Lucinda Mould
Appearances
The Planet Reigate Podcast
73a: *Extra Episode - Harlequin '£10m decision' at RBBC council meeting 30.01.25
We are still considering our options, as you rightly described, Leader. A fundamental part of this will be, for us, what we can gain public liability insurance for. Because whilst there might be technical points that might allow us to remediate the racket, whether or not we want to retain racking our assets for its longevity... but also in terms of it being a space to welcome the public into.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
73a: *Extra Episode - Harlequin '£10m decision' at RBBC council meeting 30.01.25
So that's sort of most in our considerations at this time.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
73a: *Extra Episode - Harlequin '£10m decision' at RBBC council meeting 30.01.25
We have contractual obligations with other people within the town to maintain a volume of parking to support the night time activity which as people will be aware beyond the Harlequin was quite limited previously and we've worked hard to increase that night time activity. and some consistency around parking is part of that. In addition, it is a commercial asset for the council.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
73a: *Extra Episode - Harlequin '£10m decision' at RBBC council meeting 30.01.25
Income from our car park is an important component of what we do. As Council Moses has set out, it does have a local plan allocation. That isn't an insurmountable blocker, as we all know. Plan permissions can be considered on their merits. The policy context is one factor within that. However, it does add to that complexity of how we might consider bringing forward a site.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
73a: *Extra Episode - Harlequin '£10m decision' at RBBC council meeting 30.01.25
It's subject to that planning consideration. So, again, it's that element of risking a scheme and a project and the time taken that might be abortive and the costs associated with that.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
73a: *Extra Episode - Harlequin '£10m decision' at RBBC council meeting 30.01.25
So it's all of this range of factors which, with compared to some of the other schemes, which might, in particular Unit 5, which allow us that investment to have longevity should it prove financially secure and balanced, that feels like a preference.