Hi everyone. It’s been some time since we last provided an update, and we’ve had plenty of questions as we’ve spoken to people around Whitchurch!
We know there has been some concern that the project may have stalled or stopped. Hopefully the information below will reassure you that, although we’ve met some challenges along the way, we’re still very much on the path to a successful reopening.
The short update is that there has been a lot of work, and not much progress in recent weeks. This feels very disappointing to write, but we think it’s very important to be really honest – the public support we’ve received has been incredible, and we continue to do everything we can to move forward.
The big ‘sticking point’ remains the lease. The Governors at Testbourne have been so helpful throughout, and continue to be as keen as we are to get this ‘over the line’. As things stand, the signatures are actually on the lease itself – we are so nearly there – but our Solicitors discovered an additional hurdle which we must get over before the lease is finalised.
When Testbourne sold the land for the development of Powell Gardens, a restriction (covenant) was placed on the ‘Title’ for the land requiring certain consents from the Homebuilder (Metis Homes) prior to any part of the land being transferred. We are still working through the finer details of this, but without that consent in place, we are unable to finalise the process of taking over the pool site.
Our Solicitor continues to work with both Testbourne’s Solicitor, and those acting for the Homebuilder. This has not only added time and effort to the process, but also cost. We have strived throughout to keep our costs as low as possible – every pound spent on Solicitors’ fees is a pound not spent on the pool – but this is an unavoidable step.
Thank you, as ever, for your patience. We are frustrated and, to be honest, somewhat worn down by the process. But we won’t give up – we will continue to work hard on getting the lease finalised. The Governors, as I’ve said above, are trying as hard as we are to get this done.
Leave a Reply