Decision on future of former Lewes day centre to be made
A decision on the Phoenix Centre in Malling Street will be made tomorrow (12th August)
A senior county councillor is due to decide the future of a former day centre in Lewes.
On Tuesday (August 12), Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for resources and climate change, is due to make a decision on what comes next for the Phoenix Centre in Malling Street.
The building had previously been home to a day service for older people with physical and mental health needs, but this use ceased following a cabinet decision in February.
In a report to Cllr Bennett, officers are recommending the building be declared “surplus to the council’s requirements” and are seeking authorisation to market the property for rent.
Officers say consideration has also been given to selling the property outright, but this option would be a less desirable step in light of the ongoing reorganisation of local government.
In the report, a council officer said: “While capital receipts are an important source of funding, the property is adjacent to various landholdings owned by Lewes District Council. In view of plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), it is considered more appropriate to retain the Property in the short-medium term from an asset management perspective.
“A future asset management view on this property in relation to the surrounding landholdings can then be considered once the future structure of local government from 1 April 2028 is known.
“Renting to an ESCC partner or external tenant … is therefore considered to be the most appropriate strategy.
“If this option is agreed, the property will be marketed by a local commercial agent. Any offers received will be considered based on the viability of the proposed operation, in addition to other factors such as the net income potential for the council.”
The report goes on to say the council will consider offers made by community and voluntary organisations alongside commercial bids and those made by council partners. However, officers also say the council will be required to secure the “best consideration that can reasonably be obtained” as a result of legislation.