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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED :- (i) That the Committee endorses the work of the Groves Task & Finish Group to date (ii) That the Committee supports the recommendation regarding the proposed disposal of the former Groves building and site included in the report being submitted to the Executive Board on 9th June 2026. (iii) That the following issues raised by the Committee are taken into consideration by the Executive Board as part of their decision regarding disposal of the former Groves building and site at the meeting on 9th June 2026:- Ø Clear evidence that disposal represents best consideration Ø Comprehensive risk register including legal, financial, operational and reputational risk Ø Evidence of how the proposal meets long-term and strategic objectives and how stakeholders have been involved Ø Engagement is undertaken to consider all impacts and wider community implications (iv) That, subject to approval of the recommendation to dispose of the former Groves building and site by the Executive Board, that the work of the Groves Task & Finish Group is considered complete and the Group is disbanded.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Bryan Apsley.
Decision as recorded
AGREED :- (i) That the Committee endorses the work of the Groves Task & Finish Group to date (ii) That the Committee supports the recommendation regarding the proposed disposal of the former Groves building and site included in the report being submitted to the Executive Board on 9th June 2026. (iii) That the following issues raised by the Committee are taken into consideration by the Executive Board as part of their decision regarding disposal of the former Groves building and site at the meeting on 9th June 2026:- Ø Clear evidence that disposal represents best consideration Ø Comprehensive risk register including legal, financial, operational and reputational risk Ø Evidence of how the proposal meets long-term and strategic objectives and how stakeholders have been involved Ø Engagement is undertaken to consider all impacts and wider community implications (iv) That, subject to approval of the recommendation to dispose of the former Groves building and site by the Executive Board, that the work of the Groves Task & Finish Group is considered complete and the Group is disbanded.
The Committee considered a report submitted by the Chair of the Task and Finish Group (COGC/53/26) which provided an update to the Committee from the commissioned task & finish group regarding the future of The Groves building and site. The Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management also provided a summary of the history and progress to date. · Members were advised that no decision to dispose of the site had yet been taken and that all viable options had been explored before reaching the current proposal. · Officers stated that transferring the site would remove ongoing maintenance costs to the Council and support improved educational provision within Wrexham. · Concerns were raised regarding the level of information available to support decision-making, including risk assessment and valuation details. · Officers confirmed that an updated valuation had been commissioned and would inform the final decision. · Members noted that the proposed sale would be aligned with the District Valuer’s assessment and would include overage provisions to protect the Council’s interests. · It was confirmed that the entire Groves site formed part of the proposal. · Members welcomed the proposal as a means of bringing a long-vacant asset back into productive use while retaining an education-related purpose. · Questions were raised regarding consultation, community impact and future planning requirements. Officers advised that any future development would be subject to the partner’s consultation and planning processes. · Officers confirmed that responsibility and risk relating to the site would transfer to the partner following completion of the transfer, with no ongoing liability to the Council. · Members highlighted the potential benefits of the proposal, including enhanced educational opportunities, support for economic growth and reduced need for students to travel outside the county for study. · It was confirmed that the Groves site was surplus to the Council’s educational requirements and not required for early intervention education provision. · Members acknowledged the significant work undertaken by the Task and Finish Group and noted that, should the proposal proceed, its work could be concluded. · The Committee endorsed the work of the Task and Finish Group, supported the recommendations to Executive Board and encouraged progression of the proposed partnership with the education provider. AGREED :- (i) That the Committee endorses the work of the Groves Task & Finish Group to date (ii) That the Committee supports the recommendation regarding the proposed disposal of the former Groves building and site included in the report being submitted to the Executive Board on 9th June 2026. (iii) That the following issues raised by the Committee are taken into consideration by the Executive Board as part of their decision regarding disposal of the former Groves building and site at the meeting on 9th June 2026:- Ø Clear evidence that disposal represents best consideration Ø Comprehensive risk register including legal, financial, operational and reputational risk Ø Evidence of how the proposal meets long-term and strategic objectives and how stakeholders have been involved Ø Engagement is undertaken to consider all impacts and wider community implications (iv) That, subject to approval of the recommendation to dispose of the former Groves building and site by the Executive Board, that the work of the Groves Task & Finish Group is considered complete and the Group is disbanded.
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