The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report informing the Committee of the Ministry of Justice’s proposed disposal of the Reading Gaol site, and seeking authority to submit a bid to purchase the site.

It was agreed at the meeting to include the Chairman of the Audit & Governance Committee and the Leader of the main Opposition Group as consultees on the final terms of the proposed bid.

Resolved –

(1)     That the Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services be authorised to make a conditional bid for the Reading Gaol site, taking into account the proposed conditions set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report;

(2)     That the final terms of the bid be concluded in consultation with the Leader, Deputy Leader, the Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, the Chairman of the Audit & Governance Committee, the Leader of the main Opposition Group and the Council’s Assistant Directors for Finance and Legal and Democratic Services.