The report seeks an Executive decision to invest in Rowntree Park Lodge in order to keep this well used and valuable park asset in good condition. It also looks to ensure that it is used for public benefit and secures a long term income stream for the park.

Rowntree Park is one of the council’s most well used park and the city’s first Green Flag recipient.  The Lodge is the heart of Rowntree Park and is also used by York Explore as a Reading Cafe. It is considered that investment into the property will contribute significantly to maintaining the parks reputation amongst residents and visitors.

The report asks the Executive to recommend to Council the allocation of £150,000 capital budget to facilitate the regeneration of the upper floors of the Lodge. This capital allocation will be funded from the revenue receipts generated from future use. It is also recommended that any net revenue is ring fenced for the upkeep of the park.

Following the regeneration of the upper floors it is proposed to let it as a holiday letting following the correct consents being obtained. It is thought a market value hire fee of £1,000 to £1,300 per week could be achieved. Yearly income would be dependant on occupancy rates.

Other ideas explored included, selling the leasehold, leasing the property for private residential accommodation, leasing the property for social residential accommodation, commercial use or expanding the library and cafe. These options were found to not be appropriate after further investigation.

The Future uses of the Lodge have been discussed with the Friends of Rowntree Park who believe that the future use of the lodge should benefit the park and that it should not be sold. Discussions’ have also taken place with the Explore Library who support the Holiday Let for the Lodge, recognising that the flat does not meet the current standards for access for a library due to the age of the building and modest room sizes.