Item 10 - Sale of 90 - 96 North St Alexandria
West Dunbartonshire Council · 24 May 2023
Back to Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee — 24 May 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer: Supply, Distribution and Property Infrastructure Regeneration and Economic Development Committee: 24 May 2023 ___________________________________________________________________ Subject : Sale of Property at 90-96 North Street, Alexandria G83 0EB 1. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to seek Committee approval for the Council to enter into a contract for the disposal of the property at 90-96 North Street, Alexandria to NWL Investment Ltd. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: (i) Approve the sale of the property to NWL Investment Ltd (SC 653864) for the sum of £153,000. (ii) Authorise the Chief Officer, Supply, Property and Distribution to conclude negotiations. (iii) Authorise the Chief Officer, Regulatory and Regeneration to conclude the transaction on such conditions as considered appropriate. 3. Background 3.1 The property is wholly owned by West Dunbartonshire Council and is currently unused and surplus to the requirements of any Council service. 3.2 The site was previously let and used as a yard for vehicle storage. It has been vacant and unused for many years. 3.3 Previously it was anticipated the site was going to be subject to a Community Asset Transfer but this subsequently did not transpire. 3.4 This site is allocated in the Local Plan Adopted 2010 as GD2(20) Policy GD2 – Redevelopment Opportunities applies to this site, and Schedule GD2 proposed the following uses “Industrial/business/residential”. ITEM10
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4. Main Issues 4.1 The property is not required by the Council for any operational purposes. 4.2 The property was extensively marketed for sale during February and March 2023. Details of Particulars were prepared (Appendix 1). 4.3 The availability of the site was listed on the Councils website and social media. Details were also circulated to commercial property agents, local solicitors, business development bodies and the property was listed on the main Commercial property marketing websites. 4.4 A closing date was set for receipt of informal offers on Thursday 6th April 2023. Three offers were received ranging from £26,666 to £153,000 (NWL Investment Ltd). 4.5 The offer from NWL Investment Ltd is subject only to standard commercial conditions and importantly is not subject to survey, valuation or planning consent for change of use. 4.6 We are advised that NWL Investment Ltd intend to use the site for the storage of welfare vehicles for the film and tv industries as well as festivals weddings etc. 4.7 NWL Investment Ltd are currently based in Gartocharn have been looking for a site for several years in West Dunbartonshire. 4.8 They intend to develop the site as a centre showcasing the cutting edge in green technology and carbon negative build. They also intend to expand their workforce locally. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no significant people implications other than the resources required by Legal Services to negotiate missives and conclude the transaction. 6. Financial and Procurement Implications 6.1 The Council will benefit from a capital receipt. 6.2 The Council will no longer have to incur resources in managing and maintaining the property. 6.3 The Council will no longer be liable for non domestic rates of £12,600 per annum. 6.4 There are no procurement implications arising from this report.
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7. Risk Analysis 7.1 The disposal is subject to legal due diligence. 7.2 As with any transaction of this nature there is a risk of the sale not proceeding due to issues which arise during the due diligence process in which case the property may require to be remarketed. 8. Environmental Sustainability 8.1 A Phase 2 Site Investigation Report and Non - native invasive species report were obtained for the site both of which were passed to interested parties. NWL Investment have confirmed that both reports have been reviewed by their consultants. 9. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 9.1 An Equality Impact Assessment is not applicable for the purpose of this report. 10. Consultation 10.1 Consultations have been undertaken with Finance and Regulatory Services, Planning and Road Services. 11. Strategic Assessment 11.1 By agreeing to this proposal the Council will benefit in terms of receiving a significant capital receipt and removing a liability from the property portfolio. 11.2 A site which has been vacant and disused for a number of years will be brought back into a serviceable and employment generating use and the future liability for the ingoing upkeep and maintenance of the site will be removed from the Council. 11.3 By agreeing to this proposal this will be contributing to the Council’s strategic priority for a strong local economy and improved job opportunities. . Angela Wilson Chief Officer: Supply, Distribution and Property Date: 11 April 2023 Person to Contact: Michelle Lynn, Asset Coordinator. Email: michelle.lynn@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
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J David Johnston, Estates Surveyor. Email: david.johnston2@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: Appendix 1 – Marketing Details. Background Papers: None Wards Affected: Ward 1