the property so services can be retained.

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1.2.     To note the principal terms and conditions already negotiated by the Council with Barons Court Project Limited, contained in Appendix 2attached to the exempt part of this report.

1.3.     That authority be delegated to the Director for Building & Property Management in consultation with the Director of Law and the Cabinet Member for Finance to complete the necessary legal work in transferring the freehold of the property to Barons Court Project Limited.