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True North Secures Beer Garden Lease in Millhouses Park After "Difficult" Negotiations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

True North, a company operating several popular venues in Sheffield, has secured a lease for a beer garden in Millhouses Park, despite initial opposition from the Friends of Millhouses Park. The negotiations over the lease were described as "difficult" by council officers, with True North initially trading from the beer garden without permission and sparking complaints from existing park operators. The council has now agreed to the lease, citing the potential long-term benefits for the park, although other businesses may experience a short-term loss of income.

Key Takeaways:

  • True North secured a lease for a beer garden in Millhouses Park after "difficult" negotiations with the council.
  • The company initially traded from the beer garden without permission, sparking complaints from existing park operators.
  • Council officers recommended approving the lease, citing the potential long-term benefits for the park.
  • The lease will provide a fixed rental fee for both Millhouses Park and the wider park network across the city.
  • The introduction of the beer garden is expected to reduce income for other partners in the park in the short term, but future agreements will increase income reflecting the park's potential.

Statistics:

  • True North initially traded from the beer garden for several months without permission.
  • Two out of three temporary agreements were terminated by the council due to unpermitted trading.
  • The fixed rental fee for the lease will provide income for both Millhouses Park and the wider park network across the city.
  • The lease is due to be agreed by the council's finance committee on August 1, 2023.

Sources:

  • True North's interest in renting council parkland for a beer garden was first expressed in 2018.
  • A petition against the plans was started by the Friends of Millhouses Park in early 2021.
  • A report prepared for the finance committee recommended approving the lease, citing the potential long-term benefits for the park.
  • Source: Sheffield City Council, True North, Friends of Millhouses Park

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