The decision was put to the vote tonight ( Tuesday 10 March ) at a Borough Council Cabinet meeting.
The vote:
Approves, subject to agreement of detailed lease terms and due diligence, entering into a lease agreement with a community organisation to manage Lutterell Hall with either:
a. one of the shortlisted community groups who submitted an Expression of Interest, or
b. a combination of the three via an appropriate management company.
Helen Coffey who operates St Giles playgroup from the hall told The Wire this evening:
‘St Giles Preschool staff and parents are delighted that after almost nine months of discussions and consultations Rushcliffe Borough Council Cabinet have voted tonight on moving forward with discussions to retain ownership of Lutterell Hall.
‘Plans include exploring lease agreements with up to two community groups whilst keeping it for community use.
‘All interested community groups are keen to work with our preschool and keep us at Lutterell Hall, which will ensure security for the future of the Preschool.
‘We want to thanks all the parents, carers, members of the public, Ruth Edwards MP and particularly the Friends of Lutterell Hall for the huge amount of support and passion you have shown for retaining this building and for saving our preschool.’
There will be a 12 month transition period until April 2021, during which time RBC and the community groups will work together on a plan.
The pre-school hire the hall every weekday morning during term-time, offering a flexible service as an alternative to a private nursery.
St Giles clearly stated their position that no other venue meets their needs within the local area and if Lutterell Hall was no longer available they would cease to operate.
