Next week, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve a recommendation that will see the lease of Colomendy Outdoor Activity Centre formally surrendered.
In January, the leaseholder of the site, Kingswood Colomendy Ltd, went into administration. The council was informed by the administrators that it has no further interest in the site and it was agreed that the administrator will execute a formal deed of surrender of the lease immediately following approval of cabinet.
The lease will cease to operate meaning that the site will return to the council as the freehold owner.
The site, at Loggerheads, near Mold, has been closed since January.
Colomendy was constructed in 1939 to accommodate evacuated children, opening in April 1940, and was bought by Liverpool City Council in 1957 to provide education for young people from across Merseyside. Due to increased pressures on the council’s education budget a third party was sought to operate the site.
A 30-year lease was granted to Kingswood Colomendy Limited in June 2007, and the company was responsible for all repairs to the site as well as other costs such as insurance.
It is estimated that running costs for the site are approximately £600,000 per year. Pending approval of the report, council officers intend to appoint an external agent to advise on available options and a marketing strategy.
Cabinet member for Growth and Economy Cllr Nick Small said: “Accepting a surrender of the lease for Colomendy means that the council will be in control of the site’s management and future use.
“We know that the site will require substantial investment to bring buildings up to an acceptable standard. In addition, the anticipated annual holding costs plus the investment required will mean that it is unlikely that the council will be able to afford to operate the site. Our next step will be to take external advice on how we move forward.”
The report will be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday, 3 June.
