Falmouth council's hope to secure Municipal Buildings' lease
7:00am Monday 11th February 2013 in News
FALMOUTH Town Council’s aspirations of obtaining the freehold of the Municipal Buildings, which house its offices as well as the art gallery and library, are once again being debated.
The council long ago expressed its desire to take full control of the building on The Moor, but had previously come up against resistance from Cornwall Council, which owns the building and was reluctant to give up such a valuable asset.
Councillors were told last week, however, that there was renewed hope following a meeting between town clerk, Mark Williams, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for localism, sustainability and devolution, John Pollard, and a representative from property services.
“We made a full list of all our assets, but the priority for us is this building,” said Mr Williams. “We are asking for the freehold transfer of this building and the freehold transfer of Webber Street toilets for an art gallery extension.
“Cornwall Council’s policy preference is for leasehold transfer, but the portfolio holder is less restrictive in his view and thought freehold transfer maybe a possibility. We are a lot closer to where we want to be than under previous regimes so I am encouraged.
“Cornwall Council have some issues with this transfer – a, it is a valuable asset to them as a commercial value, and b, the library is part of the equation.”
The town council has |been advised to resubmit its business plan for transfer for consideration, which it is to do.
