Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet will consider whether to open an expression-of-interest process to help determine the future use of the former Tudor Street Day Centre in Abergavenny.

The Gathering Community CIO was granted an initial 12-month lease in 2024, providing the organisation with an opportunity to use the building and demonstrate that its proposed operating model was sustainable and that it could meet the responsibilities associated with managing the property.

The council subsequently allowed additional time for information to be provided in several areas. While progress has been made, the council does not believe that the required level of assurance has been demonstrated to support a further exclusive lease.

As the required assurances have not been provided, Cabinet will consider a recommendation to end the current tenancy. If Cabinet agrees, The Gathering will have until 1 January 2027 to vacate the building and return it to the council. This will give the organisation time to make the necessary arrangements.

The council recognises that the activities taking place at Tudor Street are valued by a number of attendees and that The Gathering has made efforts to strengthen its arrangements. The recommendation should not be interpreted as a judgement on the value of the community provision being delivered. It is a landlord and asset-management decision, based on the original proof-of-concept requirements not having been met to a standard that provides sufficient assurance to support a further exclusive lease.

If Cabinet approves the recommendation on 11 November, an open process will allow interested organisations, including The Gathering, to submit proposals against clear and transparent criteria.