Hotelier willing to double £1m bid for The Lawn complex in Lincoln
A businessman says he is prepared to double his offer of £1 million for an historic Lincoln landmark.
Jonathan Pass tried to buy The Lawn in July but his offer was rejected by the City of Lincoln Council.
It was then taken off the market temporarily.
But Mr Pass, who owns Charlotte House Hotel in the grounds of the complex, now says that his offer could be increased if the terms were right for both parties.
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"We intimated to the council we could almost double the offer," said Mr Pass.
"We could offer them a chance to be involved with the management of the complex for a fixed period of time while we would take on the running costs before giving them a fixed price at the end.
"All this is down to discussions and I am more than happy to sit down to speak to them at any point as we could potentially offer them more money."
Mr Pass put his proposals on public display on September 3. They garnered support from members of the public.
"I was surprised with how many people turned up to the meeting, but that shows how strongly people feel about The Lawn.
"I am delighted that I have now been able to let everybody know the full details of what I want to do."
As a result he contacted the council in a bid to start further negotiations.
But council leader Ric Metcalfe has told the Echo there won't be any negotiations while the complex is off the market but said Mr Pass's bid will be considered when the time is right.
He said: "The Lawn is not currently on the market, so further negotiations are not planned at the moment.
"However, when the council comes to a decision about the sale of the building, Mr Pass's proposals will of course be considered alongside any others.
"The council carefully considered the proposals made by Mr Pass and concluded that it was not satisfied this is the only option.
"The Lawn is so important to the city, it is crucial that we get this right and we are taking time to consider all options for the future."
The council insists it is still intending to sell.
The proposals were met with a mainly positive response from those who attended the public meeting.
"The decision not to sell to Mr Pass has let everybody in Lincoln down and it has also let The Lawn down," said Philip Lowe, 68, from Newport.
Comments
by LeslieM
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 8:27PM
“Money isn't everything. The Lawn is an extremely important part of Lincoln's heritage. If the Lawn has to be sold the conditions of sale must perfectly preserve this heritage. Mr Lowe actually doesn't speak for "everybody" as I seem to recall a well supported petition against the sale of the Lawn per se. I'm not sure how many people attended the public meeting but I'm guessing it wasn't "everybody."”
by M_C_Donald
Friday, September 07 2012, 12:24AM
“That is different from being marketed AS a Hotel.”
by George_Bloom
Thursday, September 06 2012, 8:33PM
“It was previously on the market with restrictions relating to becoming a hotel.”
by M_C_Donald
Thursday, September 06 2012, 8:01PM
“Put it back on the market as a hotel"
You would have to convert it to a hotel first.”
by George_Bloom
Thursday, September 06 2012, 5:08PM
“Put it back on the market as a hotel. Mr Pass couldn't possibly object since that's what HE wants to do with it.”
by musttryharder
Thursday, September 06 2012, 2:11PM
“Doesn't someone on the Council have experience of property sales and values??
The Lawns are worth a lot more than £2 million.
Not surprising he has increased his "conditional" offer!!”
by Carlos365
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:56AM
“This is getting more bizarre by the minute, I will suggest to the city council to look for alternative use for this property and utilise the funds for maintenance and repairs. The Lawn must be preserve as a property of the City of Lincoln the same as the castle.
We don't want a voracious property owner to privitise this public venue and land. They can promise the earth before the deal is closed afterwards only God knows what will happen. One thing is for sure once the money is spent, the City d Lincoln will end p with no money and no Lawn. It will be a sad day for our heritage and for the people of Lincoln.”