In February 2023 Council Leader David Monk received a written offer from a developer to acquire the Princes Parade site and deliver the leisure centre, housing and commercial aspects of the development subject to the variation of the S106 for the leisure centre.
The report C/22/88 covers the details albeit with the developer name and the amount of the offer redacted. It is widely believed that Sunningdale House Developments is behind the offer. This company had been in discussions with the Council and was expected to be confirmed as the housing developer for the site before the project was “paused” due to escalating costs and a worsening economic climate.
At the subsequent Council Cabinet meeting councillors were given the opportunity to decide on the council’s response to the report and the offer. It was resolved that the offer be noted and officers be instructed to consider the matter and potential next steps.
Sunningdale House Developments had been mounting a PR campaign to promote its likely role in the design and build of the development.