Wells RFC GroundCharter WayWellsBA5 2FB

Highlights

• Suitable for residential development (subject to planning)• Approximately 2.3 ha (5.8 acres)• Approximately 1 mile west of Wells city centre• Club relocation site within Wells RFC ownership• Subject to planning offers invited

Introduction

Wells Rugby Football Club Limited is seeking a developmentpartner to work with in achieving their ambition to relocate to anew site, already within their ownership, releasing the subjectsite for residential development.

The development partner will be responsible for obtainingplanning permission for both the subject development site andthe relocation site, and construction of the relocation groundand facilities.

Wells RFC will provide vacant possession of the existing clubonce the relocation to their new ground has occurred, likely tobe for the2020/21season.

The Club has discussed their plans with Mendip District Council,who have indicated their support for the project. They recognisethat residential development of the subject site is required tocross fund development of the new club and have agreed torelease a restrictive covenant over the subject site, whichcurrentlyprohibitssucha use.

The Site

Wells RFC’s ground is located approximately 1 mileto the west of Wells city centre and is accessedfrom Charter Way. The surrounding uses arepredominantly residential, with Wells Sports andFitness centre located to the site’s westernboundary.

The existing club site comprises a broadlyrectangular, flat land holding comprising clubhouse and two full sized rugby pitches. MendipDistrict Council has agreed to include in the salepart of their surrounding land holdings; namely theWells RFC car park and amenity land to the southof the rugby ground. This further demonstratestheir support for the project. The exact mechanismfor transferring the sites will be agreed at a laterdate.

The combined site extends to approximately 2.362ha (5.837 acres). Note; the red line is subject toamends.

Planning

Please contact Kevin Hunt, Planning Director, JLLfor further information.

Proposed Form of Sale

Wells RFC owns a freehold site at Haybridge, to the western edge of Wells. The site is suitable for the relocationof the club and will provide for modern facilities, more pitches as well as relocation of the tennis club andcommunitybenefits.

The club has investigated initial designs for the newground; these have been subject to a cost review.Wells RFCdo notwish to progress furtherwithouttheknowledge thata developmentpartnerhas been secured.

Positive discussion have been had with Mendip District Council (MDC) in regards the proposed relocation. TheCouncil is supportive of the move and recognises that residential development is themost likely use to providethe land receipt required to enable relocation. They have agreed to release the restrictive covenant over thesite that currently prohibits such a use, grant rights of way and adopt access roads within its ownership that arecurrently unadopted. A payment structure between MDC and Wells RFC to undertake the above has beenagreed.

Sport England and the RFU require the relocation site to offer betterment over the existing and also stipulatethat the new ground must be operational before the existing can be redeveloped. From a club perspective,Wells RFCwish to see continuity in fixturesandprogrammeto ensure stabilityand ultimatelygrowth.

It is therefore proposed that the following structure forms an Agreement betweenWells RFC and a developmentpartner:

1. Offers are invited for the freehold of the existing rugby club, subject to planning and a delayed completionuntil completionof thenew rugbyclub andassociatedfacilities (estimatedsummer2020)

2. Wells RFC does not hold any technical information in respect of the existing site. It is envisaged that anexclusivity period runs from agreement of heads of terms for a period of 3 months to allow the chosendevelopment partner to carry out their due diligence (in joint names) before exchange of conditionalcontracts

3. The purchase will be conditional on:

a. Development partner working with the club to refine designs for the relocation site, providing technical

and cost input and secure planning consent for the new rugby club and associated facilities

b. Lifting of restrictive covenant and confirmation of access arrangements to the existing site in

consultation with the Rugby Club

c. Liaise with JLL’s planning team to devise a strategy and subsequently submit planning applications for

both sites

d. The Council understands that financial viability will play a crucial role in delivering this project. The

development partner will be required to submit a viability case alongside the planning application for the

existing site

e. On grant of planning the partner will fund, construct or manage the construction of the relocation site

f. On practical completion of the relocation ground the sale of the existing site will complete and any excess

funds (purchase price less build costs) paid to Wells RFC.

Title

The site is owned freehold by Wells RFC under title number WS21088. It is subject to a restrictive covenant asreferred to above. Mendip District Council owns the existing car park and amenity land to the south under twoseparatetitles.

DISCLAIMERDISCLAIMERDISCLAIMERDISCLAIMERThe material herein is intended as a guide only, no liability for negligence or otherwise is assumed for the material contained herein by Jones Lang LaSalle, its principal or its servants or its agents. No material contained herein shall form the basis of or be part of any agreement and no warranty is given or implied as to the accuracy of the whole or any part of the material. Prospective purchasers/tenants should not rely on the material but should make their own enquiries and satisfy themselves of all aspects of the material. Any liability by Jones Lang LaSalle, its principal, its servants or its agents in any way connected with the brochure, whether or not such liability results from or involves negligence, will not exceed $1000.00.

Offers

Offers are invited by way of informal tender with a submission deadline of 1pm on 31stOctober 2017.

Bids for the subject site should be submitted on the following basis:

• Assuming the following affordable housing provision

o Policy compliant

o 15% provision

o Nil affordable provision

• Subject to the conditions and structure listed above

Bidders should provide the following information in support of their bid:

1. Indicative layout

2. Evidence of Board support for the purchase

3. Proof of finance for purchase

4. Acceptance of the form of sale as specified above

5. Relevant experience/track record

Costs

Each party is responsible for their own legal costs.All technical due diligence and professional fees inrespect of any planning application is theresponsibility of the purchaser. All surveys andapplications will be in joint names of the seller andpurchaser.

Contact

For further information please contact:

James Petherick

T: 0117 930 5690

M: 07710 049 085

E: james.petherick@eu.jll.com

Planning queries:

Kevin.hunt@eu.jll.com

Subject to contract

Particulars dated September 2017