Elmbridge Borough Council are seeking offers for a new lease for a café operator to occupy the sports pavilion at West End Recreation Ground.
We are advertising the opportunity for a café operator to take on a new 10-year lease at the sports pavilion at West End Recreation Ground as outlined red above. The opportunity is subject to the successful operator sharing occupation on a part time basis with a football club, who will use the changing rooms and toilet facilities at weekends and occasional evenings during the football season.
The pavilion is offered in a basic condition, with showers, toilets, and a small kitchen facility. Any incoming tenant operating a café will need to be prepared to carry out works to refurbish and update the current facilities as they are currently not fit for purpose. In addition, the tenant would need to pay for the planned works and manage the process, including gaining the relevant planning consent for works (if required) and for a ‘change of use’. A specification of works would need to be approved by the council prior to signing the lease.
The pavilion will be taken ‘as seen’, with any operator taking on a full internal and external repairing and maintenance responsibility, which will include all statutory compliance. They must also manage the occupation of the football club appropriately, by working in unison to permit access as required and ensure the adequate provision of the necessary Grade 6/7 facilities. This offers a great opportunity to become a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties.
Any interested operator will need to understand the requirements stated above and provide a business plan demonstrating they understand the costs associated and, after consideration, still believe it to be a viable opportunity. This would need to be approved by the council prior to proceeding further. Viewings and plans of the pavilion are available on request.
Rent: Offers are invited for a new 10-year term on a ‘£ per annum’ basis, to be paid quarterly in advance, with other terms to be negotiated. Any operator would need to take on the responsibility of paying all costs associated with their occupation of the pavilion, including businesses rates and utilities.
Offers: To be sent in writing to estates@elmbridge.gov.uk and cc’d to greenspaces@elmbridge.gov.uk and received no later than 6 November 2023. Offers should include information on the business and planned offering as well as the rent proposed. The council may request more information on application.
Queries: If you have any queries regarding the proposal prior to submitting an offer, please contact estates@elmbridge.gov.uk and write “West End Recreation Ground Pavilion Café Opportunity” in the subject line.